Engaging Babies in the Library
Putting Theory Into Practice

Debra J. Knoll (Author), Virginia A. Walter (Foreword by)

9780838914342

Paperback / softback, published 30 May 2016

144 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 0.7 cm, 0.195 kg

Public libraries across the nation continue to transform themselves into learning centers for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. There are many resources available to help librarians create baby-friendly play spaces and enhanced storytimes, but until now there has been gap in the literature addressing the developmental needs and changing behaviors of babies and toddlers. Parents and caregivers can also present unique service challenges. Focusing squarely on the how of providing quality library service to babies and families, Knoll’s new book provides sensible, sensitive advice on meeting their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Geared towards helping public libraries foster healthy growth and development for their littlest patrons, this book:

• explores multiple aspects in the developing life of a baby, discussing physical needs, emotional expressions, intellectual pursuits, and social development;
• highlights real-life examples from public libraries that relate to how these developmental processes present themselves while babies and families interact in the library;
• presents Baby Steps for each topical area, providing service tips and suggestions that can be easily or inexpensively put into practice;
• offers Big Steps, conversational points that invite librarians to think creatively about further investment, support, funding, and collaborative efforts; and
• includes carefully selected research findings and other information that can be used for planning, policymaking, and advocacy.

Acknowledgments

Foreword, by Virginia A. Walter

Introduction

• Chapter 1: Librarianship for Babies: From Problems to Potential
• Chapter 2: Physical Needs: Attending to Babies and Families
• Chapter 3: Emotional Expressions: The Unfolding Emotional Lives of Families
• Chapter 4: Intellectual Pursuits: Learning for Babies and Families
• Chapter 5: Social Development: Communing with Babies and Families
• Chapter 6: The Potential of Librarianship for Babies and Families
• Appendix: IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Babies and Toddlers