Friday, April 26, 2019

Out of This World Shelf Sitters

Summer is almost upon us, we here at the 5 Minute Librarian would like to help make things a little easier for you while you're trying to plan, promote, and implement programs, paint windows, take photos, encourage a love of literacy, and generally manage the hectic pace that accompanies summertime in the libraries. How can we help? With some easy displays!

We know you loved the shelf-sitters and staff pick bookmarks we wrote about before, so we decided to jazz them up with this summer's theme: A UNIVERSE OF STORIES! 

You can, of course, make your own. All of these were made using Canva.

SHELF-SITTERS


A shelf-sitter is a little piece of advertising material that sits right on your shelf with a book. You simply cut out around the design, fold down the remainder of the paper, and the tag sticks up in front of the book you want to highlight. These are great for displays, and also work well in the stacks, where you can call addition to particular titles with ease. Just right-click and save the files to print.







You can also download these as a PDF here!

BOOKMARKS

You can fill out the bookmark and leave it on the shelf where it lives, or on a display. Alternately, leave a small stack of these next to your book return, and let your patrons fill one out when they find a book they love. (Yes, let them do the work for you!)













You can download the bookmarks as a PDF here!


SIGNS

And, of course, no display is complete without signs. Here are a few simple variations on our theme to make things easy for you.


 




You can download the signs as a PDF here!

Please let us know if you enjoyed these! You can comment here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter.

Friday, April 19, 2019

Ready to Go Book Display: April is GLBT Book Month

Welcome to our series, "Ready to Go! Book Display." Once a month we'll highlight the latest or greatest for every age group that you can promote within your library or order for your collection. This month we are featuring inclusive titles to celebrate ALA's GLBT Book Month.

Recommendations for Adults:


The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (Jun 2018)
A novel set in 1980s Chicago and contemporary Paris follows the director of a Chicago art gallery and a woman looking for her estranged daughter in Paris who both struggle to come to terms with the ways AIDS has affected their lives.



Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia (Mar 2019)
A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it's like to grow up not sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above.



This book is written like a choose-your-own adventure story and is called a gender adventure story by the author in the "how to read this book" segment.



Black Wave by Michelle Tea (Sept 2016)
It's 1999 and Michelle's world is ending. A dreamlike and dystopian meditation on sobriety, adulthood, and the weird obligations of storytelling.



Rainbow Warrior: My Life in Color by Gilbert Baker (Jun 2019)
The never-published memoir of the visual artist and social justice activist who created the Rainbow Flag, which became an international emblem of the modern LGBTQ+ movement.



Less by Andrew Sean Greer (Jul 2017)
Receiving an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding, Arthur, a failed novelist on the eve of his 50th birthday, embarks on an international journey that finds him falling in love, risking his life, reinventing himself and making connections with the past.



Speak No Evil by Uzodinma Iweala (Mar 2018)
An Ivy League-bound star athlete from a prestigious private school in Washington, D.C., and his best friend, the daughter of prominent government insiders, struggle with brutal responses to the young man's sexual orientation before finding themselves speeding toward a violent and senseless future.



A powerful, visual history of five decades of parades and protests of the LGBTQ rights movement. These photos, paired with descriptions of major events from each decade as well as selected reporting from The Times, showcase the victories, setbacks, and ongoing struggles for the LGBTQ community.


Recommendations for Teens:


The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg (Feb 2019)
A story about two totally opposite teenage boys falling in love over a summer that throws everything possible to keep them apart.



The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (Jun 2017)
Two friends on a Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe stumble across a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt shaped by pirates, highwaymen and their growing attraction to one another.



Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart (May 2016)
A transgender girl and a boy struggling with bipolar disorder forge a friendship based on their respective experiences as outsiders trying to fit in.



Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (Nov 2018)
Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for... and the most cruel. But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire. 



Odd One Out by Nic Stone (Oct 2018)
High school juniors and best friends Courtney and Jupe, and new sophomore Rae, explore their sexuality and their budding attractions for one another.



Every Day by David Levithan (Aug 2012)
Every morning A wakes in a different person's body, in a different person's life, learning over the years to never get too attached, until A wakes up in the body of Justin and falls in love with Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon.



The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (Feb 2018)
Prince Sebastian's secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances - one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone's secret weapon means being a secret. 


Recommendations for Children:


Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (Apr 2018)
A glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.



Jacob's Room to Choose by Sarah and Ian Hoffman (May 2019)
When Jacob tries to use the boy's bathroom, he is mistaken for a girl and chase him out. After Jacob's friend Sophie faces the same situation, their class gets together to make things better.



Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman (Jun 2018)
This picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids - and their grown-ups - to express themselves in every color of the rainbow.



Our Rainbow (from Little Bee Books/May 2019)
In this bold board book, children will learn about the colors of the iconic pride flag.



This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understand of themselves and others with child-friendly language.



IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, Latoya Council, and Carolyn Choi (Jul 2019)
A handy book about intersectionality that depicts the nuances of identity and embraces difference as a source of community.



Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (Mar 2018)
Twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen's house is destroyed in a tornado, and in the aftermath of the storm, she begins to develop feelings for another girl at school.



Discover the inspiring stories of these LGBT artists, writers, innovators, athletes, and activists who have made great contributions to culture, from ancient times to present day.



Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart (May 2019)
This book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe in a simple and engaging format for young readers.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Weeding Challenge - Science Books

Before the madness of the summer really kicks into high gear, let's take some time out for a little spring cleaning. That's right: it's time for another weeding challenge! This time, let's tackle the science section. 



Weeding Generalities

As we discussed in our other Weeding Challenges (Cookbooks and Craft Books and Staying Trendy), and in our popular Weeding 101 article, the main things that most librarians look for when weeding a collection are condition, age, usage statistics, and usefulness. Of course, when there is ample shelf space in one area and another is bursting at the seams, weeding of the roomy section can be often overlooked, even when more relevant titles have been added.

Things to keep in mind when weeding:

  • How long has it been since this book last went out?
  • Are other/better books on these topics available either at this library or for purchase?
  • Do we really need books on this topic? 
  • Do we really need THIS book on this topic?
  • Is this laughably outdated? (If it is, send us photos!)

The CREW method of weeding (Kat's personal favorite weeding method) recommends that general science books, as well as books about outer space and paleontology, are replaced when they are 5 years old, regardless of how often they go out. Science experiments, mathematics, earth sciences, and botanical sciences can be kept for 10 years, as long as no major advances in the topic have been made. Life Sciences are recommended to be replaced after 7 years.

Of course, as with all weeding, there are exceptions. Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species is a classic, and won't be updated, but can be exempt from the restrictions, as can other books where the information is unchanged and books are still in good condition. Use your best judgment - this is a guideline, not a law.


Some Fun Examples


What is a Shooting Star by Isaac Asimov, 1991

Right off the bat, this book looks dated, and it is - 1991 was 28 years ago. (I cringe as I type this. 28 years?!) The inside is full of lovely illustrations, but in a science book, illustrations might not be the best way to go for a topic where there are ample photographs available. The information in the book is probably still fairly accurate - scientific definitions don't change that rapidly - but there have been so many advances in astronomy in recent years, there's really no reason to keep this one on the shelf.


Stars by Herbert S. Zim, PhD, ScD, and Robert H. Baker, PhD, D.Sc., 1985

This book is from 1985, making it 34 years old at the time of this writing. There have been huge advances in science in that time. In addition to just its age, we again see that it is primarily illustrated instead of using photos. 
While flipping through the pages, I noticed a handy chart of upcoming solar eclipses and where they can be seen on the planet, starting in 1985. The last of these is the 2017 eclipse, which is also in the past.



Biology for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work by Janice Pratt VanCleave, 1990

Science experiments don't change that much, in theory, but the books themselves do. This title has black and white illustrations throughout, and doesn't look particularly approachable. It's not to say that the experiments themselves aren't worthwhile, but the book doesn't make them look like a lot of fun. Most of the experiments are fairly commonplace, but the book also includes putting a fish into a bowl of ice water, which probably isn't as acceptable today as it was 29 years ago.


The Secrets of the Dolphins by Diana Reiss, 1991
This book has very few photos, and the ones that are there are black and white. It's a shame, because the information in this book is very interesting -- though probably dated.








Red Pandas: A Natural History by Dorcas MacClintock, 1988
Animal books are tricky, because it's not like facts about animals really change that much. A red panda 31 years ago is pretty much still a red panda today. Unfortunately, this book is very dated. The photographs are all black and white, and difficult to see. The text is very small for a children's book. It would be better to update this title with a new one.



Why Did the Dinosaurs Disappear? The Great Dinosaur Mystery by Melvin and Gilda Berger, 1995
I know that I keep harping on illustrations in science books, but this one is about dinosaurs, so that's not my problem here. It is a bit dated, having missed the discovery in 2014 that many species of dinosaurs were probably covered in feathers. 

It also includes a page that talks about how the brachiosaurus was the largest dinosaur, which is also incorrect. The brachiosaurus was the largest dinosaur when it was discovered in 1900, but has been dethroned by newer discoveries. 


In Conclusion
Weeding is a wonderful thing! It lets us get rid of the books that are no longer relevant, and thus have room to highlight the newer titles. 
Was this article helpful to you? Let us know here in the comments, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter!

Friday, April 5, 2019

May-August Awards 2019

Book Award Winners! Book Awards Winners! Many more will be announced over the next few months. Be in the know with our handy list below, divided by age groups (Adults, Teens, and Children) for your convenience.


Adult Awards

May

4th: Agatha Awards (Traditional Mystery)
  • 6 categories -- Best Contemporary Novel, Best Historical Novel, Best First Novel, Best Nonfiction, Best Short Story, and Best Children’s/Young Adult.
4th: Pen/Faulkner
  • 1 category -- Fiction.
6th: James Beard Cookbook Awards
  • 11 categories -- American; Baking and Desserts; Beverage; General; Health and Special Diets; International; Reference, History, and Scholarship; Restaurant and Professional; Single Subject; Vegetable-Focused Cooking; Writing.
19th: IACP Cookbook Awards (announced at conference)
  • 16 Categories -- American; Baking; Chefs & Restaurants; Children, Youth & Family; Compilations; Culinary Travel; Food Matters; Food Photography & Styling; General; Health & Special Diet; International; Literary or Historical Food Writing; Reference & Technical; Single Subject; and more!
19th: Nebula Award (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
  • 4 categories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Novel, Novella, Novellette, and Short Story.
  • 1 category -- Created in 2016, this is for the finest work of translated fiction around the world.

June

3rd: Lambda (LGBT)
  • 23 categories -- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and LGBTQ Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Mystery, Memoir/Biography, Romance, Anthology, Children's/YA, Drama, Erotica, Graphic Novels, Horror, and Studies. 
5th: Women's Prize for Fiction, Bailey's (formerly The Orange Prize)
  • 1 category -- Novel written in English by a female writer (any nationality).
29th: Locus Awards (Sci-Fi)
  • 15 categories in Sci-Fi -- Science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels, short fiction, collections, anthologies, nonfiction, artists, editors, magazines, and publishers.

July

13th: International Thriller Writers Award
  • 6 categories in Thriller -- Best Hardcover Novel, Best First Novel, Best Paperback Original Novel, Best Short Story, Best YA Novel, and Best E-Book Original Novel.
14th: Shirley Jackson (Psychological Suspense, Horror, and the Dark Fantastic, announced at Readercon)
  • 6 categories in Psychological Suspense, Horror, and the Dark Fantastic: Novel, Novella, Novelette, Short Story, Single-Author Collection, and Edited Anthology.
19th: Eisners (comics, announced at ComicCon)
  • 34 categories in comics -- Best Short Story, Best Single Issue/One-Shot, Best Continuing Series, Best Limited Series, Best New Series, Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 8), Best Publication for Kids (ages 9-12), Best Publication for Teens (ages 13-17), Best Humor Publication, Best Anthology, Best Reality-Based Work and more!
24th:  Man Booker Prize Longlist (Longlist, July; Shortlist, Sept)
  • 1 category -- best novel.
27th: RITA / Golden Heart Awards (Romance)
  • 13 categories in RITA (published romance novels): Best First Book; Contemporary Romance: Long, Mid-Length, and Short; Erotic Romance; Historical Romance: Long and Short; Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance; Paranormal Romance; Romance Novella; Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements; Romantic Suspense; Young Adult Romance.
  • There are 7 categories in Golden Heart, but they are unpublished romance manuscripts...

August

5th: Mythopoeic Award Winner (Fantasy)
  • 4 categories in fantasy -- adult literature (may include YA), children's literature (up to age 13), inklings studies, and myth and fantasy studies. 
18th: Hugo Award (Sci Fi/Fantasy, announced at Worldcon)
  • 16 categories -- Best Novel, Best Novella, Best Novelette, Best Short Story, Best Related Work, Best Graphic Story, Best Dramatic Presentation (Long Form & Short Form), Best Editor (Long Form and Short Form), Best Professional Artist, and more!

Teen Awards

May

4th: Agatha Awards (Traditional Mystery)
  • 6 categories --  one of which is a shared Best Children’s/Young Adult.
18th: Andre Norton Award (a Hugo Award; Sci Fi/Fantasy)
  • 1 winner for YA in Sci Fi/Fantasy.
29th: Children's Choice Book Awards - (voted by Children and YA, announced at Book Expo)
  • Children and Teens can vote for their favorite finalists between March 1st and May 6th.
  • 5 categories -- Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 4th grade, 5th to 6th grade, 7th to 8th grade, and teen books.
??? (Day not yet announced):  Boston Globe Horn Book Award
  • 3 categories -- Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction.


    June

      3rd: Lambda (LGBT)
      • 23 categories -- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and LGBTQ Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Mystery, Memoir/Biography, Romance, Anthology, Children's/YA, Drama, Erotica, Graphic Novels, Horror, and Studies. 
      29th: Locus Awards (Sci-Fi)
      • 15 categories in Sci-Fi -- Science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels, short fiction, collections, anthologies, nonfiction, artists, editors, magazines, and publishers.

      July

      13th: International Thriller Writers Award
      • 6 categories in Thriller -- Best Hardcover Novel, Best First Novel, Best Paperback Original Novel, Best Short Story, Best YA Novel, and Best E-Book Original Novel.
        19th: Eisners (comics, announced at ComicCon)
        • 34 categories in comics -- one is specifically for teens called Best Publication for Teens (ages 13-17).
          27th: RITA / Golden Heart Awards (Romance)
          • 13 categories in RITA (published romance novels): Best First Book; Contemporary Romance: Long, Mid-Length, and Short; Erotic Romance; Historical Romance: Long and Short; Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance; Paranormal Romance; Romance Novella; Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements; Romantic Suspense; Young Adult Romance.
          • There are 7 categories in Golden Heart, but they are unpublished romance manuscripts...


          August

          5th: Mythopoeic Award Winner (Fantasy)
          • 4 categories in fantasy -- adult literature (may include YA), children's literature (up to age 13), inklings studies, and myth and fantasy studies. 


          Children Awards

          May

          4th: Agatha Awards (Traditional Mystery)
          • 6 categories --  one of which is a shared Best Children’s/Young Adult.
          29th: Children's Choice Book Awards - (voted by Children and YA, announced at Book Expo)
          • Children and Teens can vote for their favorite finalists between March 1st and May 6th.
          • 5 categories -- Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 4th grade, 5th to 6th grade, 7th to 8th grade, and teen books.
          ???(Day not yet announced):  Boston Globe Horn Book Award
          • 3 categories -- Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction. 

            June

            3rd: Lambda (LGBT)
            • 23 categories -- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and LGBTQ Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Mystery, Memoir/Biography, Romance, Anthology, Children's/YA, Drama, Erotica, Graphic Novels, Horror, and Studies. 

              July

              19th: Eisners (comics, announced at ComicCon)
              • 34 categories in comics -- Of these, there are Best Publication for Early Readers (up to age 8) and Best Publication for Kids (ages 9-12).

                August

                5th: Mythopoeic Award Winner (Fantasy)
                • 4 categories in fantasy -- adult literature (may include YA), children's literature (up to age 13), inklings studies, and myth and fantasy studies. 

                Want More?


                You can find the complete list of awards in our previous post, the Ultimate Book Awards Calendar. The specific dates aren't listed because they change every year, but you can find previous months under our Book Awards tag and the stay tuned for our next installment (Sept-Dec.) in August!