My Book Search Favorites- Book giveaway

  One of  my favorite places to get quick and easy book ideas is Amazon. What is not to like? I can click on a title and get so much information on the latest titles!
  I get a summary, lists of critical review, and customer ratings. This is very helpful  just to read and see what the best sellers are. While I do not purchase from Amazon for work, I do for home if I absolutely have to have a title . I find the information to be quick and accurate.  

  Another favorite is Bas Blue.  This little catalog has great reviews of titles  that are short and sweet and to the point. I can read the review here and then go to track down more information on Amazon or  my book jobber site.

  One more I want to mention today is  China berry ( I love Chinaberry)  The website is great also  When ever I get this catalog ,, I sit right down and look at the whole thing and read reviews.  They provide both new and classic books  that they and their customers love. They support positive and uplifting books for children,  They also have a blog  that has articles and craft projects.

  Tell me  what your favorites are and  you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE Link to my "The Organized Librarian"  e book!

Top Library Technologies-Digital Books

   Digital books are the newest , biggest thing  that  both public and school library's offer   Patrons can download and borrow books to their readers and enjoy the latest books with ease and accessibility.  Most libraries now have ebooks and emagazines that patrons can browse and borrow ,. There are also sites that allow online reading, some of which  I have already reviewed here at this blog.  I continue to search  out the latest  on  online reading and learning.  I feel that as librarians we need to keep up on the latest sites for patrons reading.

   What are your  thoughts on digital books? Do you use them your self? Do you promote them at the public library? Do you have them at  your school- How are they used?? Who uses them?

Baking Day at Grandma's- Review

   It's Baking Day at Grandma's ( Denise, Philomel Books, 2014)  and these three little bears dress warmly and tromp over the snow to Grandma's house.  This is a rhyming book with great repetition ( It's Baking day, It 's baking day, It's baking day at Grandmas!)

   Young children will love the soft rosy hues of Grandma's cottage. They bake a chocolate cake- and while they wait  for it to come out of the oven, they sip hot coca  and have a little dance.  When the cake is done, they cut it, and frost and decorate it, and then wrap it up. They tromp back home in the moonlight where their cozy home is waiting.

   And yes - it 's my kind of book- there is a chocolate cake recipe in the very end!
  Anika has a great website  . http://www.anikadenise.com/     On it you can find book trailers, information about her other books, and some activities. events, and her blog.  

Top Library Technologies- Library databases

  Today , one of the most essential tools that library's  offer to patrons is the libraries databases!  Researchers  and information seekers use these to find facts they need, facts they want, and items to further their positions  or their education.

   Databases offer a way to provide information that is accurate and up to date. Hopefully  your website will have easy accessibility to the data bass. You and your   staff may also want to provide classes on using the data bases. All of your staff should be at least familiar  wtith the data bases  and know the availability  on the site  for patrons use.

  Our site has the data bases grouped under tabs:  general, news, science & health, business, history, language and literature, & a tab specifically for students and children. We also have electronic  journals with academic and  specific  focus.

Read Any Book-

   Readanybook.com  is a free site where visitors can read  online for free.   There are many different genres of books: children's, western, mystery, historical fiction, classics, and thrillers to name a few.

 You need to  create a free account to access the books.  Registered users can also recommend and add books to the  readanybook.com

  Also included in this site articles and  genre links.   On the main page you can see featured books and read a preview , download the book in various formats, and vote on the book read.  If you are a reader who like to read online , check this out .


http://www.readanybook.com/

Better Desk Habits

  What should you do if your desk is an absolute mess? What should you do if there are piles and piles of papers, folders, magazines, and clippings all over?

  The easiest thing to do is to take everything and put it in a large box or container.  Then  take 15 to 20 minutes ( set a timer- see Using a kitchen timer  ) Take a pile from the top  and go through each piece. Refile each paper where it should go.   Have some a file folders and markers.

  If there is a current project you are working non , label a folder and put all related items into that folder.Anything you do not need , throw away or put in the recycling bin.

 Also have some files that can be marked : To do, To read, To file.

 Anything you need to save , label a folder and put the paper in it. Then file in your file cabinet.  Make sure you put them in alphabetical order. If you have files you are done  with , refile in the proper spot

  Do a 15 - 20 minute  session  until your bin is empty.
  Now devised a system, Establish a  place marked  TO FILE.  Never let your piles  get out of hand again. Each day  spend  some time refiling  so your desk is clean!

Desk Organization- Part 2

Customer Service Skills

  There are 7 important customer service skills that our library staff need to learn , that will improve  the library's image and standing.
1. Listen to patrons
2. Smile at Patrons
3. Watch for patron confusion ad then try to help
4. Approach the patron  & be engaged  with patron
5. Use positive body language - be inviting and make eye contact
6. Use the patrons name in conversation when providing library services
7. Smile!

    While theses are mostly self explanatory, as a Director or Manager, you may want to discuss and explain them to your staff.  If they have questions, make sure you call address them and straighten any confusion out.
You may also want to do some role playing at a staff meeting so that staff can experience how each item should be played out.  These are items that can be worked on as a staff team and developed over time.