Sullivan, Michael. Connecting boys with books; what libraries can do.American Library Association American Library Association, founded 1876, organization whose purpose is to increase the usefulness of books through the improvement and extension of library services. . 122p. bibliog. index. c2003. 0-8389-0849-7 $32.00. Sullivan, a public library director in New Hampshire New Hampshire, one of the New England states of the NE United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts (S), Vermont, with the Connecticut R. forming the boundary (W), the Canadian province of Quebec (NW), and Maine and a short strip of the Atlantic Ocean (E). , addresses the special needs of boys and outlines how libraries can best serve them. Boys read less than girls, as every librarian (1) A person who works in the data library and keeps track of the tapes and disks that are stored and logged out for use. Also known as a "file librarian" or "media librarian." See data library. (2) See CA-Librarian. knows, and most children's librarians are female. Library programming therefore tends to be directed at girls, as Sullivan points out. His suggestions for reaching boys include making a special effort to welcome them by programming for boys as well; promoting male readers as role models; storytelling Storytelling Aesop semi-legendary fabulist of ancient Greece. [Gk. Lit.: Harvey, 10] Münchäusen Baron traveler grossly embellishes his experiences. [Ger. Lit. ; booktalking with appropriate titles (fantasy, non-fiction, and humor humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was are especially appealing to boys); using genres such as sports to develop displays and programs and promote reading; offering chess, games, and other challenges to engage boys; and encouraging physical responses to books. There are some excellent examples of programs, booktalks, sample stories to tell and lists of recommended reading (unfortunately. age levels are not indicated). Sullivan makes a good case for the different reading preferences of boys; as he puts it, "Boys prefer the external struggle and the heroic quest." Recreational reading that they truly enjoy (gross can be good!) is one key to promoting a lifelong interest in books, while the need for structure. Sullivan notes, is a hallmark hallmark, mark impressed on silverwork or goldwork to signify official approval of the standard of purity of the metal, also called plate mark. The hallmark was introduced by statute in England in 1300 and enforced by the Goldsmiths' Hall, London. of boys' learning style. The focus here is mainly on elementary and middle school-age boys, and while the emphasis is more on public libraries, school libraries aren't slighted. Indeed, cooperation between the two is encouraged. As a librarian at an all-boys school, I read this with great interest. Sullivan has thought long and hard about how libraries can reach boys, and his ideas are well worth listening to and implementing. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion