Publications

My Latest Books:

60 Ready to Use Coding Projects

American Library Association 2019

Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library – Oct 2018

American Library Association

By one count, there are more than 7,200 escape room environments in 1,445 cities in 105 countries. So why not in libraries? Sharpening participants’ problem solving and collaboration skills by mashing up real-time adventure, immersive theater, gaming, and old-fashioned entertainment, they’re a natural for libraries. And, as Kroski demonstrates in this fun guide, they’re feasible for a range of audiences and library budgets. Whether you’re already an escape room aficionado who’s eager to replicate the experience at your own institution, or an intrigued novice looking for ways to enliven your programing, Kroski has got you covered. This book

  • discusses the differences between escape rooms, which are highly structured, and immersive experiences, which are more casual;
  • shows how these unique experiences can be used to teach information literacy skills, add unique youth programming, bring adults into the library, and instruct patrons about library resources in the form of puzzles and challenges;
  • profiles several successful library projects, from large scale programs like New York Public Libraries’ Find the Future: The Game to smaller ones like Search for Alexander Hamilton;
  • offers dozens of programming ideas and examples that can be tailored to fit a variety of libraries and budgets; and
  • provides information on game kits available for purchase, tips for partnering with local Escape Room businesses, and links to additional resources.

With the assistance of Kroski’s guide, libraries everywhere can offer their own take on these exciting forms of entertainment, engagement, and education.

 

 

63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects – October 2017

American Library Association

63 Ready-to-Use Maker Projects is an all-in-one recipe book for makerspace programming that is chock-full of practical project ideas for libraries, each authored by librarians and makers.  Projects range in cost, topic, and difficulty as well as space requirements so there is something for every size and type of library, even those without makerspaces!

Projects run the gamut from sewing and crafts projects such as do-it-yourself chainmail, creating cardboard standups, and hydro dipping flower pots to high-tech and robotics programs such as building solar robots and creating an ultrasonic speed detector.  Also included are digital media projects such as video editing to remix films and light painting, as well as a plethora of milling, soldering, and cutting projects, programs involving 3D printing, and circuitry, wiring, and wearables projects.  Each project includes step-by-step instructions, a materials and equipment list, as well as learning outcomes, and recommendations for next projects.

 

The Makerspace Librarian’s Sourcebook – March 2017

American Library Association

The Makerspace Librarian’s Sourcebook is an essential all-in-one guidebook to the maker realm written specifically for librarians.  This practical volume is an invaluable resource for librarians seeking to learn about the major topics, tools, and technologies relevant to makerspaces today.  Jam-packed with instruction and advice from the field’s most tech-savvy innovators, this one-stop handbook will inspire readers through practical projects that they can implement in their libraries right now.

Authored by knowledgeable maker librarians, this comprehensive resource will guide librarians through all they need to know in order to make the most of their library makerspace.

Read the awesome review in LJ_review

 

 

Practical Guides for Librarians Book Series

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

I have recently taken on the role of Series Editor for the Practical Guides for Librarians book series. If you think you might be interested in writing a book for the series – yes there are royalties involved!! – please briefly pitch me your idea on this linked form. It doesn’t have to be a full proposal – just a sentence or two with your idea:
https://ellyssa.wufoo.com/forms/s1agh5mz1juejb7

 

Library Technology Essentials– 12 book series

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

The Library Technology Essentials series helps librarians utilize today’s hottest new technologies as lte-setwell as ready themselves for tomorrow’s. The series features titles that cover the A-Z of how to leverage the latest and most cutting-edge technologies and trends to deliver new library services.

Today’s forward-thinking libraries are responding to changes in information consumption, new technological advancements, and growing user expectations by devising groundbreaking ways to remain relevant in a rapidly changing digital world. This collection of primers guides libraries along the path to innovation through step-by-step instruction. Written by the field’s top experts, these handbooks serve as the ultimate gateway to the newest and most promising emerging technology trends. Filled with practical advice and projects for libraries to implement right now, these books inspire readers to start leveraging these new techniques and tools today.

Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

cosplay_in_libraries_cover

“Cosplay in Libraries is a treasury of hands-on instructions, practical programming advice, informational resources, and even a few of the finer points of geek culture. Kroski brings expertise and enthusiasm to a topic that may surprise you with its relevance to libraries. Whatever your level of experience with cosplay and event planning, whether or not your library is new to fandom-style programming, you’ll learn something new, fun, and interesting from this book.”— Jason Puckett, librarian for communication and virtual services, Georgia State University Library, and author of Zotero: A Guide for Librarians, Researchers and Educators

“Fandom is a powerful model for self-organizing communities of enthusiasm, and libraries are naturally positioned to roll out the welcome mat to fandoms of all types! Cosplay is a big part of modern fandom, and Ellyssa’s book gives library staff of any level, at libraries of any scale, what they need to pitch, plan, and present a dynamite cosplay experience for library users new and old.”— Eli Neiburger, deputy director, Ann Arbor District Library

Cosplay, comics, anime, and geek culture have exploded into the mainstream over recent years and have resulted in a thriving community of costume enthusiasts and pop culture fans. Today’s cosplayers find inspiration in the pages of comics, classic literature, and even history, as well as in film, television, and video games. They utilize many materials and techniques, including 3D printers, thermoplastics, craft foam, and fabric to design their costumes and props.

This one-stop guide includes 12 exciting step-by-step projects guiding the reader from start to finish through how they can host engaging cosplay events as well as quotes from and interviews with librarians who are incorporating cosplay into their programming. Learn all about the world of cosplay and how libraries can host cosplay events, workshops, makerspaces, clubs, and more!

Readers will also find 32 full-color photographs of cosplay in action to provide both ideas and inspiration to get started!

 

Please check out my Amazon Author page for all of my books at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa

 

Articles, White Papers, and Interviews

 

Regular Column: “Stacking the Tech” in Library Journal’s Academic Newswire