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Reviewing for Fun, Professional Satisfaction, and (No) ProfitOne of the superpowers librarians develop in the course of their work is recognition of what makes a book (or website, database, or other resource) a "good" one, that is, one that is a worthwhile purchase and worth recommending to users. A range of opportunities exists for librarians to write reviews of resources to aid fellow professionals in collection development, particularly in areas of particular expertise. In addition to ALA-affiliated and independent review publications, there are also at least three Florida-specific opportunities to evaluate books by Florida authors or on Florida subjects; these reviewers can be encouraging and instructional to authors with works in progress. While none of these reviewing opportunities pay for the reviewer's input, reviewing can be rewarding. Reviewing assists the library community at large and can be useful to note on resumes as professional activity. And, yes, the reviewer often gets a copy of a physical reviewed item. The panelists will present reviewing opportunities with Library Journal, Booklist, Choice, the Florida Book Awards, the Florida Writers Association, and the Florida Authors and Publishers Association; how to apply to review for these publications or groups; and what a useful review should include. TrackLibraries & Books PresentersTeresa R. Faust, College of Central Florida Jenni McKnight, Florida State University Libraries Diane Colson, Howard Bishop Middle School Chris Coward, Florida Writers Association Diane Colson, currently Media Specialist at Howard Bishop Middle School, Gainesville, has mainly worked in public libraries. She started reviewing young adult books for the Voice of Youth Advocates in 1999, and later added Booklist and BookPage. She’s always been active with the Young Adult Library Services Association, participating in a number of book award and selection committees over the years, including a year as chair of the Printz Award Committee. |