Massblast Planning Template

MassBLAST Planning Template Session Focus: CREATING A BOOK DISPLAY

MassBLAST goal(s) : Underlined goals are covered in session.

1. Provide interns with a broad view of the roles of libraries and librarians, an overview of behind- the-scenes library operations, and insights into the role of technology in libraries.

2. Provide instruction in library research skills

3. Provide opportunities for better understanding of college and career skills

Student Outcome(s):

 Interns will effectively search a library catalog by subject.  Interns will learn and appreciate the browsability factor of a library’s collection and why that might be useful.  Interns will appreciate the wide range of books in a particular subject area.

Materials:

 Flip chart/chalk board  Paper, pencils/pens  Access to computers  Book trucks  Book display area  Optional: poster board & markers; plastic 8.5” frame(s); and/or display easel

Related Resources:

Vocabulary: Subject headings, online catalog, theme, patrons

Description of Activity: Introductory discussion questions:  Who uses a public library?  Who uses an academic library?  What kinds of materials might patrons in a public library look for? What kinds of materials might patrons in an academic library need?  Why do libraries have book displays?

Explain that libraries typically choose a book display theme. Share with interns some theme-of- the-week/month that your library uses. For example: National Library Week (April); Black History Month (February); National Poetry Month (April), etc.

Have students brainstorm and record some theme ideas on flipchart. Review and ask students why they chose their themes.

Determine a fair way to decide which theme you will use or set up a schedule for intern displays or set up each display in a different part of the library (this might vary depending on your space). Have students search the online catalog (record location and call numbers) for a few books related to theme. Only a few call numbers are necessary because of the ability to browse the stacks. Decide on a range for the number of books for a display.

Optional: Have students design display posters.

Provide book trucks for students, reminding them to retrieve a mix of circulating books; primarily books that are illustrated/colorful, eye-catching and various sizes. Have interns select books they want to include in their display.

Have students arrange book display (and posters).

Possible Discussion Questions: See questions within activity description.

Assessment: Completed book displays will serve as assessment.

Facilitator’s Tips and Tools: This is a great lesson to use as an introduction to using the online catalog or for teaching how to use call numbers. Interns will be applying knowledge right away in a manner that is meaningful for them.

Have interns take pictures of their display for a portfolio if they are keeping one or for your records so that you can duplicate successful displays in the future.

If you are working on interview skills with your group of interns, have students interview each other about their displays – asking why they chose the books they did, how they decided on arrangement etc.

If your library is short on display space, you can still have interns gather the books they would include in a display and have them create temporary displays for each other. Let the other interns guess what the theme of the collection might be.

Submitted by: Janet DiPaolo - UMass Boston, Healey Library Date: March 6, 2008