In 2003, Maricopa County Public Library in Arizona under the leadership of library web guru Paula Wilson launched "The Mystery Club of Luna Drive" serial. Each month another chapter of the book for middle readers was released, until the book was completed in 2005. The library utilized grant moneys to hire author James M. Deem to write the book, and the site featured character bookmarks and biographies.The site won several awards, and proved to be popular with the target audience.
So, my question to youth web librarians is ... why has no one repeated this model? Sure, it takes some coordination and planning, but come on... the concept is brilliant and mixed with the capabilities of web 2.0 technologies, just imagine the possibilities. The 2008 version of this would be phenomenal, a healthy dose of literacy combined with the power of a web community to get the kids hooked on your library site.
If you are looking for an enticing new feature for your youth site, start recruiting a local author and go for it!
2 comments:
Hi, Jessi
I'm really flattered that you are wondering why no one has tried to replicate my online novel project. I appreciate your kind words.
I just wanted to clear up a couple of things. Paula Wilson was my colleague here at the Maricopa County Library District, but she wasn't involved at all with the first online novel project. It was my baby from the beginning. Paula did help me with some of the Web design on the second novel we did, "Flyboy" by Bill Harley, but I recruited the author and did all the content. She was definitely a valued colleague and is missed around here. Also, the new chapters of"The Mystery Club of Luna Drive" came out one a month for a year, and then the complete book stayed online for one additional year, according to our contract with Mr. Deem.
You might want to check out our latest online novel, "The Gecko and Sticky...in the Villain's Lair" by Wendelin Van Draanen. This is currently on our Web site and can be seen by going to http://libcat.mcldaz.org/gecko/
I'm really proud how this one turned out, especially since as a self-taught Web designer, I ended up having to do this one completely on my own.
Again, I'm so glad you like this idea and thanks for mentioning it.
Tim Wadham, Youth Services Coordinator
Maricopa County Library District
Hey Tim,
Thanks for posting, and clarifying the details. Paula was the one that shared it with me several years ago.
I'm thrilled to hear that you are continuing the concept... and you should be very proud of your work. This is a truly cool concept, and I really am quite surprised that others have not duplicated it.
Everyone else, check out Tim's links to the subsequent projects. Brilliant work!
j
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