A School Librarian’s Journey Through Manga Collection Development

 INFO 266

Jared Miller

A School Librarian’s Journey Through Manga Collection Development - Link to Article

Summary: This article argues that manga does indeed belong on the shelves of school libraries and provides information and help for librarians on building a collection of Manga. Beginning by simply defining the genre or topic, the author explains that Manga is a comic originally published in Japan and is read from right to left. The author includes common misconceptions and definitions for librarians to aid in their own research and collection development. It also justifies the inclusion of Manga in a collection. Common to the work of librarians is pushback from particular parties, and having a clear rationale for why Manga is included in the collection is crucial. Manga is generally marketed toward younger readers, but has a vast following over all ages. 

Evaluation: This article is a valuable resource for high school librarians interested in building a manga collection. In regards to collection development, the article provides a list of recommended manga titles specifically for high school students, categorized by genre. This makes it an extremely useful source for getting started in building a manga library. In case there is any pushback with spending money to include manga, it offers arguments for the educational value of manga, which can be helpful when advocating for budget allocation for a manga collection. This includes building visual literacy skills analysis of literary devices such as plot, theme, symbolism, foreshadowing, conflict, and character development, as well as aiding in communication skills. All of which English teachers are generally desperate to do in their classrooms. The article also suggests ideas for creating manga-themed events and clubs, promoting engagement with the library. Looking at the current make-up of my own students, I think that a club like this would dramatically increase readership at my school. Overall, this article is a valuable resource for high school librarians who want to provide their students with access to engaging and educational materials like manga.

Naruto Manga - Phossil - https://www.flickr.com/photos/phossil/4811921029

Rudes, J. (2022). A SCHOOL LIBRARIAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH MANGA COLLECTION            DEVELOPMENT. Knowledge Quest, 50(4), 36+. https://link-gale-       com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/apps/doc/A697577819/AONE?u=csusj&sid=bookmark-    AONE&xid=bb6497df

 

Heikhaus, Claudia

INFO 266

Lilley, S. (2024). Decolonising Maori collections. Journal of the Australian Library and

Information Association, 73(3), 266-279. DOI: 10.1080/24750158.2024.2367775

This article looks at colonization and assimilation practices used to produce Maori resources held by libraries worldwide, and how many of those materials contain inauthentic information and have been written by people with historically western viewpoints. Lilley explores whether it is possible to decolonize Maori collections and replace what currently exists with matauranga (traditional knowledge) Maori material that accurately reflects Maori viewpoints and culture. Additionally, the article discusses the development of Maori subject headings in the National Library of New Zealand, sourced from Nga Upoko Tukutuku (a bilingual thesaurus in te reo Maori and English) that bring a Maori worldview into the realm of cataloging for Indigenous collections.

This article makes important points about whether colonized materials can be decolonized by separating out the Indigenous materials that Native peoples create and essentially creating a collection-within-a-collection, but also how to include many of the “in-between” materials in libraries (written by non-Indigenous people but containing factual information) if those materials are deemed inoffensive and have some redeeming information. This can be a vital part of an Indigenous collection, but the lines drawn are unique to each library and each tribe, and the process of separating colonized from de-colonized collections would be a painstaking and costly process that would require hiring or contracting with Maori people in the community who have the requisite critical information skill set to evaluate research materials and then categorize them according to matauranga Maori traditions.

The Hidden Role of Archives in Evolving Core Curricula

 INFO 266

Madrid, Christina

APA: Sinclair, L. M., & Salter, A. A. (2014). The Role of a University Archives in Producing a History of a Core Curriculum. Georgia Library Quarterly, 51(3), 14–21. https://doi-org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.62915/2157-0396.1793

Summary:

This article discusses the important role that university archives play in documenting the history and development of a university’s core curriculum. It emphasizes how archival materials can provide insights into the evolution of academic programs, student experiences, and institutional priorities.

Evaluation:

"The Role of a University Archives in Producing a History of a Core Curriculum," highlights the crucial role archives play in documenting the evolution of academic curricula. By focusing on core curricula, the authors demonstrate how archives capture the broader societal, political, and educational shifts influencing academic programs. The article effectively argues for the value of archives in preserving institutional history while offering insights into curriculum development. However, it could benefit from more practical examples or case studies to illustrate how this process works in real-world settings. Overall, it provides valuable perspectives for archivists and those in academic administration.

Shannon Fetch
Info 266

Yamson, G. C. Immediacy as a better service: Analysis of the limitations of ChatGPT in library services. 

    Sage Journals. 14 November, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666923120676

ChatGPT has become a very popular chatbot recently. People use it for all sorts of things, it can have conversations, tell jokes, write speeches, and much more. This study was conducted to find the ways that ChatGPT falls short when used to assist with library services. 

In the age of modern information technology, libraries have been forced to change how their services are delivered and in recent years have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) applications to improve the quality of their service. Chatbots powered by AI provide instant assistance to users. They effectively respond to common inquiries and point users in the direction of pertinent resources. This leaves librarians open to work on other tasks. 

There are limitations to AI services such as ChatGPT though. They rely on preexisting knowledge and therefore, responses can be biased based on that knowledge. It is difficult to ensure accuracy with chatbots and they cant necessarily replicate a personal touch the way a human interaction can, and that is important to people. 

Chatbots have their limitations but can be a useful resource in the library. This seems to be the way the world is headed and AI will continue to evolve and improve its services.

Collection Development Based On Patron

 Mao Yang

APA: Allen, M., Ward, S., Wray, T., & Debus-López, K. (2003). Collection development based on patron requests: Collaboration between inter-library loan and acquisitions. Library Collections, Acquisitions, and Technical Services, 27(2), 203-213.

Summary:
Allen, Ward, Wray, & Debus-Lopez (2023) used this article to see the effectiveness of collection development based on patrons. They called this method On-Demand Collection Development. On-Demand Collection Development is when the librarian purchases a book rather than borrow through inter-library loan. It was found that this method was more cost-efficient and patrons received their requests faster. Allen, Ward, Wray, & Debus-Lopez (2023) believes that on-demand collection development is a practical aspect that meets both patron and library needs.

Evaluation:
This article focused on using the method on academic libraries. I think this method works well in academic libraries because the patrons are university students or faculty member. I would like to see if this method would work on public libraries. When there is a wider range of interest and patron, I wonder how the on-demand collection development would work. Overall, I think it's a great method in collecting books because the library owns the book compared to inter-library loans.

“I Think You Should Read It Anyway”: Black Readers and Book Bans.

 Parker, K. N. (2023). “I Think You Should Read It Anyway”: Black Readers and Book Bans. Voices from the Middle, 30(4), 15-.

Iñiguez, Amber

Summary:

This article discusses the impact of recent surges in book bans on Black readers and educators. The author, in conversation with colleagues, highlights the disproportionate impact of bans on books by LGBTQIA+ authors, authors of color, and those addressing social-emotional issues. It encourages educators to collaborate with others, build communities of criticality and resistance, and center Black students' voices in discussions about book bans. By listening to Black students' experiences and supporting their activism, educators can work towards ensuring access to inclusive and affirming literature. The author urges educators to protect, read, share, and celebrate banned books, especially those written by Black authors.

Evaluation:

The article offers a compelling perspective on the current surge in book bans across the United States, particularly focusing on the impact on Black readers and educators. Through a critical analysis of the issue, the author highlights the intersectionality of race, censorship, and education. I appreciate the strategies for educators to resist book bans and support Black and LGBTQIA+ students' access to affirming texts. It emphasizes the importance of building diverse classroom libraries and engaging students in critical discussions about censorship. It brings up a good good point about teaching the youth about censorship and its dangers. Additionally, the article celebrates the resilience of Black and LBBTQIA+ youth in response to book bans, emphasizing the importance of centering their voices in discussions about education and social justice.

Project READY: Re-imagining equity and access for diverse youth.

To, Nhi.

 

Project READY. (n.d.). Project READY:  Reimagining equity and access for diverse 

youth. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

https://ready.web.unc.edu/about-us/ 

 

Summary: Project READY, which stands for Reimagining Equity and Access for Diverse Youth, 

is a free online professional development curriculum with the aims of promoting racial 

equity in libraries and educational settings. Developed by a group of educators and library

staff from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Project READY offers modules

on understanding racism, building cultural competence, and transforming library services, 

programming, and practices to support diverse youth. 

 

Evaluation: This project is a valuable resource for librarians as this could provide useful

information regarding topics of racial equity that may be lacking in their understanding. 

Provided that this is a free course, I believe Project READY should be an option that all 

libraries can look to add into their training or professional development for their staff 

members. The curriculum is comprehensive, leaving anyone who is able to complete the 

course fully to have a wealth of knowledge afterwards. I found this source to be incredible

cool as it is free and it is also online. Accessibility was definitely a consideration when 

creating this toolkit.