Top 5 American Library Association catalogue book picks

November 3, 5:26 PMMilwaukee Creative Writing ExaminerJames Gapinski

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Fall/Winter 2010 ALA book catalogue.
Image credit: photo by James Gapinski.

It’s been said many times, clichéd almost to death, that every good writer is also a reader at heart. Therefore, the Milwaukee writing community must stand up and take notice when the newest American Library Association (ALA) catalogue is sent out to local libraries and the other interested individuals who are on the mailing list.

The catalogue provides numerous new and updated editions, with most titles widely useful for a book collector or regular library patron. Some books are so specific to a niche, library-only, topic—such as electronic cataloging or how to design teen library spaces—that they are only scarcely useful for everyday writers and readers. However, the bulk of the catalogue is widely applicable, and a number of books stand out as highly recommendable for Milwaukee’s literary public.

Writing Reviews for Readers’ Advisory, written by Brad Hooper, ISBN13: 978-0-8389-1017-7
Bridging the gap between libraries, writers, and readers, Brad Hooper’s must-read book provides both generalized review tips as well as specific recommendations for using reviews as a library promotion mechanism. Learn all the answers to your questions about writing professional Readers’ Advisory reviews from this new addition to the ALA catalogue.

From A to Zine, by Julie Bartel, ISBN13: 978-0-8389-0886-0
This excellent book begins with introductory information for the beginning zinester, but then quickly launches into tips and strategies for professional or home library zine collection. The acquisition strategies in Bartel’s book will help you obtain and preserve a collection of top-notch zines. As indie presses crop up all over the country, zines have become a valuable steppingstone for beginning writers. Zines offer accessible small circulation publication, providing much-needed credit and exposure for creative writers.

Writing and Publishing, edited by Carol Smallwood, ISBN13: 978-0-8389-0996-6
Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook is geared specifically toward library professionals—as are virtually all ALA catalogue books—but its advice is broadly applicable to any writer seeking publication and recognition within the library community. The guidance within this text will help you better understand the logistics involved in writing and publishing a well-received, professionally reviewed text.

Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators, written by Kenneth D. Crews, ISBN13: 978-0-8389-0906-5
Writers regularly reference the works of their peers. There are distinct legal implications involved whenever a person uses the work of another author, even when addressed in the form of a meaningful quote or memorable anecdote just before publicly reading your latest poem or story. This book provides the basic legal background necessary for understanding copyright law, allowing the reader to properly use and cite copyrighted work for written or oral presentations, dissemination at workshops, or in the writing classroom. Furthermore, the tips also provide many writers with the necessary foresight to seek proper copyright protection for their own works.

Preservation and Conservation for Libraries and Archives, written by Nelly Balloffet and Jenny Hille, ISBN13: 978-0-8389-1005-4
Proper preservation knowledge is vital for creative writers. Many creative writers will publish dozens of local, small circulation pieces before attaining nationwide publication, readership, and professional library archiving. Even some “large” literary presses produce relatively small numbers of copies when compared to leading mass market paperback distributors. It is important that your contributor copies remain well persevered; if you damage an early, small press edition of your work, it may be nearly impossible to find a replacement. Nelly Balloffet and Jenny Hille’s guide provides some of the very best preservation methods available to professional librarians and archivists.