RUSA provides members with valuable information on research and reviews in its journal, RUSQ (Reference and User Services Quarterly) and through books.

RUSA Books

All RUSA publications are now available at the ALA Online Store.

ALA's Guide to Best Reading 2006

ALSC, Booklist, RUSA, YALSA

Filled with recommended book lists such as 'Notable Children's Books,' 'Notable Books,' 'Editor's Choice,' and 'Best Books for Young Adults,' ALA's Guide to Best Reading 2006 is now available as a digital download. Materials are camera-ready and can be used to create brochures and bookmarks for unlimited distribution. This year's guide features a fresh, updated design and has been improved to make brochures and bookmarks more appealing to library patrons. A comprehensive list of Pura Belpre Award winners has also been added.

5212_0601 Digital download 8.5" x 11" 7.4 MB $22.00

Success by the Numbers: Statistics for Business Development

Occasional Paper #28
Ryan Womack, Editor

Based on the 2004 BRASS conference program, Success by the Numbers: Statistics for Business Development provides guidance in finding statistical information relevant to business needs that would be useful for librarians and information professionals working in a variety of contexts. A detailed look at Census Bureau economic statistics leads off this book illuminating features of which many librarians are not aware. The following chapter provides an insider's view of the production of state statistical information. The bibliographies have been expanded from the conference presentations providing more details on such topics as demographics and marketing, economic forecasts, industry statistics, financial statistics, trade statistics, and labor, employment, and wages.

While no bibliography of this type can claim to be complete, Success by the Numbers provides thorough coverage of major business statistical resources while describing their unique and unusual features.

64p. $24. RUSA Members $21.60 0-8389-8327-8

Reference Collection Development: A Manual

(Occasional Paper #27)
Alice J. Perez, Editor
A project of the Reference Collection Development and Evaluation Committee, Collection Development and Evaluation Section, RUSA

The second edition of this popular title has been completely revised to account for the many changes in reference services since 1992. The recent proliferation of electronic products including periodical indexes, standard reference tools, and full text materials are having a serious impact on reference budgets. Because of the impact of electronic products, a new section on electronic reference sources has been added.

The manual is intended to serve as a guide for producing collection development policies for reference collections serving adults in academic and public libraries. The manual includes a checklist for writing a reference collection development policy; a model policy in outline, with illustrative examples; and a bibliography. By providing examples of existing policies from both academic and public libraries, the manual provides a unified procedure for developing a policy.

The model policy covers the statement of objectives; location of the collection; scope of coverage/breadth of the collection; format of materials collected; electronic reference sources; subject descriptions; types of reference materials; selection responsibilities; criteria for selection, updating and weeding; and external relationships.

84p. $27. RUSA Members, $24. ISBN 0-8389-8277-8.

Help Wanted: Job and Career Information Resources

(RUSA Occasional Paper #26)
Gary White, editor, for BRASS

Whether you work in the private sector, an academic or a public library, all librarians need current information on the job market, career exploration, employment opportunities, how to write cover letters and resumes, salary data and internship opportunities. From the introduction on developing job and career collections in the new millennium to maintaining up-to-date information on available internships, this publication highlights techniques that can be implemented to successfully build collections on jobs and careers. The scope of the topic includes demographic and economic changes that influence the job market, the future of the workforce, and experiences in the corporate world that affect the job search. The inclusion of electronic resources also examines how resources have shifted from books to collections incorporating Web pages, CD-ROMS, and audio-visual materials. A great resource for educators, career counselors and the general public.

84p. $25 ($22.50 for RUSA members) ISBN 0-8389-8222-0

Get Them Talking: Managing Change Through Case Studies and Case Study Discussion

(RUSA Occasional Paper #25)

Edited by Gwen Arthur in cooperation with the Management of Reference Committee of the Management and Operation of User Services Section of the Reference and User Services Association

Committee members wrote the case studies based on situations encountered in their own library environments. Included are familiar reference issues affecting reference librarians and managers in both academic and public libraries.

The first three chapters give instructions on how to maximize the case study approach for finding creative solutions to management problems. These chapters provide a background on the case study method and scenario planning, practical tips on organizing a discussion forum, and guidelines for being a good group facilitator and participant.

The appendix includes eight case studies to facilitate the dramatization and discussion of management issues. Each case study includes a summary of the situation and a list of questions to facilitate discussion.

This collection can provide the necessary tools for organizations looking to manage change in unique ways.

44p. $16 ($14 for RUSA members) ISBN: 0-8389-8106-2

Reference Sources for Small and Medium-sized Libraries

Sixth Edition. Scott Kennedy, editor
See ALA Catalog

As in previous editions, the latest version of this critical library tool delivers the best and most useful reference sources for small and medium-sized public or academic libraries and their users. A smart redesign enables users to more easily access its 2,000-plus entries and the most popular and practical titles, including new microform and electronic formats. The latest release offers the user an up-to-date list of the important titles that a medium-sized library would want to consider for its reference collection as well as a core listing against which the smaller library can compare its holdings. $50.00 pbk • ALA Members $45.00 • ISBN 0-8389-3468-4 • Approx. 448 p. • 1998

Habla Español? No, but I Can Try to Help You

Practical Spanish for the Reference Desk
Patricia Promis and Maria Segura Hoopes

It contains the sorts of phrases most likely to be used in a library by Spanish-speaking patrons and possible responses by the person at the reference desk. In addition, it has glossaries in English to Spanish and Spanish to English of works the librarian might encounter. An effort was made to list the standard Spanish term most commonly used in a library setting. $10.00 • RUSA Members $8.00 • ISBN 0-8389-7524-0 • 24p. • 1991

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Occasional Papers Series

RUSA publishes an Occasional Papers series covering subjects such as reference collection development, library resources on the Internet, and electronic resource skills. Below is a list of some of our most recent publications that you may find useful. To order any of the publications below, please contact:

Adult Programming: A Manual For Libraries

(Occasional Papers #21)

Adult programming is an essential library service, and is appropriate for a wide variety of libraries. Whether it be book discussions or computer instruction, successful programs have a tremendous public relations value for enhancing the positive image of the library. This step-by-step guide to will take you through the nuts and bolts of programming- to help ensure that your programs succeed.

Adult Programming takes you through the process - from how to assess your community for program potential to how to do evaluation and follow-up. Covers how to generate ideas for programs, how to determine what's hot and what's not, and how to determine the best formats for your programs.