LIBR 261
Resources for Children, Ages 6-12
Summer 2003

Darla Magana
E-mail

GREENSHEET

Course Description

An overview of literary and information materials for children from ages six to twelve. The emphasis will be on the evaluation and selection of materials for collections in school and public libraries. The course is designed to give students some familiarity with print and media materials currently available, with selection tools, with trends in education and with the use of the materials in library programs.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course the student should be able to

• Demonstrate a familiarity with the varieties of materials available for children.
• Critically examine representative materials and apply criteria for evaluating such materials.
• Use selection aids appropriately
• Develop programs and/or lessons that promote appropriate library resources.
• Develop a collection policy for a school media center or children's department.

The course supports the following SLIS objectives:

• One or more specialized aspects of information management
• Evaluating and utilizing relevant research studies from a variety of disciplines.

Blackboard

Please self-enroll for this course on the SLIS Blackboard site beginning May 19.

Course Format

This is a web-based course. All of our interaction will take place on the SLIS Blackboard site and via personal email. Course materials will be available through the "External Links" section of Blackboard or through the online databases at Clark Library. Assignments for the course should be posted electronically.

Textbook: From Cover to Cover by Kathleen T. Horning. HarperCollins, 1997. ISBN 0-06-446167-X. It is available through Amazon.com and from several used book websites.

Assignment 1: Literary Book Reviews. Due June 20 2003.
Assignment 2: Collection Development. Due July 18 2003
Assignment 3: Reader's Advisory Notebook. Due August 5, 2002

Grading:

Assignments

Assignment 1: Literary Book Review
Select five fiction books published since 1990. Selected books should include at least one easy reader and at least one transitional book. Books should cover a variety of genres and be appropriate for readers age 6-12. For each book cite bibliographic data and write a brief book review of approximately 150 words in length (not counting bibliographic information). The reviews should be written for an audience of librarians.

Use Chapter 8 in From Cover to Cover as a guide and look to reviews in School Library Journal, Horn Book, Booklist or other reputable library reviewing sources for models.

An online "chat session" will be offered on Wednesday June 11 from 7:30-9:00 in which questions and concerns about the assignment can be addressed. Grading rubric will also be available for download closer to the due date.

Assignment 2: Collection Development
Choose a subject area of the library collection that needs developing. Make sure that it is a workable size, (i.e. basketball, rather than sports). Create a list of ten nonfiction resources targeted at children ages 6-12 that should be added to the collection. Resources should include reference books, media, and trade books. One webpage may be included as well.

1. All entry's on your list should include bibliographic information, a short annotation and a complete explanation of your method or process for selecting the item .

2. Choose three of the items and include a (150-200 word) original review.

3. Include an evaluation of selection methods. Describe which method(s)/tools worked well for you and why and compare them to those /tools that didn’t work well.

An online "chat session" will be offered on Monday July 7 from 7:30-9:00 in which questions and concerns about the assignment can be addressed. Grading rubric will also be available for download closer to the due date.

Assignment 3: Reader's Advisory Notebook/Database
Create an entry for 50 books appropriate for children ages 6-12. Each entry should include the bibliographic information, a brief (1-5 sentences) plot description, and any of the following items that you think might help you with reader's advisory activities in the future.

• Personal thoughts
• Subjects/themes
• Awards
• Series Information
• Character names/descriptions
• One/two sentence high interest annotation (that might be used on reader's advisory bibliography)
• Programming/lesson ideas
• Notes on passages that would be good to use for booktalks/programming.
• Reading/interest level
• Anything else you'd like to add

Entry's can be formatted using Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Access, Excel, or other software (with prior discussion with the instructor to check for compatibility).

An online "chat session" will be offered on July 18 from 7:30-9:00 in which questions and concerns about the assignment can be addressed. Grading rubric will also be available for download closer to the due date.

Weekly Discussion/Activity
Each week a discussion topic will be posted to the Discussion Board. Contributions to the online discussion will be assessed as part of your grade. Students are expected to contribute thoughtful comments and feedback based on readings or experience.

Guidelines for Weekly Discussion

• Respond to the comments of others as well as posting original comments.
• Be specific. Mention titles and examples to illustrate your opinions and general statements.
• Try to refrain from relating personal anecdotes, although professional experience with a book in a class or library setting can add important information to the discussion.