Summer is a reading marathon for me. Each year, as I prepare to go back to my high school library, I take stock of titles I’ve read that might engage my students. I’m not always successful at motivating resistant teenage… Read More ›
collection development
More True Crime Books for Teens
Back in 2019, I shared some recommendations for True Crime Books for Teens. Since then, the true crime genre has only continued to expand. We ALL watched Tiger King on Netflix during quarantine, and the onslaught of new true crime… Read More ›
Fighting Anti-Semitism and Anti-Asian Hate Through Books
May is Jewish American Heritage and Asian American & Pacific Islander Month. Both these cultures contain vibrant histories. Unfortunately, something else they have in common lately is an increase in hate crimes against them. It’s more important than ever to read… Read More ›
Promoting Young Adult Books Through March Madness
Tournament Time Every year I eagerly await March Madness. Lifting me out of the mid-winter slump, the NCAA basketball tournament excites me with its college colors, team logos, energetic players, and unpredictable outcomes. Similarly, the March Book Madness tournament I… Read More ›
Why Collection Development is Important in the March/April Issue
When the opportunity to share about collection development came up, we both understood the urgency, timeliness, and impact of this multifaceted topic. We hope this issue will challenge you with new ideas and engage you with opportunities to view the… Read More ›
Inspiring Intellectual Freedom without adding fuel to the book ban fire
“But I know it when I see it.” This phrase is famous and is a quote by United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart. Stewart gave an opinion on an obscenity case in the 1964 Jacobellis v. Ohio. In the… Read More ›
Perking Up Your Poetry
In the spirit of the most romantic month of the year, I put together a list of some contemporary poetry collections to perk up your poetry sections this February. In the last two years my high school students have been… Read More ›
Student-Centered Collection Development
I recently received a $200,000 grant from the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Library Services to expand our collection. The BUILD Opening Day Grant was created to spark the initiation of library programs in New York City…. Read More ›
Top Knowledge Quest Blog Posts of 2021
Can you dedicate 10 minutes out of your busy day to learn and grow as a professional? If so, I encourage you to get in the habit of reading the Knowledge Quest blog. Here, you’ll find ideas, resources and opportunities… Read More ›
The Art and Science of Collection Development
Collection development is a science and an art that certified school librarians are specifically trained for. In addition to the preparation provided during graduate courses, school librarians continue to learn about collection development via conference sessions, webinars, journal articles, professional… Read More ›