I'm writing to defend the librarian who mentioned using reviews on
Amazon.com instead of "standard selection tools." I frequently use
Amazon as a source of reviews when I need something quickly and can't
find the title in the BIP database. It never seems to be as up-to-date
as Amazon! Since Amazon frequently includes reviews from "standard
selection tools" such as SLJ, Kirkus, and Booklist, I see no problem
with consulting it.
>>> "Brisco, Shonda" <briscos@TRINITYVALLEYSCHOOL.ORG> 09/30/04 08:37AM
>>>
We each have our selection policies and curriculums that guide us to
make the choices that we do for the materials in our libraries;
however,
when it comes to making those professional choices, I would much
rather
choose those "standard selection tools" that we have been trained to
use
to make selections for libraries than to use the "reviews in
Amazon--or
any other online bookstore."
Just as we teach our students to "review websites" to determine
authenticity, accuracy, authority (etc.), we should also remember that
when we do a quick search online through Amazon (or other online
sources) to find information about a book, we should also look through
our professional journals for TRUE reviews done by credible
authorities--librarians.
The book is listed on the ALA List for Relunctant Readers and it is
also
reviewed by these professional journals. (Please choose your
favorite(s) to determine if the review offers you a "heads up" before
you purchase them.) Remember...books online through bookstore reviews
are written by "who knows who" ....and the website's purpose... (as we
ask our students this question also ---???) is to sell books! =20
Booklist 06/01/02
Kirkus Review 04/15/02
Publishers Weekly 01/21/02
Teacher Librarian 04/01/03
Voice of Youth Advocates (V.O.Y.A.) 04/01/03
******************************
~Shonda Brisco
Trinity Valley MS / US Librarian
Fort Worth, TX
briscos@trinityvalleyschool.org
=20
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Cindy Lafferty
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 8:09 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Gossip Girl Challenge
Dear LM_netters,
If you have not read this series of books, and I haven't, you might
want to read the customer reviews on Amzon.com.
The kids are very honest about what is in the book (drug use, sex,
inappropriate relationships between teens and adults) and very honest
in
their opinions.
It will give you an idea about the content and why it is appealing.
After perusing the reviews I know I will not be spending my budget on
these particular titles.
Cindy Lafferty
Media specialist
Trinity Catholic High School
Ocala, Fl
clafferty@tchs.us
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