User-friendly guide offers tools, tips and best practices for developing language and literacy skills

New York, NY (November 25, 2008)— Libraries play a vital role in supporting the development of essential language, communication and literacy skills in young children. Delivering the Best Start: A Guide to the Early Years, to be released by Neal-Schuman Publishers on January 15, 2009, is an accessible, easy-to-understand guide for all librarians and information professionals involved in promoting and encouraging early literacy development. Through a comprehensive blend of background, policy, current best practices and an array of sample programs and resources, the book will equip practitioners with a broad range of knowledge and tools for achieving success in all aspects of children’s library services.

Authors and respected researchers Carolynn Rankin and Avril Brock organize Delivering the Best Start: A Guide to the Early Years into six clearly structured chapters. Each chapter provides an overview of the topic, related real-life scenarios and insights, and practical ideas and resources for implementing service. The book begins with an overview of early childhood services. People and partnerships are covered next, with instruction for developing family-friendly service, becoming familiar with the community, developing effective partnerships with outside organizations, and connecting with the home learning environment. The book moves on to discuss buildings, design, space planning, book display and signage, as well as creating the right atmosphere through proper mood, stimulation and sound. The following chapter provides a comprehensive guide to resources and collection development and includes suggestions for books, toys, multimedia and computer programs for general services as well as specific groups, like bilingual children and those with special needs. The next chapter discusses introducing reading to young children and their families, and contains sample activities for storytelling, advice for reaching elusive audiences, and a guide to organizing promotions and campaigns. The last section covers organizational planning, managing budgets and finances, and developing and evaluating library sessions.

Through comprehensive subject coverage and detailed guidance, <strong>Delivering the Best Start: A Guide to the Early Years teaches youth service librarians to create enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences that will help foster vital early literacy skills.

Delivering the Best Start: A Guide to the Early Years
ISBN 978-1-85604-610-7.
2008. 6 x 9. 192 pp. $110.00.

About the Authors
Carolynn Rankin, MA is Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Global Ethics, Leslie Silver International Faculty, Leeds Metropolitan University.
Avril Brock, PhD, is a principal Lecturer in Childhood and Early Years Education in the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education, Leed Metropolitan University.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers and Facet Publishing
Facet Publishing titles are exclusively available in the United States through Neal-Schuman Publishers, a leading provider of library management, Internet, and information technology resources. Facet is the imprint of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (formerly the British Library Association). Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com