LIS 517 Children's Literature & Related Media
LIS 517: Children's Literature and Related Media was a course that explored traditional and modern children's literature and other related materials for children from birth through grade 6. I wrote reviews for books from multiple award categories from the past five years, including the Caldecott, Sibert, Coretta Scott King, and others. The course included weekly reflections on class readings and videos that examined the history, trends, and genres of children's literature and the role of literature and media in fostering children's literacy, development, and imagination. By the end of the course, I gained a better understanding of children's literature and the tools necessary to evaluate and use these materials effectively in a library setting.
ASSIGNMENTS
I chose three graphic novel books for ages 6-11 with strong female characters that examine their relationships with their families or friends and how they handle the difficult things that happen in their lives. I had to write a script of what I would say about each book. I also chose a style for the video and decided on "The Cliffhanger" style, which shares enough about the story to interest the reader but doesn't share the endings or how the challenges are resolved. Finally, I created the video, which involved setting the scene, lighting, and redoing it as many times as needed to get a decent version.
Resource List: Women in History
The assignment was to create a webpage/blog page about a resource list on a topic of my choice. It needed to include books and other forms of media, such as websites, videos, podcasts, and games related to the topic. I chose women in history and found resources about Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman, Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, and women in general.
REFLECTION
Choosing books and other media sources for youth supports the development of my reader's advisory abilities, programming goals, collection development skills, and professional expertise. When patrons seek a book, they may provide detailed preferences or only have a vague idea of what they want. Finding the books and resources that match the information they provide is a skill that requires practice to improve. It makes integrating book recommendations into programs such as story time, book clubs, and other events easier. It also supports becoming more familiar with what is available in the collection and where to find additional resources to meet the patron's information needs. It also helps you learn the gaps, strengths, and trends that can inform collection development and future purchasing decisions. As you develop your book and media selection expertise, you can make informed decisions and mentor staff effectively as they learn reader advisory skills.
Technical skills, such as creating videos and blog pages, are necessary in the library and information profession, as well as in the role of branch manager. I can use these skills to promote library programs, collections, and services to a broader audience. Digital content can also attract new patrons and strengthen the library's online presence. I can train library staff to create content and establish quality standards by understanding these technical skills. Clear writing and communication are essential when using these tools to convey the library’s mission and demonstrate the impact of our services. Digital and online resources expand the library’s reach beyond its physical space, providing ongoing access to library support and resources.