Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) are a perfect fit for library teen services. They not only hold great appeal for teen patrons, but also help build important skills ranging from math and literacy to leadership and dramatics. Role-playing games are cost-effective too. "Dragons in the Stacks" explains why RPGs are so effective at holding teenagers' attention, identifies their specific benefits, outlines how to select and maintain a RPG collection, and demonstrates how they can enhance teen services and be used in teen programs. Detailed reviews of role-playing games are included as well,...

The current economic crisis has had a drastic impact on both public and school libraries. As budgets shrink, resources become scarcer, and the job of the librarian becomes harder. The conundrum of doing more with less challenges even the most seasoned professionals whose institutions face service cutbacks, disappointed patrons, and possible job eliminations or closures. This book asserts that a collaboration between school and public libraries can effectively serve the needs of two populations--teens and the community at large--while minimizing the cost to do so.

"Better Serving Teens...

Games aren't just for fun; they can also play a critical role in learning. Libraries have an opportunity to integrate a variety of games into the services and collections they provide to the community. This book shows library staff how to do exactly that through a diverse variety of popular games, some that have been around for many years and others that are new. The authors present a comprehensive overview of the topic, supplying good practice examples from successful libraries, providing necessary details on format and implementation within a library program for teens, and covering...

Want to get students tuned in, learning, "and" having fun? Covering programs ranging from DIY Modern Crafts to CSI Science, these simple plans will give you all the knowledge you need to create complete programs for 'tweens and teens--activities that students will find engaging and entertaining.

For each activity, the author identifies aspects that link to STEAM learning objectives. The educational ties help students learn about new topics while fostering the development of important life skills. While the plans are geared towards public librarians, they can easily be adapted to the...

Most educators are well aware of the reasons for emphasizing STEAM--topics that fall within the broad headings of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics--in the curriculum, regardless of grade level. But how do librarians who work with 'tweens in middle school, high school, and public libraries--fit into the picture and play their roles to underscore their relevance in making STEAM initiatives successful?

This book answers those key questions, providing program guidelines and resources for each of the STEAM areas. Readers will learn how to collaborate in...