Tag: books

Baker & Taylor Offers More than 650 Makerspace Materials

On By notesfrombtIn Public Library, ServicesLeave a comment

makerspace

Baker & Taylor recently began offering its public libraries the option to purchase unique makerspace materials, helping them expand their offerings and build greater community among their patrons.

Makerspaces have become increasingly popular among both public libraries and their patrons. A makerspace is a space and tools or services provided by a library for patrons to use to create intellectual and physical projects. Patrons may use a 3D printer to design and print a physical object, for example, or they may learn a new skill, such as sewing, or creatively express themselves by using a green screen, computer and audio capture and editing tools to create and edit videos.

Follett has sold makerspace materials for years and has seen the popularity and success of this innovative library programming.

“Throughout the country we’ve been seeing a revolution in the use of libraries and in how libraries are serving their community,” says Jill Faherty, Vice President of Library Programs with Baker & Taylor. “They are being viewed as a community center where people can go not just to read and access books, but to make, build, explore and tinker.”

Many libraries have dedicated rooms for makerspace activities where children, teens, and adults can gather. Activities may be freeform, where friends casually gather and use the materials provided, or activities and lessons may be organized and lead by a librarian. Faherty says that almost every library she and her team has encountered at Baker & Taylor has a dedicated area for makerspace programming.

Baker & Taylor has established a microsite at makerspace.baker-taylor-site.com where libraries can view the more than 650 individual items available for order. Baker & Taylor also has been able to benefit from the strong vendor relationships that Follett has established and offers specialized kits and materials available only through Baker & Taylor or Follett. LEGO, for example, has assembled proprietary kits available for Baker & Taylor and Follett public library customers.

Available makerspace materials support the following subjects: 3D printing, A/V production, coding and programming, drones and vehicles, electronics, games, LEGO, robotics, science, sewing and crafts. Offerings run the gamut from individual supplies to full kits. Libraries can order filament for a 3D printer or a 3D pen. Or they can buy a kit that lets patrons build a solar-powered robot using a kit, for example.

“We’ve already sold several sewing machines in a short amount of time. They’ve proved very popular,” Faherty says. “This type of crafting option seems to be something unique for public libraries to offer.”

Faherty says she also sees a lot of teens producing videos. “It’s one of the teens’ favorite things to do,” she says. “They aren’t always looking for something physical to create. Sometimes they want to explore their creative ideas and share their talents in a different way.”

Baker & Taylor is continuing to build its inventory based on demand and feedback from its customers. Faherty says she saw tremendous interest at the American Library Association’s 2019 Annual Conference she attended at the end of June.

 Click here to visit the Makerspace website!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pop Up Library Launched into UK Market

On By notesfrombtIn audiobooks, Axis 360, Public LibraryLeave a comment

Pop Up Library_Design

We are excited to be expanding the reach of Pop Up Library into the United Kingdom. Customers who attended the collectionHQ Forum in London on September 25th were the first UK libraries to witness the power of Pop Up Library, with a special presentation from Kelvin Watson of Broward County Libraries Division, FL, where devices have been installed at locations across the community – including the Fort Lauderdale International Airport!

Sales of Pop Up Library in the UK will be managed by Jamie Wright, Account Manager with collectionHQ, who has already reported strong interest from libraries and local transport companies in the devices which offer instant access to the library’s collection from any location.

Scott Crawford, Vice President Digital & Software Products at Baker & Taylor, commented: “The UK is the longest serving collectionHQ market, and so partnering with the team in Glasgow to drive interest in Pop Up Library is invaluable and paves the way for further synergy between collectionHQ and the wider Baker & Taylor team.”

This team effort is also integral to the development of Enhanced Title Selection (ETS). ETS will facilitate more sales of ESP Enterprise and support the continued provision of a wide range of value-added services to Baker & Taylor customers by integrating collectionHQ, ESP, First Look and CDMS to offer the Collection Development team, led by Martin Warzala, a powerful new tool to support more efficient, evidence-based purchasing decisions.

We’re excited to work with you! For more information contact your sales consultant, email btinfo@baker-taylor.com or call 800-775-1800.

 

Attracting Young Readers to the Library

On By notesfrombtIn Public Library, ServicesLeave a comment

Baker & Taylor college library shoot 4/11/14.

Research shows that more young people are visiting the library. In 2016, the Pew Research Center found that 53% of Millennials (those aged 18 to 35 at the time) reported using a library or bookmobile in the previous 12 months. That compares with 45% of Gen Xers, 43% of Baby Boomers and 36% of those in the Silent Generation. The survey focused specifically on public libraries.

It’s exciting news for libraries. But more work remains left to be done, particularly with reaching out to potential patrons who don’t use the library. At least, not yet. How do we encourage these younger readers to return again and again?

Innovate your offerings.

In addition to discovering titles and authors, patrons can find a wealth of new offerings.

For example:

Go outside the library.

In addition to serving patrons who already visit the library, it is imperative that public library systems reach out to those who don’t even come through the door.

bandt-0354 pop up library logo cmyk

One way is to use a Pop Up Library, such as that available from Baker & Taylor, because it lets the library take programming to a captive audience. Pop Up Library is a small network device with one dedicated purpose—to instantly deliver ebooks to readers wherever libraries choose. Libraries that use Pop Up Library are able to extend the reach of their digital collection across the community so material is accessible to all. Click here to watch the promo video  and learn more! 

#Libraries! 

Smart library systems are harnessing social media to attract new audiences. Think Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram just to start.

Social media helps libraries to tell their system’s unique story, and explain the value they are providing in a more consistent voice. YouTube, for example is a great place to share library experiences.  View The New York Public Library’s YouTube channel to see what they are doing.  Online chat features can connect patrons with librarians who can not only provide information but help build a relationship.

Turn new visitors into repeat ones.

CHQ-Logo_COLOR_WHITE-BACKGROUNDNew programming and outreach may bring more visitors into the library, but equally important is getting these newcomers to register with the library and return. collectionHQ’s Experimental Placement can help. This tool helps libraries track how well special displays and collections are resonating with patrons to inform shelving and content placement to better enhance the patron’s experience.

“I’m a big fan of studying the demographics and the sociographics of the culture of a community,” explains Amandeep Kochar, Executive Vice President – Sales, Product Management, Services and Technology Ops at Baker & Taylor. “As that is changing, and changing very actively, I think the task of attracting people to the library, particularly younger people, is becoming more difficult as the fabric of society changes. Oftentimes, the library needs tools in order to promote their services and tell their stories because they are fighting for the same eyeballs as some of the big corporations out there. And the library has to be equipped with the tools to effectively compete for the time from the current generation and the upcoming generation.”

Want to learn more? Visit collectionHQ’s website at collectionhq.com

 

Author Spotlight: Alyssa Milano

On By notesfrombtIn Author SpotlightLeave a comment

 

Alyssa_Milano
Photo credit: © Dirk Franke

Actress, activist and author Alyssa Milano is hoping to inspire kids to find their own voice through her new middle grade series, Hope. Illustrated by The Simpsons illustrator Eric S. Keyes, the first book in the series, Project Middle School (Scholastic, October 2019), introduces readers to Hope Roberts, a spunky 11-year-old girl who seeks to create positive social change while surviving middle school at the same time. In our August issue of Growing Minds, we interviewed Milano about her new series.

 

How did Hope come to be? Where does she come from?

Part of the inspiration was my own kids — I see how good they are, and how curious about the world, and how they want to help people. So I wanted to write about a character who was motivated to help and do good. But I also really wanted to make sure Hope resonates with kids, that she’s someone they can relate to. Hope Roberts is bright and smart and funny and wants to change the world, but she also makes mistakes … she’s not perfect. She gets mad at her older sister and she has disagreements with her best friend, just like every sixth grader does. This idea came to me in late 2017–early 2018, partly because of the difficult times we’re living through. There’s a lot of intolerance and indifference in the world. I wanted to give kids a character they could relate to, someone who might inspire them to find their own voice and teach them how to use it.

Share some of your creative process. How did you, your co-author and the illustrator work together when creating the book?

Well, when we started out there was so much we wanted to pack into the first story. But when my co-author, Debbie Rigaud, and I began writing, we realized we had to scale back a bit and save some of our ideas for future books. We also realized humor had to be a big part of the story, and that’s one of our favorite things about the way Hope has developed. She’s very funny and she finds herself in these silly, relatable situations. Those were really fun to write about, and for Eric to illustrate. Working with Eric has been amazing. We make suggestions to him about which moments we want to highlight in each chapter, and then when he shows us his illustrations, we’re blown away by the feeling he brings out in these characters. He really captures their warmth and depth and brings it to the next level.

What would you like readers to be thinking about after they read the book?

This first book is really about Hope finding the courage to share her ideas, to find her voice and believe in herself. I hope that readers come away feeling inspired and energized about speaking up and speaking out.

Project_MiddleSchool

Why write for the middle grade students? What attracts you to this audience?

Kids at this age level are like sponges, soaking up everything in the world around them. They are growing up and learning about the world around them — and discovering that they can have a voice in their communities. And that’s what I want Hope to do — to send them a message that they can make a difference the way that she does.

What would you like readers to be thinking about after they finish the book?

Well, kids are the future! They’re born into a world where they’re often taught their voices don’t count for anything, that the damage has already been done by the grown-ups. Pete’s whole mission was to teach everyone, young and old, that they have a voice, that they have power and authority and can harness that for the good of humanity. The earlier kids are introduced to this, the better! My greatest dream would be that this book is a kid’s first introduction to the power of organization and fighting for beliefs; that this book would somehow be a building block in creating a kid who would follow in Pete Seeger’s very esteemed footsteps.

Interviewed by Kerry Singe
Interview originally appeared in Growing Mind’s August issue.

View the latest issue of Growing Minds for more interviews with esteemed authors.

Visit Us at ALA Annual! Booth # 2333

On By notesfrombtIn ALA, Public Library, tradeshowLeave a comment

BT_Campaign-Blog Image

 

No rest for the bookish during trade show season. ALA Annual is on the horizon and being hosted this year in our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. starting June 21, – June 24. Visit our ALA Campaign Headquarters at Booth #2333 to explore and experience all of our Baker & Taylor campaign fun. We are proud to be Believers in Books and Leaders in Literacy as we have remained dedicated to supporting librarians to lead the future of literacy and learning since 1828.  

We have a jam-packed exciting schedule lined up with several author signings and booth activities including a coffee bar, popcorn station, photo booth and cat mascot photos with our beloved Baker and Taylor. And if that isn’t enough to get you in the spirit, you must stop by and pick up your special edition commemorative giveaways to celebrate this occasion. For further details and our complete ALA schedule, we are happy to have a dedicated website to keep you up to date with all our happenings during the show. We can’t wait too see you there!

Don’t miss out, visit the ALA site now!

 

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ESP by Baker & Taylor- Future-Proofing Libraries With Data

On By notesfrombtIn Public Library, ServicesLeave a comment

Data_graphic

Consumers these days can do almost anything with a click of a mouse or a tap on a screen. Goods can be bought and delivered within hours. New products can be easily browsed. And online advertising seems to magically target its ideal audience, connecting customers with items matching their needs and wants.

This easy and instant access to goods and information is changing consumer expectations and could threaten our more established institutions, notably libraries. With budget constraints and limited resources, libraries can’t be expected to invest millions in research and development, experiment with unproven gadgets, or compete with the tech giants driving these changes. While technology presents a threat, however, it also offers solutions for ensuring libraries remain relevant and essential parts of our communities. One tool that can help ensure a library’s longevity is what’s known as big data.

Continue reading “ESP by Baker & Taylor- Future-Proofing Libraries With Data” →

Case Study – Adding Life to Collections With collectionHQ and ESP

On By notesfrombtIn Public Library, ServicesLeave a comment

Books+Library+Open

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based Selection Planning (ESP) offers a decision support system to
help libraries select current and pre-published titles in the right quantities to
the right locations.

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, GA is a 34 branch system serving
a population of more than 1,000,000. Shortly after he was appointed as
Executive Director at the library, Dr Gabriel Morley made the decision to
introduce Evidence-based Selection Planning (ESP) to support more informed
selection decisions.

THE CHALLENGE

Introduction of the collectionHQ Dashboard in 2014 offered new insight into the library’s
collection that shocked Gabriel and the team. Gabriel explained: “We had been looking at our circulation statistics over a long period of time in order to better understand the needs of our patrons. What we found was disturbing. Almost 53% of our collection was Dead on Arrival, which meant it rarely circulated.” Dead on Arrival (DOA) is a metric that reveals new items added to a library’s collection within the last 6-18 months that have either never circulated or had been checked out only once. This revelation therefore prompted the team to take action.

Continue reading “Case Study – Adding Life to Collections With collectionHQ and ESP” →

Baker & Taylor Offers Libraries Career Skill-Building Courses

On By notesfrombtIn audiobooks, Axis 360, Public LibraryLeave a comment

PF LogoNew career skills training courses within the Axis 360 digital platform provides library patrons access to invaluable career training. Baker & Taylor’s online courses, powered by Penn Foster, prepare online learners for in-demand jobs and ensure industry advancement and career mobility.

The career field has changed in America—digital skills are in high demand and computer literacy is necessary. For more than 128 years, Penn Foster, an accredited online school, has empowered millions of students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace of today. These courses are an extension of that mission, and a way for libraries to offer patrons more.

Mid-Continent Public Library is one of the first customers to launch the program within their library system, which reaches more than 800,000 citizens in the Greater Kansas City area. “Library customers are increasingly turning to the library as a resource to ‘upskill’ and gain the tools to compete in the ever-changing economy,” said Steven V. Potter, executive director of Mid-Continent.

Libraries play a critical role in fostering a community of lifelong learners, and Baker & Taylor helps libraries achieve greater engagement through programs like this. “As our customers increasingly pursue self-driven employment opportunities, including gig economy work and even traditional skilled labor expertise,” Potter added, “this new partnership will provide unprecedented access to mobile-friendly, self-paced learning opportunities designed for working learners and focused on today’s most in-demand skills.”

These courses, provided on the Axis 360 digital platform (also home to ebooks and audiobooks), are self-paced and designed for nontraditional learners; they include digital literacy, career-oriented math, and adult literacy, and offer more than 700 full-time proctors, teaching assistants and academic coaches.

“By helping public libraries provide seamless access to skills training for the most in-demand jobs, we are creating new opportunities for career mobility that can be accessed by the individuals who need it most,” said Amandeep Kochar, executive vice president of Public Library Sales and Technology at Baker & Taylor. “One of the primary goals of our library partners is to help patrons succeed in their careers by fostering an environment of lifelong learning.”

We’re excited to work with you! For more information contact your sales consultant, email btinfo@baker-taylor.com or call 800-775-1800.

 

Pop Up Libraries Create Easy Access and Deliver Digital Reading Anywhere

On By notesfrombtIn audiobooks, Axis 360, Public LibraryLeave a comment

bandt-0354 pop up library logo cmykOne book has the power to positively change someone’s life. Now imagine hundreds of books, delivered to readers anywhere with no barriers. That’s the power of Pop Up Library, Baker & Taylor’s newest tools for getting more books to more readers.

Pop Up Library is a small network device with one dedicated purpose—to instantly deliver ebooks to readers wherever libraries choose. Libraries that use Pop Up Library are able to extend the reach of their digital collection across the community so material is accessible to all. By working with community partners, businesses, government offices, and more, Pop Up Library creates a space for readers anywhere.

“This is brand new technology in the library market space,” says Michael Bills, director of sales and marketing for Baker & Taylor’s digital products. “Every library wants to engage with more of their community, but libraries don’t have limitless funding. Pop Up Library is a low cost way to achieve greater engagement and create a larger presence in a library’s community.”

For years, libraries have come up with inventive ideas to reach more individuals within their communities. Bookmobiles, temporary branch locations, and book vending machines have all been employed with great success, but each requires significant capital investment. No other remote library program is as affordable and spotlights a library’s digital collection quite like Pop Up Library.

A group of libraries around the world worked with Baker & Taylor as early adopters of the Pop Up Library program, including Atlanta-Fulton County, Broward County, and Evanston Public Library. Baker & Taylor officially launched the Pop Up Library program at the ALA’s Midwinter Conference in Seattle this January, and demand from libraries everywhere was immediate.

“One of the reasons we’re a 200-year-old company is that we listen to the customers we serve, and we provide products and services that will help them be successful,” adds Bills. “The central role that libraries play in boosting literacy is one of the greatest accomplishments of the institution. We’re proud to be helping libraries achieve this calling.”

Here are five questions (and answers) about this unique and innovative program:

  1. How does it work? A library partners with a local business or government organization in its community (like a coffee shop or a hospital waiting room) and sets up an easy-to-use Wi-Fi hotspot in that location. When individuals join the free Wi-Fi network branded with the library’s logo, they’ll be given instant access to the library’s digital collection through Axis 360.
  2. What’s required for users? Absolutely nothing. No no app downloading is required to access eBooks from a Pop Up Library location. Use a smart phone device or computer to connect for free and begin reading directly within the browser; readers can even save the book for later within the browser’s cache during the duration of the library’s check out period.
  3. How does Pop Up Library foster awareness for the library? When browsing the Pop Up Library system, a message will appear for readers encouraging them to sign up for a library card and check out the other resources their local library has to offer. Baker & Taylor will also provide marketing materials to help inform the public about Pop Up Libraries.
  4. What is the benefit for libraries? For years, libraries have tried introducing new ways of engagement, even with limited funding resources. With Pop Up Library, more patrons are introduced to the library thus increasing circulation and membership numbers. And of course, fostering a community full of lifelong readers is the ultimate goal of any library. Pop Up Library helps push that mission forward.
  5. Where do I sign up? For libraries interested in getting more information, contact your sales representative through Baker & Taylor.

 

We’re excited to work with you! For more information contact your sales consultant, email btinfo@baker-taylor.com or call 800-775-1800.

 

Spanish Materials in B&T’s Children’s and Teen Services (CATS)

On By notesfrombtIn collection development, Public Library, What We're ReadingLeave a comment

CATSLogo_BoxwithB&T-F

Kids_Image

As the leader in youth services support in public libraries, Children’s and Teen Services (CATS) of Baker & Taylor, provides a robust program designed to support Librarians and the readers they serve.  The CATS team provides collection development services designed with the young and teen reader in mind, including selection lists for Spanish and bilingual language titles.

Many youth services librarians have noted the ease of selection in utilizing the CATS Spanish Selection Lists.  For years librarians have been providing positive and constructive feedback on these Selection Lists, which are available in the Baker & Taylor ordering database TS 360.  There are several lists which will meet the needs for popular materials, bilingual editions and multiple formats including board books and audio.

Further, TS 360 offers many selection lists supporting the Latinx diversity category.  The titles have been categorized by Latinx groups identifying as Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican.   These have been curated by Kirkus and are updated monthly.

Customized selection lists, lease and automatic shipment plans are also available to support ongoing collection development needs.  Select from authors, series, publishers and more in curating your own notification lists.  For support with your Spanish language needs visit TS 360 or contact CATS.baker-taylor.com.

All of the collection development offered is inclusive of digital materials as well.  Featuring state of the art technology and integration with Baker & Taylor’s Title Source 360 ordering platform, librarians can order digital Spanish language content with ease. With the Axis 360 app, readers can enjoy their favorite titles on the go. Users can enjoy titles across devices: computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

In addition, Baker & Taylor can deliver all Spanish materials cataloged and processed.  This can ease staff workloads and get materials into patron’s hands quickly and efficiently.

View the CATS website here!