Yuvraj Singh gets a Jumbo book with World Cup trophy

Jumbo Editorial Team

Yuvraj Singh must have been over the moon on that famous evening of April 2 after he had helped India fulfill the cherished goal of becoming the first hosts to win the Cricket World Cup. He had also starred in many of the earlier victories and he was adjudged as Man of the Tournament.

The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai had gone berserk after Yuvraj Singh finished it off in the company of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and atmosphere was better felt than described.

Ehsan Qureshi, one of Pakistan’s premier journalists and authors, was there at the ground to cover the mega event that was being watched live by millions of television viewers in all the continents of the world.

Ehsan caught Yuvraj right there and presented him a copy of his book Fiasco, brought out by Jumbo Publishing in 2008, nearly a year after that ill-fated Cricket World Cup 2007.

Yuvraj, despite being the man of the moment and with the anchors and presenters chasing him everywhere, displayed the courtesy to stay with Ehsan and the scene was captured for posterity.

While Yuvraj formally thanked the author rather gracefully after going through just a few pages of the book, he smiled back when told that there will be a lot more about him in the books being compiled by Jumbo Publishing on the Cricket World Cup 2011.

Board books and picture books for children continue booming

Jumbo Editorial Team

Board books and picture books with short texts for children under five years old are booming in both fiction and non-fiction.

Picture books for the four to eight-year age group are still going strong, especially silly, wacky stories. Despite what you’ve heard recently at writers’ conferences, talking animals seem to be back in style, as long as the characters have very strong, distinct personalities with realistic and humorous stories about bears are the most popular.

In the ever-changing world of children’s book publishing, it’s often hard to keep up with what’s hot. While strong writing and an author’s passion for the subject will always prevail, there are some areas where editors are currently buying.

Poetry is more prevalent than in years past, especially collections from a single author with a theme or hook. While the market appears to be saturated with folktales, story collections are still popular.

Stories with dragons, wizards, gnomes and other mythical creatures abound, possibly because of the success of the Harry Potter books. Several books about fathers and their relationship with their children have fared well Also, books that combine fiction and nonfiction are a new way to teach subjects such as history, biography or art.

Historical fiction is still big for middle grade readers, though lengthy series seem to be giving way to single titles and shorter series. Biographies, humorous contemporary stories, and mysteries are always considered hot.

Young adult fiction is stronger than it has been for years, with time-travel, fantasy, adventure, problem novels, and realistic contemporary fiction topping the list.

Rise in International Book Fairs as publishing becomes more global

Jumbo Editorial Team

The number of International Book Fairs continues to rise as publishing becomes more global and new markets become ever more crucial. There are fairs being held in the Gulf region with Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai playing host with great success while the industry has come alive in South America with one in Buenos Aires. The Asian tigers, Taipei and Hong Kong, are not lagging behind either.

The upward trend in the number of trade visitors to book fairs was predicted in 2011 despite the recession in many countries. The publishers are being tempted to see them as a good place to economize, so there are likely to be fewer staff sent and some publishers withdrawing altogether, this will be balanced in some case by the fairs attracting more of the public.

The International Book Fairs are being held throughout the year. Most of these are primarily intended as trade fairs for the book trade, but an increasing number have extensive programmes of cultural events and opportunities to meet authors. Some set out to attract the general public while others have particular days when the public can get in.

Although they are not really intended for authors, the book fairs are worth researching, as one may come across someone in demand. The benefits are the vast array of new and forthcoming books on display, the seminars, conferences and author events which may be planned, and, most important of all, the chance to see the publishing world in action.

While Cairo, New Delhi, Taipei, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi Book, Bangkok, Alexandria, London and Budapest were the venues during the first four months of the year there’s plenty in store during the next eight months with International Books Fairs scheduled to be held at Tehran (May 5-8), Prague (May 12-15), Warsaw (May 20-23), New York (May 23-26), Moscow (June 6-11), Cape Town (June 16-19), Tokyo (July 7-10), Hong Kong (July 20-26), Beijing (August 31-September 4), Goteborg (September22-25), Frankfurt (October12-16), Toronto (October 29-31), Montreal (November 16-21) and Mexico City (November 26-December7).

School Libraries Worldwide: An iconic journal

Jumbo Editorial Team

School Libraries Worldwide is not only the official professional and research journal of the International Association of School Librarianship but it has become an iconic publication. It is a refereed, peer-reviewed journal, published twice yearly, in January and July and is available online only on the IASL web portal.

School Libraries Worldwide publishes current research and scholarship on any aspect of school librarianship. Contributors are invited to submit new scholarly works, such as research reports and reviews of research.

The individual issues of the journal may also include a theme section, introduced by a Theme Editor and including several articles on the theme. The Theme Editor works with the Editor to issue a call for papers on the theme but may also invite researchers with a special interest in the theme to submit papers.

Edited by Dr Nancy Everhart and Dr Marcia Mardis, School Libraries Worldwide has a powerful Editorial Board with the members like Taghreed Alqudsi-Ghabra (Kuwait University, Kuwait), Marlene Asselin (University of British Columbia, Canada), Jennifer Branch (University of Alberta, Canada), Gerald Brown (School Library & Information Services Consultant, Canada), Barbara Combes (Edith Cowan University, Australia), Samuel Kai Wah Chu (The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong), Christiane Eteve (Institut national de recherche pedagogique, France), Sigrún Klara Hannesdóttir (National Library of Iceland, Iceland) and Gary Hartzell (University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA).

It has published articles on the topics and issues like School Library as Space, School Library as Place, Research into Practice, New Learners, New Literacies, New Libraries, Knowledge Management in Schools and for Schools, Empowering School Libraries, Gender and Digital Technologies, Reading in the Age of Harry Potter, Extending the Reach of the School Library, The Multiple Dimensions of Principal Involvement, Information Literacy, Education for School Librarianship, Learning from Our Past and Promoting a Reading Culture

The subscriptions to School Libraries Worldwide are available to the non-members of the Association as well, at a cost of US$100.00 per year.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2011 set to start on October 12

Jumbo Editorial Team

The Frankfurt Book Fair is recognized as the meeting place for the industry’s experts. The galaxy of publishers, booksellers, agents, film producers and authors assemble each year in October with purpose.

The figures speak themselves as the Frankfurt Book Fair attracts in huge number the movers and shakers of the books and allied trades. It is considered as the most important marketplace for books, media, rights and licences worldwide. More than 7,300 exhibitors from 100 countries, 299,000 visitors and over 10,000 journalists were reported to be there in attendance last year.

The Frankfurt Book Fair 2011is scheduled to be held from October 12 to 16 with Iceland to be the Guest of Honour this year. The organizers reckon that the Frankfurt Book Fair provides more access to current trends than anywhere else.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is facing up to its environmental responsibilities. Together with the Messe Frankfurt, it is implementing measures aimed at optimum protection of the environment and greater sustainability, such as cutting back on drinking water and electricity consumption and air-conditioning, using solar energy and eco-electricity, backing the use of public transport locally and long-distance, integrated waste disposal concept (recycling rate 80 to 90 per cent), use of regionally produced foodstuffs and reusable crockery in the Fair's catering facilities.

The history of the Frankfurt Book Fair dates back to the 15th century, when Johannes Gutenberg first invented movable type, only a few kilometres down the road from Frankfurt.

Frankfurt remained the central and undisputed European book fair city through to the 17th century. In the course of political and cultural upheaval, in the 18th century Leipzig then came to play the part. In 1949, that early Frankfurt book fair tradition was given a new lease of life as 205 German exhibitors assembled from September 18 to 23 in Frankfurt's Paulskirche for the first post-War book fair.

Almost 60 trade-fair years later, the Frankfurt Book Fair is acclaimed the largest of its kind in the world and the hallmark for global activities in the field of culture. With year-round services and information offerings for the international trade, the Frankfurt Book Fair has temerged as the world-wide market place for ideas-365 days a year.

COMSATS Islamabad organize walk on World Book and Copyright Day

Jumbo Editorial Team

The Library Information Services of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) emphasized on the slogan “Books, Pathways to the Future” during the World Book and Copyright Day 2011 celebrations held at their Islamabad campus on April 25.

The CIIT has established a tradition of sorts by celebrating this auspicious day by organizing different activities and events for the stakeholders. This time round a walk and library mounted book exhibition were the main activities of the day. It was organized for raising awareness about the importance and benefits of developing reading habits among students.

The participants of the walk were carrying banners and placards on which different quotations were written about the importance of books and reading. They took a round of the campus and finished the walk at the library, where, Rector CIIT along with Executive Members of CEC and Raja Muhammad Ibrahim, Senior Librarian, inaugurated “Library Mounted Book Exhibition” for students and faculty members.

The walk was led by Rector CIIT, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi (S.I.) and he was followed by faculty members and students. There was a large turnout despite the hot and humid weather conditions.

Throughout the day a large number of students and faculty members were observed visiting the exhibition and taking interest in the books which were displayed inside the library premises.

Responsibilities and obligations of university librarians

Jumbo Editorial Team

The university librarians are taught about their responsibilities and obligations during their student life. It’s important for them to follow the guidelines and meet the challenge. There may be situations when the particular needs of a team may require slight modifications to the standard guidelines but in most cases they remain similar.

A librarian’s principal responsibility is to University Library, its mission, vision, and goals. The librarians are expected to commit time and effort to the library in an exemplary fashion. It is the librarian’s responsibility to exercise discretion over the use of their time and effort.

The librarians should establish a schedule that makes their services available to the university community at times when these services are most in demand. They should establish a schedule that accommodates team and supervisory responsibilities.

The librarians are expected, as part of their primary responsibilities, to conduct service and professional development activities. Time allotted to these activities may average between half a day and a full day per week.

The librarians are advised to undertake commitments outside their primary responsibilities only to the extent that these commitments do not interfere with the librarian’s ability to meet their primary responsibilities in an exemplary fashion. They are generally required to notify their supervisors of plans to engage in outside activities of an extensive, recurring, or continuing nature.

The university librarians should also make it a point to read a lot themselves that would not only help in enhancing their knowledge but will also be greatly beneficial in letting them improve their overall skills.

Changing role of libraries in digital age

Jumbo Editorial Team

The American Library Association strongly believes that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. Since the founding of their country, the libraries have always been important to freedom. Today they find themselves in the midst of a tremendous shift in the way Americans consume literature and other content, but one thing has not changed-the library must continue to play a central role in providing open and free access to information and ideas.

Exactly what that role looks like is the subject of much debate and many differing perspectives. Some believe libraries will shift into learning and information centers while others insist they will maintain their role as a physical location for cataloging and loaning books-in addition to housing sources of information technology.

While providing books was a standalone function for libraries throughout the last few centuries, their offerings have evolved with the digital age to meet the changing needs of their patrons.

According to an article published in a reputed magazine, more than 71 percent of public libraries provide their community's only free public access to computers and the Internet. Not surprisingly then, due to the economic hardship, more people are using libraries. A study sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services last year found that 69 percent of Americans 14 years of age or older visited a public library in 2009.

Regardless of its exact nature, technology will play an increasing role in shaping our future libraries. For centuries, the book publishing industry has worked closely with and supported libraries, and they have done so without influencing the freedom of the institution. It is now time for the technology industry to step up and play a similar role.

Digital reading has taken off over the past three years in ways that no one would have imagined a decade ago. Earlier this year, the Book Industry Study Group reported that eBook sales rose from 1.5% of all book sales in Q1 2009 to 5% in Q1 2010.

This is a wonderful thing in many respects-digital reading makes it easier to publish and distribute materials than ever before. But the race is also on to lock down the market on ebooks by locking consumers into a specific platform, and this is the equivalent of curbing access.

Future of books and publishing in digital age

Jumbo Editorial Team

Many media channels are feeling the pinch. Some are blaming the economy while others are blaming the Internet. Some think it's a combination of the two. Books, great literature and the publishing industry are not going to disappear, but they are going to change radically in the coming months and years. It's time we start having candid conversations about what the future of books, writing, publishing, and the book business will be in the digital age.

The publishing industry is looking at the technology that is changing the industry and the role that books will play "as a delivery mechanism for stories, information and entertainment."

Harper Collins had announced that it would be making nearly one hundred literary classics available via a new cartridge for the Nintendo DS that would turn the gaming device into an e-book reader. Then there's also news that the new Amazon Kindle will be launched.

The e-commerce giant was predicted to rake in $1.2 billion in 2010 from sales related to its Kindle e-reader, according to a new research report, that also stated the etailer sold 500,000 units the previous year. Industry insiders described the new Kindle the "iPod of the Book World."

A lot of people are of the belief that books and digital media can co-exist because they have the ability to serve different markets. They reckon that no one can rationalize the need for large volume encyclopedias when one has access to the same information and in many cases more up to date information, via the internet.

Conversely, there are subjects or material that would be best served in printed format for its ease of use. It’s believed that the downturn in book sales has less to do with competition from media sources and more to do with high book prices.

There are avid book lovers all over the planet who still cherish cradling a hardcover book in their hand and reading the words of the author. Humans are in nature tactile creatures. And that alone ensures that there's a future for printed books, they feel.

Motivating kids to read

Jumbo Editorial Team

Motivating children to read is one of those agony-ecstasy tasks every parent and teacher faces sooner or later. When the desire to read is planted, nurtured, and grows it's ecstasy but when an appreciation of reading fails to take root it's agony for the parent, teacher and child.

There are myriad reasons children don’t like to read, and the following selection of articles will explain why and what parents and teachers can do about it; provide valuable tips on what won’t work (nagging, bribing, criticizing); and offer practical advice on reading activities that will keep the entire family engaged during summer months and holiday breaks.

The most effective way to encourage your children to love books and reading is to read aloud to them and the earlier you start, the better. Even a baby of a few months can see pictures, listen to your voice, and turn cardboard pages.

Teachers can encourage children to read by incorporating technology into the reading classroom. By using technology, children who do not respond to print-based material are more likely to stay on task and are more motivated to learn. Several authors have offered advice for integrating the use of technology or other audio-visual media.

Summer leaves lots of time for kids to enjoy fun activities, such as going to the park, seeing a movie, or going to the beach. Why not also encourage them to read a book about the activity? If you're going to a baseball game, suggest that your child read a book about a favorite player beforehand. In the car or over a hot dog, you'll have lots of time to talk about the book and the game.

If your child doesn't have a library card, summer is a great time to sign up for one. In addition to a wide selection of books to borrow, many libraries have fun, child-friendly summer reading programs.

Read the newspaper at breakfast, pick up a magazine at the doctor's office, and stuff a paperback in your beach bag. If kids see the adults around them reading often, they will understand that literature can be a fun and important part of their summer days.

Motivating teenagers to read

Jumbo Editorial Team

Teens can become reluctant readers. Since the majority of the reading they do is for school they tend to relax afterwards. Another cause may be that they are struggling with reading at the level of their peers. Often this leads them to take a defensive position and they declare reading is stupid, no fun, or boring.

The parents can help by encouraging independent reading. Independent reading is motivating because it is about choosing subject matter of interest to the reader, in this case, the teen. This is the reading we all do for our own enjoyment and entertainment.

Instead of pressing for reading at a particular grade-level, let this reading be at whatever level the teen feels comfortable. The point here is to reinforce success and create a feeling of confidence. The teen will naturally seek more difficult material as he or she grows more comfortable and confident.

In order to keep a teen motivated to read, scheduling a weekly trip to the library is a great idea. Obtain library cards for each teen. Let them choose any material they would like to look at for the next week. Be open to CD's, DVD's, tapes, magazines, or books. When there is no pressure to pick a particular type of material, teens feel able to pick something of interest and at a level they are willing to tackle for enjoyment. Remember you want to develop a lifelong reader.

Encourage your teen to join a book club. Many libraries and some schools have book clubs specifically for teens. Teens enjoy interacting with other teens and they get to share books of interest to them. Get them a driver's manual as most teens are looking forward to being able to drive. Get a driver's manual and have them study to take their driver's test. If they are having trouble reading the manual, help them through it.

Develop a personal library for them. Encourage your teen to develop a library of favorite books. In addition to purchasing new books, they can add books to their collection through yard sale purchases, used bookstores, and library sales. Gift your teen with a magazine subscription. Choose a magazine which covers a topic your teen is interested in - cars, wildlife, movies, or anime. Another closely related approach is to let them sign up for an e-mail newsletter or ezine.

World Book and Copyright Day celebrated worldwide

Jumbo Editorial Team

The World Book and Copyright Day, also known as the International Day of the Book or the World Book Days, has become one of most sought after events in many countries of the world. It’s an yearly event, celebrated on April 23, but the activities and festivities continue for the whole month.

The UNESCO, in an effort to promote reading, publishing and copyright, had first celebrated the Day in 1995. It’s very heartening to note that this annual event has gained momentum every where and indeed it’s serving the purpose of raising awareness in the third world countries in particular.

Histrically the UNESCO had decided that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on April 23 because of the Catalonian festival and because the date is also the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare, the death of Miguel de Cervantes, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Josep Pla, the birth of Maurice Druon, Vladimir Nabokov, Manuel Mejía Vallejo and Halldór Laxness.

It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.

The idea for this celebration originated in Catalonia where on April 23, Saint George's Day, a rose is traditionally given as a gift for each book sold.

The success of the World Book and Copyright Day has depended primarily on the support received from all parties concerned viz. authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs and the mass media, who have been mobilized in each country by UNESCO National Commissions, UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, Associated Schools and Libraries, and by all those who feel motivated to work together in this world celebration of books and authors.

Upon the suggestion of the UNESCO, special attention was given to the evolution of book production, from writing to digital and future challenges, during the 2011 edition of the World Book and Copyright Day.