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Use the ALA Legislative Center…it’s easy and effective ">Use the ALA Legislative Center…it’s easy and effective July 29, 2007

Posted by Sara Kelly Johns in : Community , add a comment

After an e-mail from the new AASL Legislative Committee chair Doc (Bob) Roth last night, I sat down with a cup of coffee and some issues…the SKILLs Act and the full funding of the Improving Literacy through Libraries Act. Both offer such incredible possibilities for our students and both need support from everyone to happen. These chances to make a difference are great examples of the partnership between AASL Affiliate Assembly concerns, AASL members’ requests for action, work by AASL committees and staff and “Big” ALA’s resources and staff. The Washington Office is working HARD for school libraries and students. You will be hearing a lot from Doc and his committee on taking action.

I went the the ALA Legislator Center’s link, followed the steps and it didn’t take much effort to send messages to my senators and representative (one pasted below). And I’ve already received an automated reply from one of them! And I was able to send messages to 12 others (6 each topic) to encourage them to also take action; one went to ALA President Loriene Roy who has been very inclusive of the youth division presidents on youth issues, BTW.

Give it a try! Fax or e-mail…both are easy. Here is a sample message:

Message sent to the following recipients:
Senator Clinton
Senator Schumer
Message text follows:

July 29, 2007

[recipient address was inserted here]

Dear [recipient name was inserted here],

Full funding of this legislation can really make a difference for kids.
Local funding for school library programs is inequitable in New York
State’s school libraries and state funding is minimal. The current funding
level only allowed five grants to New York State school libraries. Please lend
your considerable support to full funding of the Improving Literacy
through School Libraries Act.

Having a strong school library program makes a difference for students’
literacy and means that equal opportunities to infuse technology and print
resources into successful earning and to help students be enthusiastic
readers.

Thank you for your support,
Sara Kelly Johns
President, American Association of School Librarians (AASL/ALA)
67 Canaras Ave.

Saranac Lake, NY 12983
johns@northnet.org
Library Media Specialist
Lake Placid Middle/High School

Please use this link to SEE ME and view more information about me
http://www.capwiz.com/ala/picturepages.tt?id=24208

Meet AASL: the Independent Schools Section July 27, 2007

Posted by admin in : Community , add a comment

Introducing the Independent Schools Section (ISS), and this year’s Chair, Alison Ernst.

What is the ISS?

ISS is the Independent School Section of the American Association of School Libraries, a division of ALA. ISS is chaired by an elected member of the section. This academic year, I will serve as Chair, following the strong leadership of Patt Moser from Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC. I am Alison Ernst, Director of Library and Academic Resources at the Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts.

How does the ISS fit into AASL?

Many members of AASL work in public schools, and understandably much of the division’s activities and strategic goals address the issues specifically facing public school librarians. Independent schools are “independent” of many of the constraints public schools must deal with (including state requirements and standards, mandatory testing, etc.). Additionally, independent schools libraries contend with challenges specific to their situation, for example, running one library that covers all grades from K through 12 or supporting an International Baccalaureat curriculum. ISS provides a “place at the table” in our national professional organization for independent school librarians to connect, offer mutual support, and strengthen our practice.

What does the ISS do?

One of the most helpful services according to members is the ISS Electronic Discussion List (listserv). This enables librarians to ask questions and seek advice from ISS peers, as well as to share pertinent information. For more information go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/aasledisclist/iss.cfm

ISS leadership also maintains a web page with links to community resources, events and policies pertinent to Independent School Librarians. The ISS web page also features Independent School libraries of note (a new feature!) Check out: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslcommunity/aaslsections/iss/iss.cfm

At ALA and AASL national conferences, ISS provides programming of interest to members, such as tours of local independent school libraries and networking gatherings. This past ALA annual ISS sponsored a very popular and highly rated pre-conference “Advocacy begins with Strategic Planning” led by nationally known organizational consultant Maureen Sullivan. This program was attended and enjoyed by public school librarians as well!

Librarians know knowledge is power. Statistics can be used for “case building” necessary to support and secure library resources, whether additional funds for books and electronic resources, or to protect/increase staffing levels. In 2004, a Data Committee began the process of gathering useful statistics to aid Independent School libraries; as the results are analyzed, we’ll be sharing that information with members and non-members via articles and presentations. See: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslcommunity/aaslsections/iss/data.cfm

ISS has produced A Student and Parent’s Guide to Evaluating Libraries in Independent Schools. (see pdf) ISS members often provide their schools’ Admissions Office with this helpful publication (available in packs of 25 from the ALA Store).

What are 2-3 goals you have for the ISS for 07-08?

In a perfect world, what would you like the ISS to be?

ISS is already a very strong, active section of AASL. Many members (and members-to-be) are also connected to their local and regional independent school communities. I would like ISS to be the portal for involvement in ALA for those who are not yet nationally connected, as well as a model for ALA as a responsive, welcoming, inclusive section.

How can I get involved?

If you are not already an AASL ISS member, please join! Check out the web presence resources at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslcommunity/aaslsections/iss/iss.cfm

Join the ISS listserv: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslcommunity/aaslsections/iss/resources.cfm

Attend the AASL All-Committee meeting and look for the ISS table at ALA midwinter and Annual. Come to ISS programs at ALA and AASL conferences.

Please feel free to email me directly with ideas, questions, concerns etc.: alison_ernst@nmhschool.org.

Set those VCRs July 25, 2007

Posted by Laura Pearle in : Community , add a comment

C-Span2 will be airing “The Best of the Best from the University Presses” this weekend on Book-TV!

The AASL program held at the 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., “2007 Best of the Best From the University Presses,” will be airing this weekend on Book TV, Saturday, July 28, at 12:00 PM (EST).

See program listing at: http://www.booktv.org/program.aspx?ProgramId=8423&SectionName=&PlayMedia=No

Book TV schedule: http://www.booktv.org/schedule.aspx

Book TV website: http://www.booktv.org

Library Day on the Hill Video">Library Day on the Hill Video July 19, 2007

Posted by cphillip in : Community , add a comment

Check out this link to view a video created about the Library Day on the Hill. Then if you have not yet contacted your Senators and Representative asking for their support of the SKILLs Act, do it today.

http://alfocus.ala.org/videos/library-day-hill

—-Cyndi Phillip, AASL Immediate Past President

KSMA Summer Refresher July 12, 2007

Posted by ndickinson in : Conferences , add a comment

Diane Chen and I left Tennessee and headed to Kentucky this week to attend the Kentucky School Media Association’s Summer Refresher in Bardstown. KSMA President, Darlah Carman, had invited us as guests from AASL (I really like being Director of Region IV — I feel special!). Not only did we get to speak to the gathering about AASL’s initiatives, but we got to enjoy a great one-day conference that really impressed me. They get a lot of bang for the buck at this annual event.

This mini-conference was held at Bardstown High School and was attended by about 350-400 Kentucky school librarians. Registration fee was about $50, and for that everyone got fed three times (breakfast, lunch, and a snack) and a cute tee shirt in keeping with the theme (Readers Are Leaders — Follow Us to Historic Bardstown) in addition to entertainment from the Old Kentucky Home singers, 5 breakout sessions (each with 6 or 7 choices of topic), a roundtable discussion period, and the chance to network and visit with fellow school librarians from across the state. There were also vendors set up in the school lobby with freebies and door prizes. Professional development certificates were awarded at the end of the day.

Diane and I decided to split up and attend different sessions for most of the day. While I attended a session on successful practices, Diane went to a session of ideas to start off a great year in the media center. Next I went to “Library Lessons for Upper Elementary” while Diane went to hear about new books for elementary readers. I then listened to some great ideas for stress reduction (free lavender sachets and door prizes — I won a CD of the soothing sounds of falling rain mingled with the delicate tones of a guitar — I’m relaxing already!) while Diane heard author Nancy Kelly Allen on “Weaving Words.” http://www.nancykellyallen.com/ (Diane’s favorite session of the day).

At lunch Diane and I were able to bring greetings from AASL. I talked about my role as Director and encouraged attendees to contact me. I also talked about AASL’s efforts to increase our influence in ALA and encouraged members to run for Council. Diane talked about the SKILLs Act, and then, in a totally unrehearsed follow-up, Terri Kirk encouraged everyone to join AASL to support the initiatives that Diane and I had discussed. (I should also mention that Darlah had AASL materials available in the display area in the lobby.)

After lunch there were two more breakouts and then discussion periods for the four roundtables (non-public, elementary, middle school, and high school).

On the way back to Tennessee, Diane and I had more than enough to discuss to keep us busy talking for the 3-hour drive home. We both were on a high and so glad that we had taken the time to attend. I love going to conferences in other states and seeing how other state associations “live.” We got some great ideas for TASL and had a great time representing AASL. Thanks, KSMA! (And best wishes to Darlah who is getting married this weekend on the beach!)

posted by Nancy Dickerson