Where to find library reference materials reviews

I found out that we knew little about sources for reviews of Canadian reference materials when we started this lesson.  I am using this blog to summarize the list of sources and websites that will be useful for our review of a library collection.  Our textbook[1] provided clear guidelines on how to review resources (p 19-20).  The text listed a series of journals that review references including School Library Journal and Booklist, and reputable publishers including HW Wilson and Co and Gale group while recognizing their bias in their reviews. Our course notes provided additional review sources that were also referenced in our class postings.  These included the BC Ministry of Education (MOE) Integrate Resource Package (IRP) for “Evaluating, selecting and managing learning resources” and the Catalogue of Learning resources that are selected using MOE guidelines.  The course site listed online journals including Quill and Quire; Canadian Magazine (University of Manitoba); Canadian Children’s Book Center, and publications by the Canadian library Association.

In extension to the list in our American textbook some good sources were identified by students.  Janice[2] identified the online magazines Resource Links, Teacher Librarian - The Journal for School Library Professionals and the Calgary Board of Education list of selected resources.  Kirsti[3] shared the Association of BC Book Publishers for a listing of Canadian content and reviews with acknowledged bias.  Denise[4] noted the publisher Nystrom for providing samples and school appropriate atlases. 

Bridget[5], Regina[6] and Melissa[7] encouraged talking to other teacher librarians for personal recommendations, while I mentioned talking to teachers and public librarians for their needs and personal recommendations.At the end of reviewing the postings I feel I have a good chance at being successful at our second assignment.

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[1] Ann Reidling 2005.  Reference Skills for the School Lirary Media Specialist: Tools and Tips, 2nd Edition.  Linwood Publishing Inc.  Worthington, Ohio.

[2] Janice Parker, Sept 23, 2010 posting to class discussion on blackboard

[3] Kirsti Yorke, Sept 28, 2010 posting

[4] Denise Natyshak, sept 29, 2010 posting

[5] Bridget Hearsey Sept 19,2010 posting to class discussion on blackboard.

[6] Regina Openshaw, Sept 26, 2010 posting to class discussion on blackboard.

[7] Melissa Hunter Sept 21, 2010 posting to class discussion on blackboard.