Helping Homeschoolers in the Library [Paperback]

Adrienne Furness (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0838909558 | ISBN-13: 978-0838909553 | Publication Date: January 30, 2009

In the past decade, the rise of homeschooling has had a tremendous impact on public libraries. Research from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that of the 1.1 million children being homeschooled in the United States, 78% of homeschooling parents use the public library as their primary resource of learning materials. Yet, most librarians are unequipped and unprepared to reach this specific group of patrons.

This practical guidebook seeks to bridge the gap between librarians and homeschoolers in these two ways: who are homeschoolers and how can I help them practically? Part 1 addresses the history and background of homeschooling as well as the needs and viewpoints of various homeschooling groups. Part 2 deals specifically with building programs and services for the homeschooling population.

Addressing all age groups, from how to serve elementary school children and teens, to even the homeschooling parent, homeschooling expert Furness offers

# In-depth chapters dedicated to different types of homeschooling and unschooling movements
# Comprehensive discussion of resources to serve the diverse homeschooling population
# Ideas on programs and social outlets the library can provide
# Annotated lists of further readings at the end of each chapter, plus website resources and electronic discussion lists
# 17 real life stories of librarians interacting with homeschoolers

By moving past stereotypes and understanding what resources are available, librarians can be important allies to this diverse group of patrons. Children s and YA librarians, library directors, support staff working with youth in public libraries and educators will find the information and tools they need to develop policies, programs, and services to support homeschoolers in their communities.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In 2003, 1.1 million U.S. children were homeschooled, and 78 percent of their parents used the public library as their primary resource for learning materials. This book offers guidance in how to reach these parents and their children in grades K–12. Part 1 defines the field of homeschooling, including Unschooling Movement, homeschooling for religious reasons, homeschooling children with special needs, and other trends. Part 2 addresses how to serve homeschoolers by creating special programs, building a special collection, and more. The book provides 17 real-life examples, an annotated list of further readings at the end of each chapter, Web site resources, and discussion lists. In addition, Furness shares a copy of her “Serving Homeschoolers” grant application (NY State, 2005–07), which can serve as a model for other grant writers. An excellent basic primer full of practical suggestions for working with homeschoolers. --Esther Sinofsky

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Alpha Pub House (January 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838909558
• ISBN-13: 978-0838909553
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,232,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For Every Librarian's Resource Shelf, April 28, 2008

By 

Maureen Wittmann (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Helping Homeschoolers in the Library (Paperback)

I have been homeschooling for more 13 years. The library is my primary source of educational materials. In fact, according to the National Center for Education, this is true for 78% of homeschooling families.

Ms. Furness' book, Helping Homeschoolers in the Library, should be on every public library's resource shelf.

The book is broken into two parts. First: Defining Homeschoolers. This section explores the history of homeschooling, trends, and demographics. Ms. Furness interviews several homeschool leaders, including myself.

Part Two is: Serving Homeschoolers. Here you'll learn how to connect with homeschoolers, create programs with their special needs in mind, and how to help them use the library more efficiently.

This book will help you and your library better serve a fast growing group of patrons. I highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly useful guide that extends beyond common stereotypes to fill a growing need nationwide., May 3, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Helping Homeschoolers in the Library (Paperback)

Author Adrienne Furness (Children and Family Services Librarian, Webster Public Library) draws upon her extensive work with homeschoolers in a variety of settings to present Helping Homeschoolers in the Library, a straightforward guide for library professionals to helping homeschooling parents who use public libraries as their primary resource for learning materials. Chapters focus on the practicalities of helping homsechoolers, and cover the different homeschooling and unschooling movements; a thorough discussion of the resources that best serve homeschooling populations; ideas for programs and social opportunities the library can offer; annotated lists of recommended readings and online resources; and much more. A thoroughly useful guide that extends beyond common stereotypes to fill a growing need nationwide.