Know It All, Find It Fast for Youth Librarians and Teachers

Citation

McCulloch, I. (2012), "Know It All, Find It Fast for Youth Librarians and Teachers", Library Review, Vol. 61 No. 5, pp. 387-388. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531211280531

This publication is an excellent reference guide for identifying useful sources of information for the benefit of all those working with children. The book is also very helpful for children themselves as they seek direction and guidance, especially in their years within secondary education. The age range covered goes from pre‐schoolers at three years of age to teenagers at the end of compulsory education at age 16.

The lists of references within the book are not exhaustive. Christinea Donnelly has given a personal view by recommending those resources that she deems to be both useful and easy to use. This means that some readers, especially those working within the education fields of young people, will perhaps be surprised by not what is included but rather by what is omitted. A warning for parents; this is not a reference book to find out which books are being used by schools for particular courses. The author has also taken into account the current overall lack of finance within the country's educational system, focusing on those resources that are freely available to young people. Because of their very nature, subscription services have been more or less ignored. She also speaks from personal experience noting that librarians have to prioritise nowadays when replenishing resources or investing in new stock. Her personal recommendations will be well received by other librarians and teachers who are looking to build up a bank of material for enquiry work. These are highlighted in each section.

Contents of the book are divided into four parts. The first part focuses on general sources for education systems and schools themselves together with a section on general knowledge. For any parent faced with the time honoured announcement from junior “we've got a project to do for school”, this is the chapter for you. The second chapter is aimed at secondary school pupils and those working within this sector. There is an extensive table of school subjects followed by a handy section on particular specifications for study and assessment set out by the various examining bodies throughout the UK. Chapter three looks at issues faced by young people as they move into adolescence, both at home and in school. This chapter lends itself to independent study by youngsters as they learn how to face up to the demands placed upon them by school and how to cope with the dangers in society of alcohol, drugs, bullying and other threats that they will inevitably meet as they grow up. The last chapter gives information on how best to use leisure time. For those looking at how to get involved in new and different hobbies, the references here are invaluable.

The layout of the book is clear and easy to follow. “Typical questions” posed by youngsters headline the start of each topic. “What is the temperature in France?”, “Do all ladybirds have the same number of spots?” and “Do you know any games to play on a train?” just make you want to read on. Questions are followed by “considerations” giving professionals and parents handy hints on how best to support and encourage the young person in their search for answers. At the end of each topic comes the all‐important “where to look” section listing the best books, magazines and web sites for future reference. Librarians and parents are also given a “tips and pitfalls” advice section at the end of particular topics. Some of this information must be absorbed by adults to guard against alienating children by giving “grown up” responses that can often be very personal and predictable. The author also warns against doing everything for children, reminding the reader that learning should be about finding out for yourself and developing independent research skills. The role of the educator is seen as a guide rather than as a provider.

Know It All, Find It Fast is a first class reference resource that will save lots of time in seeking out information for inquisitive youngsters. It will become a first port of call for busy professionals. The front cover states that the target audience is “youth librarians and teachers.” I hope that this does not deter parents and young people from also picking up this excellent publication. They will benefit just as much.