1. eChalk Lesson Planner update
2. Summer reading program
3. Budget Information
6. Inservice Classes
7. Videoconferencing
8. Online Databases
9. Staff Development for November
10. Google Stories: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu5-ya0eNjA
From in-district: http://lightspeed/SafeVideos/Video.aspx?id=fu5-ya0eNjA
11. Websites, articles of note:
Ten Tips to Get Your Year Started Right
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/printissue/currentissue/886351-427/what_every_new_media_specialist.html.csp
Search for Creative Commons images: http://compfight.com/
Dotty Dots http://dotty-dots.appspot.com/
The Best Online Learning Games http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2010/09/12/the-best-online-learning-games-2010/
The Best Music Websites for Learning English http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/01/30/the-best-music-websites-for-learning-english/
Searchy Pants: Safe Internet Surfing for Kids
Wordquest http://pbskids.org/wordquest/index.php#/team
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Staff Development Day, September 2, 2010
Staff Development Day
September 2, 2010
1. Welcome back!
2. Introductions
3. Department meetings, 2010-2011
All meetings will be held on Wednesday afternoons after school in the high school library, unless otherwise indicated.
September 15, 2010
October 20, 2010
November 2, 2010 (Staff Development Day)
December 15, 2010—joint meeting with the public librarians
January 19, 2011
February 16, 2011
March 16, 2011
April 27, 2011
May 18, 2011
June 23, 2011 (Thursday, 12:30)
4. Meeting Agendas and Minutes and between meeting info on blog: http://uniondalelmc.blogspot.com/
5. PowerSchool Gradebook, Report cards for elementary schools
6. eChalk Lesson Planner
7. Annual Report—laying the groundwork
http://theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/the-unquiet-library-multimedia-annual-report-2009-10/
8. Linking New Programs to Library Skills and Genres
9. ActivInspire 1.4 tools
10. iPad demonstration
11. Digital Book Trailers
12. Inspire your students to read!
13. Staff development resources: http://workbench.wikispaces.com/
14. This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson
Finally, why the library is critical:
http://www.nyssba.org/index.php?src=news&submenu=on_board&srctype=detail&category=On%20Board%20Online%20August%209%202010&refno=1443
September 2, 2010
1. Welcome back!
2. Introductions
3. Department meetings, 2010-2011
All meetings will be held on Wednesday afternoons after school in the high school library, unless otherwise indicated.
September 15, 2010
October 20, 2010
November 2, 2010 (Staff Development Day)
December 15, 2010—joint meeting with the public librarians
January 19, 2011
February 16, 2011
March 16, 2011
April 27, 2011
May 18, 2011
June 23, 2011 (Thursday, 12:30)
4. Meeting Agendas and Minutes and between meeting info on blog: http://uniondalelmc.blogspot.com/
5. PowerSchool Gradebook, Report cards for elementary schools
- Demonstrates understanding of library curriculum
- Participates in library lessons and activities
- Uses library materials with care and returns them on time
- Displays appropriate behavior
6. eChalk Lesson Planner
7. Annual Report—laying the groundwork
http://theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/the-unquiet-library-multimedia-annual-report-2009-10/
8. Linking New Programs to Library Skills and Genres
9. ActivInspire 1.4 tools
10. iPad demonstration
11. Digital Book Trailers
12. Inspire your students to read!
13. Staff development resources: http://workbench.wikispaces.com/
14. This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson
Finally, why the library is critical:
http://www.nyssba.org/index.php?src=news&submenu=on_board&srctype=detail&category=On%20Board%20Online%20August%209%202010&refno=1443
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
In the Library with the Lead Pipe Blog
Six librarians from various library types share reflections about professional library work with the hope that doing so will improve library communities. Check it out:
http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/
http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Information Fluency
This site is devoted to efforts to facilitate information fluency, "...the ability to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically." It includes many helpful resources and tutorials that have an audio feature.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Library Blogs
Library Blogs with a Voice Worth Hearing:
Will Manley's Will Unwound
The Unquiet Library
Wired Librarian
Top Shelf
Information Literacy Weblog
Stephen's Lighthouse
Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog
Cathy Nelson's Professional Thoughts
Will Manley's Will Unwound
The Unquiet Library
Wired Librarian
Top Shelf
Information Literacy Weblog
Stephen's Lighthouse
Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog
Cathy Nelson's Professional Thoughts
Friday, June 04, 2010
Booklist Online
I really like this site: http://www.booklistonline.com/. I've been on their online subscription list for a while but haven't had the time to take a good look which I did today. It's worth perusing. Award-winners are conveniently listed on one of the site's frames.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Department Meeting, May 19, 2010
1. Database selections
Please review current purchases and give me feedback for changes.
2. Periodicals updates--send Delores updated lists.
3. Summer reading partnership--We created a succinct bookmark announcing the summer reading partnership. This will be given to you for distribution along with the flyers. Books for incentive baskets have been purchased and will be assembled for you to display.
4. Replacement book monies--Hand in replacement book monies to Mr. Flanagan who will adjust budget lines accordingly.
5. Overdrive
"OverDrive Media Console is a free application designed to use the OverDrive titles available for download at many public library and retail websites. Built with the user in mind, OverDrive Media Console makes downloading easy and convenient. It offers a variety of playback and title navigation options including multiple playspeeds, bookmarking, and a 'resume from most recently played point' button. For those who prefer to take their content 'to go,' OverDrive Media Console has built-in Transfer and Burn Wizards, allowing users to transfer OverDrive titles to portable devices and burn to CD in just a few clicks. OverDrive Media Console is an all-in-one solution for enjoying OverDrive titles."
Should we consider? Feedback, please.
6. Summer positions--High school library position is open.
7. Summer Technology Institute--Look for listings in My Learning Plan.
8. Our final meeting for the school year will be on Wednesday, June 23 at 12:30.
Please review current purchases and give me feedback for changes.
2. Periodicals updates--send Delores updated lists.
3. Summer reading partnership--We created a succinct bookmark announcing the summer reading partnership. This will be given to you for distribution along with the flyers. Books for incentive baskets have been purchased and will be assembled for you to display.
4. Replacement book monies--Hand in replacement book monies to Mr. Flanagan who will adjust budget lines accordingly.
5. Overdrive
"OverDrive Media Console is a free application designed to use the OverDrive titles available for download at many public library and retail websites. Built with the user in mind, OverDrive Media Console makes downloading easy and convenient. It offers a variety of playback and title navigation options including multiple playspeeds, bookmarking, and a 'resume from most recently played point' button. For those who prefer to take their content 'to go,' OverDrive Media Console has built-in Transfer and Burn Wizards, allowing users to transfer OverDrive titles to portable devices and burn to CD in just a few clicks. OverDrive Media Console is an all-in-one solution for enjoying OverDrive titles."
Should we consider? Feedback, please.
6. Summer positions--High school library position is open.
7. Summer Technology Institute--Look for listings in My Learning Plan.
8. Our final meeting for the school year will be on Wednesday, June 23 at 12:30.
9. Library M files have been moved to the Librarians folder in the Y drive.
10. Websites of note:
21st Century Information fluency
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Department Meeting--April 21, 2010
1. Summer Reading Program
LITE Bytes articles due. Please save them to the Summer Reading, 2010 folder in Library M.
Incentive discussion
2. Digital Storytelling presentation (book trailers)--Cara C.
2. Library card applications available online: http://uniondalelibrary.org
3. Online databases--recommendations
4. Budget re-cap
5. End-of-year meeting, Wednesday, June 23, 2010
6. Summer Technology Institute survey--Please complete!
Handouts: Character of Characters Bibliography; Telling the Story---Digitally; Why Do People Read?
Available Online: Empowering Students for Life: Research Skills in the Age of Testing by Carolyn Foote
LITE Bytes articles due. Please save them to the Summer Reading, 2010 folder in Library M.
Incentive discussion
2. Digital Storytelling presentation (book trailers)--Cara C.
2. Library card applications available online: http://uniondalelibrary.org
3. Online databases--recommendations
4. Budget re-cap
5. End-of-year meeting, Wednesday, June 23, 2010
6. Summer Technology Institute survey--Please complete!
Handouts: Character of Characters Bibliography; Telling the Story---Digitally; Why Do People Read?
Available Online: Empowering Students for Life: Research Skills in the Age of Testing by Carolyn Foote
Friday, February 12, 2010
Department Meeting, March 17, 2010
1. Purchase orders due by April 9.
2. Requests for staff development for back-to-school--Submit suggestions to me by the next department meeting.
3. Follett Destiny update--Destiny 9.5 will be installed over spring break.
4. Ana Ritter, Google Search presentation
Fresh from her participation at a one-day academy for administrators sponsored by Google, Ana shared with us hidden features of Google searches including alerts, translate, Scholar, Squared, and News Timeline. Most of these are available through a search on Google for Google Labs.
5. Shared: Financial Literacy resources article
Check out:
Youth Media Awards Winners: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/ymawrap2010.cfm
Doug Johnson has an interesting blog entry on social vs. educational networking:
Curriculum Correlations from Gale provides a search tool that helps visitors select Gale titles connected to New York State curriculum standards.
2. Requests for staff development for back-to-school--Submit suggestions to me by the next department meeting.
3. Follett Destiny update--Destiny 9.5 will be installed over spring break.
4. Ana Ritter, Google Search presentation
Fresh from her participation at a one-day academy for administrators sponsored by Google, Ana shared with us hidden features of Google searches including alerts, translate, Scholar, Squared, and News Timeline. Most of these are available through a search on Google for Google Labs.
5. Shared: Financial Literacy resources article
Check out:
Youth Media Awards Winners: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/ymawrap2010.cfm
Doug Johnson has an interesting blog entry on social vs. educational networking:
Don't confuse social networking with educational networking - Home - Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk Blog via kwout
Curriculum Correlations from Gale provides a search tool that helps visitors select Gale titles connected to New York State curriculum standards.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Department Meeting, January 20, 2010
1. Follett Destiny
The catalog now has the capability of listing Lexile levels for books. To use this feature, go to the catalog and, without logging in, you will see the Reading Programs upside down book picture and a pull-down menu. Select Lexile and your level and search.
Any day now the catalog will be upgraded to 9.5.
2. Staff Development, February 1, 2010
8-11 a.m. Google Earth UHS 211
12:30-3 p.m. Nettrekker UHS 309
3. LITE Bytes articles
4. Public Library card drive
Websites of note:
StoryCorps http://www.storycorps.org/
Oral history projects
For those of us who have been in the library field a while, this is for us:
http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/wills-world/retiring-golden-years
Nudging Toward Inquiry http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/fontichiaro2009.v26n1p17.html
Student Inquiry and Web 2.0 http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Berger2010.v26n5p14.html
Article in School Library Monthly, 12/09, "The Teacher's Take on the School Library Program" is worth reading. Actually, this and other articles in this issue are worth perusing.
American School Board Journal has a compelling article about the future of libraries.
The catalog now has the capability of listing Lexile levels for books. To use this feature, go to the catalog and, without logging in, you will see the Reading Programs upside down book picture and a pull-down menu. Select Lexile and your level and search.
Any day now the catalog will be upgraded to 9.5.
2. Staff Development, February 1, 2010
8-11 a.m. Google Earth UHS 211
12:30-3 p.m. Nettrekker UHS 309
3. LITE Bytes articles
4. Public Library card drive
Websites of note:
StoryCorps http://www.storycorps.org/
Oral history projects
For those of us who have been in the library field a while, this is for us:
http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/wills-world/retiring-golden-years
Nudging Toward Inquiry http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/fontichiaro2009.v26n1p17.html
Student Inquiry and Web 2.0 http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Berger2010.v26n5p14.html
Article in School Library Monthly, 12/09, "The Teacher's Take on the School Library Program" is worth reading. Actually, this and other articles in this issue are worth perusing.
American School Board Journal has a compelling article about the future of libraries.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Department Meeting, 12/16/09
We met with the public librarians for our annual get-together and discussed the following:
1. All staff members in the Uniondale School District are entitled to work-in-district library cards. Depending on the patron's home library, these may offer additional borrowing privileges.
2. An online registration form for library cards for residents will be available in January. When that happens, we will publicize through e-mail. Elementary students without cards will receive forms from building librarians. Recommendation: invite representatives from the library to attend school functions where parents will be present in order to distribute library card registration forms.
3. Visits to the schools by public librarians are always welcome! YA visits included a program on databases, and it was suggested that this be extended to the elementary schools as well.
4. The library provides online homework help through tutor.com.
5. The annual Global Village is scheduled for January 24, 2010. Black History Month will feature a program by a jazz player, and visitors to the library will be treated to an exhibit of murals on the African Diaspora.
6. The library's Kwanzaa program was highlighted in VOYA.
7. School libraries will publicize the winter reading club, Driven to Read. Lots of enticing prizes will inspire students to participate, including entry into the Monster Jam World Finals.
1. All staff members in the Uniondale School District are entitled to work-in-district library cards. Depending on the patron's home library, these may offer additional borrowing privileges.
2. An online registration form for library cards for residents will be available in January. When that happens, we will publicize through e-mail. Elementary students without cards will receive forms from building librarians. Recommendation: invite representatives from the library to attend school functions where parents will be present in order to distribute library card registration forms.
3. Visits to the schools by public librarians are always welcome! YA visits included a program on databases, and it was suggested that this be extended to the elementary schools as well.
4. The library provides online homework help through tutor.com.
5. The annual Global Village is scheduled for January 24, 2010. Black History Month will feature a program by a jazz player, and visitors to the library will be treated to an exhibit of murals on the African Diaspora.
6. The library's Kwanzaa program was highlighted in VOYA.
7. School libraries will publicize the winter reading club, Driven to Read. Lots of enticing prizes will inspire students to participate, including entry into the Monster Jam World Finals.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Librarian in Black Blog
Thanks to Mary for sharing this blog:
I especially appreciated the post,
I especially appreciated the post,
IL2009: Information Overload is the Devil
where she supports the premise that we are "...far more adept in generating information than we are in managing it." (Jonathan B. Spira) Check out her 10 tips for managing information overload.Sunday, November 01, 2009
Classic Recap
Nancy R. happened upon an article that introduces readers to a website that captures the essence of literary classics and entices students to read one. Check out the article, "A Novel Approach" http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/10/31/a_novel_approach_to_getting_kids_into_classics/
and then visit the site:
.
and then visit the site:
60 Second Recap via kwout
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Department Meeting, October 21, 2009
AGENDA
October 21, 2009
1. Follett Destiny—update and issues
2. PowerSchool
Problems syncing with Follett. Inconsistencies. Will follow up with techservices. Forward examples of new admits not syncing.
3. Staff Development options, November 3, 2009, 8:00-3:00
a. ActivInspire software
b. Digital storytelling--with high school ELA and Social Studies teachers; most appropriate for secondary librarians and/or those who didn't take this staff development previously
c. NSLS workshops--evaluating library programs and creating personal learning networks (two separate sessions on location at BOCES)
Decision:
Two will start with digital storytelling and then go to BOCES.
Everyone else will start with ActivInspire. Some will go to BOCES in the afternoon.
Remaining will continue work on ActivInspire.
4. Budget—Status and Preparations
Consider any equipment or extraordinary needs for budget development.
5. Department Meeting with Public Librarians—12/18/2009
6. National Geographic books for distribution and sharing
Books were selected for collections.
7. Other--Kidpix? Any other solution for elementary art program? Will investigate.
Will invite Promethean trainer to conduct a session with our group.
Websites of Note:
Free online tutoring:
HippoCampus http://www.hippocampus.org/
CliffsNotes http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA
FactMonster http://www.factmonster.com/
Interesting article on social networking through the library automation system--Follett Destiny is featured: http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14806
If you're interested in any of these articles, let me know:
The Library Media Specialist's Role in Teaching Online Safety (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)
Literature Circles in Library Class (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)
Have We Lost Our Way? Examining the Purpose of Libraries in a Post-Literate Society
Actually, the magazine is chock-full of interesting articles. Let me know if you want to borrow it or if you want me to photocopy anything for you. The October 2009 issue also has articles of interest, particularly one about local museums, delivery and design of instruction, wikis and action research, supporting reading instruction, graphic novels, personal response systems.
October 21, 2009
1. Follett Destiny—update and issues
2. PowerSchool
Problems syncing with Follett. Inconsistencies. Will follow up with techservices. Forward examples of new admits not syncing.
3. Staff Development options, November 3, 2009, 8:00-3:00
a. ActivInspire software
b. Digital storytelling--with high school ELA and Social Studies teachers; most appropriate for secondary librarians and/or those who didn't take this staff development previously
c. NSLS workshops--evaluating library programs and creating personal learning networks (two separate sessions on location at BOCES)
Decision:
Two will start with digital storytelling and then go to BOCES.
Everyone else will start with ActivInspire. Some will go to BOCES in the afternoon.
Remaining will continue work on ActivInspire.
4. Budget—Status and Preparations
Consider any equipment or extraordinary needs for budget development.
5. Department Meeting with Public Librarians—12/18/2009
6. National Geographic books for distribution and sharing
Books were selected for collections.
7. Other--Kidpix? Any other solution for elementary art program? Will investigate.
Will invite Promethean trainer to conduct a session with our group.
Websites of Note:
Free online tutoring:
HippoCampus http://www.hippocampus.org/
CliffsNotes http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA
FactMonster http://www.factmonster.com/
Interesting article on social networking through the library automation system--Follett Destiny is featured: http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14806
If you're interested in any of these articles, let me know:
The Library Media Specialist's Role in Teaching Online Safety (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)
Literature Circles in Library Class (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)
Have We Lost Our Way? Examining the Purpose of Libraries in a Post-Literate Society
Actually, the magazine is chock-full of interesting articles. Let me know if you want to borrow it or if you want me to photocopy anything for you. The October 2009 issue also has articles of interest, particularly one about local museums, delivery and design of instruction, wikis and action research, supporting reading instruction, graphic novels, personal response systems.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Off the Shelf, Onto the Laptop
Check out the article in today's New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/books/15libraries.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/books/15libraries.html
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Curling Up with Hybrid Books
What do you think of this development?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/books/01book.html?scp=1&sq=hybrid%20books&st=cse
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/books/01book.html?scp=1&sq=hybrid%20books&st=cse
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Department Meeting, September 16, 2009
1. Follett issues
2. PowerSchool
3. Interactive whiteboards--ActivInspire tutorial http://www.prometheanlearning.com/
4. Summer reading program follow-up
5. Finance Manager--budget information
6. Lesson plans
7. Staff development--survey
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFR4Vk5SeUxFdnpYNVlKNmhzRVA0WEE6MA....
8. Videoconferencing
9. Websites of note
America’s Story from America’s Library takes the primary source materials from the Library of Congress and creates an interactive story with activities
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/
Listening skills using the Animal Sounds Library from SeaWorld/Busch Gardens.
http://seaworld.org/animal-info/sound-library/index.htm
DigiTales—The Art of Telling Digital Stories--resources for creating digital stories in the classroom.
http://www.digitales.us/
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art virtual tour. http://www.carlemuseum.org/
Homework Helper from Time for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/hh/rr
2. PowerSchool
3. Interactive whiteboards--ActivInspire tutorial http://www.prometheanlearning.com/
4. Summer reading program follow-up
5. Finance Manager--budget information
6. Lesson plans
7. Staff development--survey
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFR4Vk5SeUxFdnpYNVlKNmhzRVA0WEE6MA....
8. Videoconferencing
9. Websites of note
America’s Story from America’s Library takes the primary source materials from the Library of Congress and creates an interactive story with activities
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/
Listening skills using the Animal Sounds Library from SeaWorld/Busch Gardens.
http://seaworld.org/animal-info/sound-library/index.htm
DigiTales—The Art of Telling Digital Stories--resources for creating digital stories in the classroom.
http://www.digitales.us/
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art virtual tour. http://www.carlemuseum.org/
Homework Helper from Time for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/hh/rr
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Welcome Back, September 3, 2009
1. Today we'll learn how to navigate PowerSchool to extract information we need:
a. usernames and passwords
b. addresses
c. other fields as needed
2. Follett Destiny 9.0/SIF update
3. ActivInspire, the replacement program for ActivStudio Professional
a. usernames and passwords
b. addresses
c. other fields as needed
2. Follett Destiny 9.0/SIF update
3. ActivInspire, the replacement program for ActivStudio Professional
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Libraries for a Post-Literate Society
Check out this Doug Johnson article in Multimedia & Internet @ Schools: http://www.mmischools.com/Newsletters/MmisXtra.aspx?NewsletterID=744#1. Doug Johnson defines a post-literate society as one in which people can read but who "...choose to meet their primary information and recreational needs through audio, video, graphics, and gaming. Print for the postliterate is relegated to brief personal messages, short informational needs, and other functional, highly pragmatic uses..."
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Twitter and FriendFeed
If you're like me, you might find all the interest in Twitter a bit baffling. Check out this article in Library Journal for a librarian's perspective.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Future of Books and Reading
Check out this panel discussion on the future of books and reading: http://www.futureofeducation.com/forum/topics/panel-discussion-on-the-future.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Department Meeting, May 20, 2009
We had a productive meeting:
1. We finalized database selections. Cara will look at Soundzabound to see if we should add to it.
2. We agreed to update our periodicals lists and send them to Delores.
3. I will arrange to have the summer reading partnership flyers translated.
4. We will follow up when mailed overdue notices are returned to us.
5. We picked up the summer reading baskets and will put them on display to entice summer reading participants.
6. We confirmed our training session for Discovery Education (June 1, 8:30-10:30, BOCES, 1 Merrick Ave.)
7. We will distribute UPL censorship exhibit literature.
8. Our final meeting for the school year will be on June 25, location TBA.
1. We finalized database selections. Cara will look at Soundzabound to see if we should add to it.
2. We agreed to update our periodicals lists and send them to Delores.
3. I will arrange to have the summer reading partnership flyers translated.
4. We will follow up when mailed overdue notices are returned to us.
5. We picked up the summer reading baskets and will put them on display to entice summer reading participants.
6. We confirmed our training session for Discovery Education (June 1, 8:30-10:30, BOCES, 1 Merrick Ave.)
7. We will distribute UPL censorship exhibit literature.
8. Our final meeting for the school year will be on June 25, location TBA.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Today's School Library
A movie is definitely worth 1,000+ words:
http://henrico.k12.va.us/hcpstv/vv_library.html
Learning4Life from AASL
http://henrico.k12.va.us/hcpstv/vv_library.html
Learning4Life from AASL
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Library of Congress is on You Tube!
YouTube - LibraryOfCongress's Channel via kwout
If you see any videos you would like to make available to your students, submit the url to me and I'll post it on the SafeVideos site.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Department Meeting, March 18, 2009
1. Summer Reading update—Public Library Partnership and In-District Program
2. Poetry Contest and Film Festival at the Uniondale Public Library
Deadline—March 20
3. NovelNY Databases--Grolier and ProQuest added as of 4/1
Go to http://novelnewyork.org/pressroom.php for a listing of the changes.
4. Professional/National Geographic Books
5. Curriki http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Main/SummerofContent
From the website: Do you have an instructional unit or course you’re proud of that you’d like to publish and get paid for? Interested in earning money this summer to develop a new unit that will be shared with a global audience? For our Summer of Content initiative, Curriki is soliciting elementary and middle school content in ELA, math, science, and social studies. Apply by April 15th, 2009.
6. Taking it Global--Participate in a community of global educators.
http://www.tigweb.org/tiged
From the website: TIGed provides rich, interactive learning experiences designed to improve students' global citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership skills, bringing the world to students and preparing students for the world! You can access existing projects, create a safe, interactive, virtual classroom, access online learning activities and resources.
7. Websites of note:
The Unquiet Library Blog http://theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/
The Unquiet Library Wiki http://theunquietlibrary.wikispaces.com/
Google Apps in the Classroom http://www.google.com/a/edu/
HotChalk http://www.hotchalk.com/
Joyce Valenza Workshop http://joycevalenzaworkshop.wikispaces.com/
Speaking avatar http://www.voki.com/
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
AASL has new website
AASL has a new website. Check out the details at
http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14378
and visit the site at http://www.aasl.org.
http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14378
and visit the site at http://www.aasl.org.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Department Meeting, February 25, 2009
1. New students and Follett. Is the sync working correctly?
2. I was relieved to see that there is a stay in the ruling concerning lead in books published prior to 1985. Check out http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2009/January2009/leadlawstayed.cfm for details. We would have an awful lot of weeding to do if this law is applied to libraries!
2. I was relieved to see that there is a stay in the ruling concerning lead in books published prior to 1985. Check out http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2009/January2009/leadlawstayed.cfm for details. We would have an awful lot of weeding to do if this law is applied to libraries!
3. Summer Reading
I would like to update the list of recommended authors to include in our summer reading newsletter. Take a look at the one from last year (posted http://district.uniondaleschools.org/www/uniondaleschools/site/hosting/uniondalenyorg/Summer_Reading/summer%20reading%202008.pdf) and e-mail me your suggestions.
4. Carousel of Careers
We'll complete our project. Anyone interested in showcasing an online presentation? We could run it on a laptop without being present. Let's brainstorm ideas.
5. NSLS is moving to 1 Merrick Ave.
6. Discussion:
Heroes and Villains--What happens when a hero becomes a villain and we have titles about the individual prior to his/her unfortunate transformation? Read this article: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6632974.html
Websites of Note:
Heroes and Villains--What happens when a hero becomes a villain and we have titles about the individual prior to his/her unfortunate transformation? Read this article: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6632974.html
Websites of Note:
Sweet Search http://www.sweetsearch.com
School Library Media Activities Blog http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/
Articles:
Learning with Wikis and Blogs
http://ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/feb09/vol66/num05/Learning_with_Blogs_and_Wikis.aspx
Dewey Decimal Sudoko http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/articles/Montgomery2007v23n10.html
Impact as a 21st Century Library Media Specialist
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/articles/Creighton2008v24n7.html
What Are They Reading for Fun? http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6636538.html
That's Infotainment http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6632973.html
This article suggests software to create video tutorials. We can do this with Promethean software. If anyone is interested in learning how to do this, let me know. (Flowgram, website listed above, is another way to do this).
School Library Media Activities Blog http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/
Articles:
Learning with Wikis and Blogs
http://ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/feb09/vol66/num05/Learning_with_Blogs_and_Wikis.aspx
Dewey Decimal Sudoko http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/articles/Montgomery2007v23n10.html
Impact as a 21st Century Library Media Specialist
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/articles/Creighton2008v24n7.html
What Are They Reading for Fun? http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6636538.html
That's Infotainment http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6632973.html
This article suggests software to create video tutorials. We can do this with Promethean software. If anyone is interested in learning how to do this, let me know. (Flowgram, website listed above, is another way to do this).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Department Meeting, January 21, 2009
Today we're going to create our contribution to the Collage of Careers event that is scheduled to take place on May 19. Be sure to bring any materials with you that you want to use. We have a collection of words for our "wordle", courtesy of Grand Avenue's fifth graders.
A reminder that the deadline is approaching for the winter edition of LITE Bytes. Please send your contributions to me or post them yourselves on the litebytes wiki (http://litebytes.wikispaces.com/). If you decide to post your article, let me know so I can prepare it for viewing.
Elementary librarians may be interested in Lookybook, a web 2.0 tool for sharing favorite picture books.
K-12 Instructional Media Center has links to websites to help students with their research and teachers with their professional development.
If you haven't looked at the Library of Congress website lately, take a look at the Learning Page, replete with resources for teachers.
Take some time to look through the National Plan for Implementation of Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and Guidelines for the School Library Media Program, courtesy of AASL. Acronymed L4L (Learning for Life), this implementation plan was created to support states, school systems, and individual schools preparing to implement the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner. Forthcoming there will be guidelines for the school library media program.Do you know about commoncraft, a free site for online video tutorials? I just watched one about RSS feeds and it cleared up any remaining confusion that lingered. Definitely worth a peek.
Leapfish is a new search engine with innovative features. Not quite the same as searchme (did you try it yet) but pretty powerful.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Follett Destiny
Mary and I are at a Follett Destiny user group meeting and we are learning!
We just made a change you might like. On the first screen of the catalog, students can search for Award Winners. In the field next to Search Award Winner, select New York. Then, place your cursor in the search box and hit enter. Voila! You will see the list of award winning titles your library holds, and I know you will be impressed.
You can also search for literary prize-winning titles. In the Search Award Winner field, scroll to the second choice, Literary Prizes, and in the bottom box, either leave it as "all" or select the prize you want to locate. Once again place your cursor in the search box, and hit the enter key.
We just made a change you might like. On the first screen of the catalog, students can search for Award Winners. In the field next to Search Award Winner, select New York. Then, place your cursor in the search box and hit enter. Voila! You will see the list of award winning titles your library holds, and I know you will be impressed.
You can also search for literary prize-winning titles. In the Search Award Winner field, scroll to the second choice, Literary Prizes, and in the bottom box, either leave it as "all" or select the prize you want to locate. Once again place your cursor in the search box, and hit the enter key.
We also made two discoveries. Well, actually one discovery and one reminder. Check out Library Bytes (no relation to our own LITE Bytes) and 23 Things.Did you know you could add subjects to your Visual Search? Take a look at the high school library catalog, select Visual Search, and click on Famous People and then Barack Obama. If you're interested in learning how to do this, let Mary or me know. Alternatively, when you're logged on, you can go to help and do a search for Visual Search.
One more tip. When you're in help, you can do a search for "Quick" and you'll get a list of all the tipsheets that are available.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Department Meeting, December 17, 2008
It was great hosting the public librarians today. Their programming initiatives are impressive! I'm looking forward to attending the Global Village celebration on January 25 at 2:00 when there will be a performance by Smith Street students, the high school jazz band, and the ribbon cutting ceremony for the much anticipated new computer center. April is the library's film festival, and we'll be sure to invite our tv studio students to enter their efforts! March and April features a major poetry event which always is greeted with enthusiasm. The public librarians report that our students are active junior Friends of the Library members. Students of all ages take advantage of the varied programs. Book discussion groups and other activities thrive! A new service is tutor.com and Live Librarian, both of which extend library service to users 24/7. Teaching our students the value of being active library users and actually learning about the role of a trustee is a potential collaborative project that will be explored with Nancy Froehlich and Trina Reed. We also discussed the success the summer reading partnership initiative enjoyed, a
nd we look forward to even more participation this summer!
We showed Shelfari, an online site to share suggestions for new books to read.
The librarians were most interested in learning how we use interactive whiteboards in the district, so we had a bit of show and tell. Adele and Gail prepared movies and flipcharts to demonstrate some examples of content and techniques.
We navigated over to searchme, a visual search engine. It's even more versatile than I thought! Check out the homework helper stack. Black History Month is coming in January--check out this stack as well. Kind of reminds me of flowgram--but that robust site is for another day.
nd we look forward to even more participation this summer!We showed Shelfari, an online site to share suggestions for new books to read.
The librarians were most interested in learning how we use interactive whiteboards in the district, so we had a bit of show and tell. Adele and Gail prepared movies and flipcharts to demonstrate some examples of content and techniques.
We navigated over to searchme, a visual search engine. It's even more versatile than I thought! Check out the homework helper stack. Black History Month is coming in January--check out this stack as well. Kind of reminds me of flowgram--but that robust site is for another day.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Cool site
Have your students select a topic and do a side-by-side comparison of results in Google and Yahoo.Scroll to the bottom of the page for a geography challenge:
Monday, November 17, 2008
Department Meeting, November 19, 2008
A bold move:
I am no longer going to print the agenda. Please refer to this blog. Minutes will be integrated seamlessly so we will have a record of our discussion and any decisions made.
1.The images to the left and above are brought to you courtesy of Wordle, http://www.wordle.net/.
The first one above simply connects to one of my del.icio.us accounts and arranges the tags I use for my bookmarks. I created the second one by typing words that resonate with me when I consider libraries. This would be a great exercise to do with your students during a brainstorming activity. A bonus is the flexibility to use color and randomize the way the words appear. Have fun, and be sure to share!
2. Good news about SIF--and Follett. The program is working. New student names should automatically populate the fields every 10 seconds or so. Let me know right away if this isn't the case. A new upgrade for Follett has been released, but we are holding off on the download until we're certain that the latest one is working without a hitch. Feedback, please.
3. We are scheduled to meet with the public librarians on Wednesday, December 17. We will meet in the high school library. Thank you to everyone for volunteering to bring refreshments. The public librarians are very interested in seeing how we use the boards, so Gail, Adele and Paulette volunteered to showcase their work.
4. Sharing--Lawrence Road Middle School website. Paula took us on a tour of the Lawrence Road Library website which is a comprehensive, extremely impressive 24/7 learning station.
5. LITE Bytes articles--Let's plan to publish a mid-year newsletter centered around the theme on helping our students succeed. Please volunteer to write an article. Everyone agreed to submit an article by mid-January. I will set up the wiki so you can compose right to the site. If you prefer, e-mail it to me or save it in Library M. Articles so far: eChalk blogging (Dolores), Promethean/video (Gail), ALA standards (Deirdre), collection development (Nancy F.).
6. Database update--Usernames and passwords for Grolier and Book Flix have been received and are available in Library M. Please confirm they are both working properly before I update the username and password lists. Lists will be updated by the beginning of next week.
7. Purchase orders/budget info--Due to the economic crisis, we will not be increasing any of our codes. Anticipate that capital outlay expenses will be placed on hold. You may prepare a wish list of such items, but be prepared to sacrifice them. I again encourage you to prepare your purchase orders for this year and encumber your funds. There currently is a freeze on equipment, furniture, and supplies, except in cases when the items are critically needed for instruction and student use.
8. Collage of Careers--Let's plan to put together our tri-fold boards at our January meeting. Our focus is on resources that support career investigations. Nancy F. is targeting librarianship. Artistic talent and vision will make this extra-special, so start thinking!
9. Websites of Note--Educational Games http://www.ramogames.com/
Library songs http://northside.woodfordschools.org/Media_Center/library_songs.htm
Curriki http://curriki.org/ Since I last told you about this site, it has enjoyed significant enhancements.
AASL Awards http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslawards/aaslawards.cfm Most of these are collaborative in nature. Go for it!
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm
Henrico County's Today's Library says it all http://henrico.k12.va.us/hcpstv/vv_library.html
Tech Museum Online http://www.thetech.org/
Teachscape free professional development modules http://www.teachscape.com/html/ts/nps/subscribe_to_our_email_newsletter.html Click on Module of the Month to subscribe, or select from the list for one that interests you.
Write like an Egyptian at the Egyptian Gallery of the University of Pennsylvanie Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: http://www.fi.edu/learn/tut/index.html
Great ideas for using Google Docs http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs.html
Handouts: In the interest of saving paper, I am limiting what I am copying for you. Wherever possible, I will suggest online links and offer to copy articles for you if you're interested.
Blogging in the Library, Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
If you're interested, let me know if you want a copy of "Mysteries of Ancient Egypt" from Multimedia & Internet@Schools (November issue). It includes links to Ancient Egypt clip art: http://www.kingtutone.com/clipart, http://www.phillpmartin.info/clipart/egypt.htm, http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/egyptian.shtml, http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/index.htm
I am no longer going to print the agenda. Please refer to this blog. Minutes will be integrated seamlessly so we will have a record of our discussion and any decisions made.
1.The images to the left and above are brought to you courtesy of Wordle, http://www.wordle.net/.
The first one above simply connects to one of my del.icio.us accounts and arranges the tags I use for my bookmarks. I created the second one by typing words that resonate with me when I consider libraries. This would be a great exercise to do with your students during a brainstorming activity. A bonus is the flexibility to use color and randomize the way the words appear. Have fun, and be sure to share!
2. Good news about SIF--and Follett. The program is working. New student names should automatically populate the fields every 10 seconds or so. Let me know right away if this isn't the case. A new upgrade for Follett has been released, but we are holding off on the download until we're certain that the latest one is working without a hitch. Feedback, please.
3. We are scheduled to meet with the public librarians on Wednesday, December 17. We will meet in the high school library. Thank you to everyone for volunteering to bring refreshments. The public librarians are very interested in seeing how we use the boards, so Gail, Adele and Paulette volunteered to showcase their work.
4. Sharing--Lawrence Road Middle School website. Paula took us on a tour of the Lawrence Road Library website which is a comprehensive, extremely impressive 24/7 learning station.
5. LITE Bytes articles--Let's plan to publish a mid-year newsletter centered around the theme on helping our students succeed. Please volunteer to write an article. Everyone agreed to submit an article by mid-January. I will set up the wiki so you can compose right to the site. If you prefer, e-mail it to me or save it in Library M. Articles so far: eChalk blogging (Dolores), Promethean/video (Gail), ALA standards (Deirdre), collection development (Nancy F.).
6. Database update--Usernames and passwords for Grolier and Book Flix have been received and are available in Library M. Please confirm they are both working properly before I update the username and password lists. Lists will be updated by the beginning of next week.
7. Purchase orders/budget info--Due to the economic crisis, we will not be increasing any of our codes. Anticipate that capital outlay expenses will be placed on hold. You may prepare a wish list of such items, but be prepared to sacrifice them. I again encourage you to prepare your purchase orders for this year and encumber your funds. There currently is a freeze on equipment, furniture, and supplies, except in cases when the items are critically needed for instruction and student use.
8. Collage of Careers--Let's plan to put together our tri-fold boards at our January meeting. Our focus is on resources that support career investigations. Nancy F. is targeting librarianship. Artistic talent and vision will make this extra-special, so start thinking!
9. Websites of Note--Educational Games http://www.ramogames.com/
Library songs http://northside.woodfordschools.org/Media_Center/library_songs.htm
Curriki http://curriki.org/ Since I last told you about this site, it has enjoyed significant enhancements.
AASL Awards http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslawards/aaslawards.cfm Most of these are collaborative in nature. Go for it!
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm
Henrico County's Today's Library says it all http://henrico.k12.va.us/hcpstv/vv_library.html
Tech Museum Online http://www.thetech.org/
Teachscape free professional development modules http://www.teachscape.com/html/ts/nps/subscribe_to_our_email_newsletter.html Click on Module of the Month to subscribe, or select from the list for one that interests you.
Write like an Egyptian at the Egyptian Gallery of the University of Pennsylvanie Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: http://www.fi.edu/learn/tut/index.html
Great ideas for using Google Docs http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs.html
Handouts: In the interest of saving paper, I am limiting what I am copying for you. Wherever possible, I will suggest online links and offer to copy articles for you if you're interested.
Blogging in the Library, Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
If you're interested, let me know if you want a copy of "Mysteries of Ancient Egypt" from Multimedia & Internet@Schools (November issue). It includes links to Ancient Egypt clip art: http://www.kingtutone.com/clipart, http://www.phillpmartin.info/clipart/egypt.htm, http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/egyptian.shtml, http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/index.htm
Friday, November 07, 2008
Stumbling Blocks
Interesting article about filters and web 2.0 tools in schools:
http://www.edutopia.org/web-2.0-tools-filtering-firewalls
http://www.edutopia.org/web-2.0-tools-filtering-firewalls
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Department Meeting, October 22, 2008
1. Follett Destiny—update and issues
The upgrade to 8.5 pushed the defaults onto the program so specific items have to be upgraded. I fixed the default browse subjects capability and removed fines from all patrons. As far as the patrons are concerned, the system did not remove those who are no longer in the district. New patrons were added with grade levels 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. without a 0 appended to the beginning. Students who should not be in the system have a 0 in front of their grade—06, 07, etc. When you have a chance, look at the database and run a list by these grade levels. You can ask your assistants to delete those who should no longer be included. The purpose of this would be to clean up the database; however, it is not an urgent task.
2. Staff Development, November 4, 2008, 8:00-3:00, UHS LibraryTraining with the Promethean boards to create lessons enabling librarians to serve as a turn-key resource for teachers in their buildings. Time will also be devoted to exploring strategies to promote the use of district databases in research and instruction.
3. Budget—Status and Preparations
Proposals for capital expenditures always come first, so be prepared if there are upgrades to your library that you want to put forward.
4. Collage of Careers, May 19, 2009
We agreed that we would put together a display for the department, a K-12 look at resources that support career choices and investigations. Nancy F. is going to work on one that focuses on librarianship.
4, Online Databases update
Take advantage of the Book Flix trial that will be in effect until the middle of December. We hope that our subscription will have been activated by then.
5, Blogs
Dolores demonstrated her just-established Northern Parkway blog that she is going to use with fourth and fifth graders. I will also activate the capability for Lawrence Road and the high school. If anyone else is interested, let me know.
6. NSLS Scope and Sequence Project
We discussed the curriculum developed by Nassau School Library System and whether we should make adjustments to ours based on the work done there. It was felt that ours is more specific and that the standards that drive the NSLS document are the overarching ones that are inherent in ours. It was pointed out that NSLS may have used ours as a jumping off point.
7. I participated in a Bernie Dodge webinar where he discussed developing WebQuests that incorporate Web 2.0 tools. Other webinars that may be of interest to you can be found at the EdTechConnect website: http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/.
Websites of Note:AfterClass http://www.AfterClass.net
San Francisco Symphony www.sfskids.org/templates/home.asp?pageid=1
Modern Museum of Art for Children www.moma.org/destination/#
National Gallery of Art www.nga.gov/kids/zone/zone.htm
Science clips www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/
ALA Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm
Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
Blog worth following: http://disruptingclass.mhprofessional.com/apps/ab/
Lookybook http://www.lookybook.com
Handouts: Election Connections 2008, The Summer Olympics: A Catalyst for Learning About a Healthy Lifestyle, Fun with Windows Movie Maker, The LOC Connection: Hispanic-American/Native American Months, Bibliographies: Smiles and Laughter, Editor’s Choice Awards, Aren’t We All Teachers of Literacy?, Learning About Occupations, ISTE Media Award Application
The upgrade to 8.5 pushed the defaults onto the program so specific items have to be upgraded. I fixed the default browse subjects capability and removed fines from all patrons. As far as the patrons are concerned, the system did not remove those who are no longer in the district. New patrons were added with grade levels 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. without a 0 appended to the beginning. Students who should not be in the system have a 0 in front of their grade—06, 07, etc. When you have a chance, look at the database and run a list by these grade levels. You can ask your assistants to delete those who should no longer be included. The purpose of this would be to clean up the database; however, it is not an urgent task.
2. Staff Development, November 4, 2008, 8:00-3:00, UHS LibraryTraining with the Promethean boards to create lessons enabling librarians to serve as a turn-key resource for teachers in their buildings. Time will also be devoted to exploring strategies to promote the use of district databases in research and instruction.
3. Budget—Status and Preparations
Proposals for capital expenditures always come first, so be prepared if there are upgrades to your library that you want to put forward.
4. Collage of Careers, May 19, 2009
We agreed that we would put together a display for the department, a K-12 look at resources that support career choices and investigations. Nancy F. is going to work on one that focuses on librarianship.
4, Online Databases update
Take advantage of the Book Flix trial that will be in effect until the middle of December. We hope that our subscription will have been activated by then.
5, Blogs
Dolores demonstrated her just-established Northern Parkway blog that she is going to use with fourth and fifth graders. I will also activate the capability for Lawrence Road and the high school. If anyone else is interested, let me know.
6. NSLS Scope and Sequence Project
We discussed the curriculum developed by Nassau School Library System and whether we should make adjustments to ours based on the work done there. It was felt that ours is more specific and that the standards that drive the NSLS document are the overarching ones that are inherent in ours. It was pointed out that NSLS may have used ours as a jumping off point.
7. I participated in a Bernie Dodge webinar where he discussed developing WebQuests that incorporate Web 2.0 tools. Other webinars that may be of interest to you can be found at the EdTechConnect website: http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/.
Websites of Note:AfterClass http://www.AfterClass.net
San Francisco Symphony www.sfskids.org/templates/home.asp?pageid=1
Modern Museum of Art for Children www.moma.org/destination/#
National Gallery of Art www.nga.gov/kids/zone/zone.htm
Science clips www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/
ALA Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm
Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
Blog worth following: http://disruptingclass.mhprofessional.com/apps/ab/
Lookybook http://www.lookybook.com
Handouts: Election Connections 2008, The Summer Olympics: A Catalyst for Learning About a Healthy Lifestyle, Fun with Windows Movie Maker, The LOC Connection: Hispanic-American/Native American Months, Bibliographies: Smiles and Laughter, Editor’s Choice Awards, Aren’t We All Teachers of Literacy?, Learning About Occupations, ISTE Media Award Application
Friday, September 26, 2008
What Reading Means
What a poignant and true picture of what reading means to a young person--and what we carry with us as we grow up and older. http://citypaper.com/special/story.asp?id=16743
Reaching back into my own reading history, I remember reading and re-reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for its fantasy and heroism, without a clue concerning its multi-layered allegorical meanings. What about you? What book moved you as a child?
Reaching back into my own reading history, I remember reading and re-reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for its fantasy and heroism, without a clue concerning its multi-layered allegorical meanings. What about you? What book moved you as a child?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Follett Destiny 8.5
Mary and I watched a webinar about Destiny 8.5 today. It has features that are enticing, such as the ability to create digital book reviews and upload files to attach to specific Marc records. The webinar is archived at http://www.FollettSoftware.com/Webinars.
Additional info on Destiny Library Manager 8.5 http://www.follettsoftware.comdestiny85/
Additional info on Destiny Quest http://www.FollettSoftware.com/LibraryResourceCenter
What's new in Destiny 8.5 FAQs http://www.follettsoftware.comdestiny85/
Also, if you want to add the 65 free ebooks to your collection (and there are varied and appealing titles included), go to the catalog, Add Titles, and click where you're invited to do so in the middle of the screen. You'll be contacted by Follett once you do so.
Additional info on Destiny Library Manager 8.5 http://www.follettsoftware.comdestiny85/
Additional info on Destiny Quest http://www.FollettSoftware.com/LibraryResourceCenter
What's new in Destiny 8.5 FAQs http://www.follettsoftware.comdestiny85/
Also, if you want to add the 65 free ebooks to your collection (and there are varied and appealing titles included), go to the catalog, Add Titles, and click where you're invited to do so in the middle of the screen. You'll be contacted by Follett once you do so.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Department Meeting, September 17, 2008
It's the middle of the month and the flurry of school starting up again makes me feel we didn't miss a beat. The September issue of School Library Journal helps us get off to a strong start.
Be sure to take advantage of the excitement surrounding this year's Presidential election--the first African American presidential candidate and the first woman on the Republican ticket as a vice presidential nominee. School Library Journal has made our lives easier by publishing a helpful article full of links that will engage students as they research issues, positions and candidates: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590042.html. Also, peruse "Getting Out the Vote" http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590043.html.
Teen Read Week is in October: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6593562.html
This article about the connection between reading success and public libraries has parallels to school libraries: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590044.html.
It's baseball season--and a great time to reflect on the role of African Americans in the greatest American pastime: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590039.html.
An inspiring idea for online lesson plan development and sharing: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590061.html
A boost to our TLC titles in the form of links to fight bullying: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590062.html
Reading blogs is a great way to keep up-to-date and informed. Try these:
School Library Activities Monthly has a blog worth viewing: http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/
Another blog for librarians: http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/
AASL http://www.aasl.ala.org/aaslblog/
Resource Shelf http://www.resourceshelf.com/
There's really way too much here, but for those of you who are insatiable:
http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/current.html
Here's our agenda with minutes included:
1. Follett issues
Patron upload continues to be problematic. We're hopeful to have this resolved in the next few days. I appreciate your patience. The good news is the SIF agent will make the whole process seamless--and ongoing! The file will be updated every 15 seconds.
Cataloging books
Librarians reported problems with cataloging. One of the problems is that z sources aren't loading; I've reported that to technology. Another problem is that books are arriving without records. I will be in touch with our rep.
Destiny Quest
Consensus was to introduce this new interface after students have a handle on traditional searches.
Free ebooks--To learn more about Follett eBooks and how you can help build a bridge to the classroom, call 1-877-221-3506.
2. Picturing America Grant—http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/
We applied for this grant which comes with a collection of books and posters.
3. Interactive whiteboards—ActivStudio tutorial http://www.prometheanlearning.com/
Sign up to take this tutorial. It is straightforward and helpful. Atomic Learning has tutorials on the board as well.
4. Blogs--eChalk now has a blog feature. I will investigate opening it up for those interested.
5. Summer reading program follow-up--Once you receive names of the participants, make sure to raffle the books. I'd appreciate a photo that you can save to Library M in a folder I set up in Summer Reading for that purpose.
6. Finance Manager/budget information--You can retrieve budget info from your Requisition Manager account. If you have any trouble, let me know.
7. Lesson plans--Please save to your Library M folder, e-mail me, or use the online form.
8. Inservice courses--If you're interested in teaching a class, let me know. Some of the Teachers as Readers sections will have to be combined because of low enrollment.
9. Staff Development--Ideas for November were discussed. a)online databases vs. Google
b)Promethean ActiveStudio I will canvas you further once I have the go-ahead to meet with everyone as a group.
10. Videoconferencing--If you haven't introduced videoconferencing to your buildings, this year would be a good time. Take a look at the BOCES website http://www.nassauboces.org/dln/Videoconferencing/index.htm. Call me for a username and password if you want to look at the catalog. I need to assess whether we should purchase additional modules, so let me know of your interest asap.
11. Websites of note
Resources for school librarians http://www.sldirectory.com/
Go SLMS blog http://goslmsgo.blogspot.com/2008/04/digital-copyright-issues.html
Children’s Picture Book Database http://www.lib.muohio.edu/pictbks/
Eduscapes http://eduscapes.com/
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