Australian Library Journal
This is a very thorough treatment of embedding technology into the role of the teacher librarian....This book challenges teacher-librarians who have already achieved a high level of technical competence and encourages them to take on a leadership role.
Reference and Research Book News
Farmer's (California State U., Long Beach) library media specialists guide addresses the use of technology to provide professional development for adult learners. Coverage includes an overview of instructional design for adults; the impact of technology on adults and the learning process; planning content and delivery; the use of technology as a tool, and matching tools with instruction and learning; blending information literacy and technology literacy; and the concept of 'communities of practice.' The second half of the text features a series of professional development workshops incorporating technology, designed for specific audiences - K-12 faculty, paid and volunteer library staff, parents, administrators, board members, and community members.
School Library Journal
Library media teachers who provide staff development would do well to read this concise manual, which provides a welcome shortcut for the training of teachers and parents in the use of technology. The first section amounts to a crash course in the philosophy of adult education and includes effective information on creating instructional design and evaluation, as well as integrating information literacy with technology, managing workshops, and developing what Farmer calls "communities of practice." The second half of the book is devoted to specific workshops and includes templates that address all the elements that need to be included. The curriculum-based workshops are organized for elementary, middle, and high school faculties. Also included are workshops for library volunteers; for parents to help them help their children; and for administrators, board members, and community members who need not only instruction, but also exposure to the value of information literacy and technology in the educational process. Farmer keeps the information moving swiftly through an engaging text that sparks ideas that readers can transfer smoothly into practice. Useful checklists and worksheets that translate into visuals abound. The nine-page glossary is phenomenal, as are the seven-page bibliography and extensive indexing. Great professional-development reading to add to your repertoire.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
