MEETING ALERT

the book lists are up, check out the link.
if you don't have a list, email rick.
first timer? no prob

Viki's INSTRUCTIONS:
you look up the book on amazon.com
give it a rating from 1 - 5
1 being BAD BOOOO
5 being WOW! LOVE IT!
scribble down a quick summary if you feel the need
be prepared
rick sometimes asks why you give the ratings you do

Rick's INSTRUCTIONS:
You should be able to find a list there with your name. For example, if youname is "Todd", you would probably find a list titled, "Todd's List". If youdon't see a list, e-mail ASAP and I we can make one for you. Click on the list,click the button labeled "Edit" and you will see a list of books to review forthe meeting.For the most part, you will probably have most of the information you need inBWI to review books. Find the title of the item, click on "Details" (the littlemagnifying glass) and a summary, professional reviews and a picture of the bookscover will appear (if any of these things are available).
If you want, you can review the books in other ways.
Like:1) Go to amazon.com and find the book. Double check the author to make sure itis the same one. Look at the editorial reviews (like Publisher's Weekly, VOYA,School Library Journal, Booklist, etc.) and customer reviews to get an idea ofthe book. Look at the cover, and, if possible, use the "take a look inside"option.
2) Use databases like Proquest, Infotrac or Books in Print to find the books andlook at the reviews there.
3) Go to a bookstore or library and find the bookthere, leaf through it, look at the cover, look at the back, smell it, etc. toget and idea of the book.
4) Feel free to read the book if you have time. (It is not necessary, but youcan read it if you like.)

The questions you should be asking about each item are:
1) Is this something that looks interesting to me or would I like to read it?
2) Who would this appeal to and would that group like to read it? So if it is aStar Trek book, would Sci Fi readers like it? etc.
3) Does this book have mass appeal and should I buy it just because it is soooogood? Things to keep in mind when gathering your information include: -awards or nominations-other books by the author-length-genre-is it appropriate or of interest for YA audiences-is it appropriate for the audience at Shoreline-is it too young or old (our core audience is 12-18)-does it appear on any booklists-(especially for non-fiction but for some fiction) is the book timely or does itinclude information that is useful for homework

Blah blah blah . . . You don't have to gather all this information about everybook, but this should give you an idea of what you should be looking for.
if you're friends want to join STAB, give their emails to rick.