Information Today, Inc.

The accidental systems librarian, 2d ed.

This volume, inspired in part by the responses of 192 systems librarians to a recent online survey, covers a broad picture of the role of the systems librarian and provides a good foundation to the librarian who may have just fallen into the role. This second edition covers the latest library uses of mobile devices, social networks, ebooks and more. Engard (education, ByWater Solutions) also writes about technology and libraries on her website, www.web2learning.net. (Annotation ©2012 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Face2Face; using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools to create great customer connections.

King (digital services director, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library) explain the keys to making social media work for your organization. They are listening, authentic communication, and joining in on social networks beyond your own website. Writing in a casual style, he recommends that organizations also use a casual style, coupled with quick and honest responses. Some of the examples relate to work in libraries or events in Topeka, Kansas. (Annotation ©2012 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Teach beyond your reach; an instructor's guide to developing and running successful distance learning classes, workshops, training sessions, and more, 2d ed.

This newly revised and updated edition of the original textbook by Robin Neidorf is an intelligent, practical guide to teaching in distance learning formats. Neidorf is experienced in full and low-residency academic settings, nonprofit and for-profit universities, business information consulting, and librarian services. She keeps the book's focus specific: the information, tools, and connections with others that are necessary to teach well outside the classroom. This narrow focus (readers will not be given advice on how to compose email or design webpages) allows Neidorf to go through a variety of different options for how teachers can teach using online tools. She also gives experienced common-sense advice for working in teams and collaborating with technical specialists. The book covers situations where teachers are assigned an online teaching system and where they must design their own. She looks at online learning whether the teacher also has in-person class time or not. The book is designed for professors, instructors, and other professional teachers of adults. It is written to be useful for distance learning situations in academic, public, or business settings. The introductory section covers the author's personal experience, and clearly states the audience, purpose, and subject of the book. Chapter 1 covers common online teaching platforms and components. Chapter 2 looks at adult learners and learning styles. Chapters 3 and 4 cover instructional design and development. Chapter 5 is a plain-spoken guide to survival in the online classroom. Chapter 6 deals with individual learners and customization. Chapter 7 looks at creating class community and student-to-student conversation, chapter 8 looks at informal learning opportunities and common pitfalls, and the last chapter looks at distance learning as a collaborative enterprise. Throughout, the author keeps a clear and specific focus on the basics and a range of available options, all from the perspective of working teachers of adults. (Annotation ©2012 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)