AASL News March 27, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentResources available for School Library Media Month, including PSAs
To help observe School Library Media Month (SLMM) during the month of April, school library media specialists can find public service announcements (PSAs), links to fun activities, and other tools on the AASL Web site. Several PSAs, created by Carmen Agra Deedy, award-winning author of “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale,” convey the importance of school library media programs. Listen to the PSAs and take advantage of the other tools available for SLMM.
Idea: have the PSAs aired on local radio stations and make them a part of your school’s broadcasting system. Find tips on how to get the PSAs aired on your local radio station on the SLMM Web page.
First Lady Laura Bush discusses post–White House agenda
In an interview with American Libraries Editor-in-Chief Leonard Kniffel, first Lady Laura Bush announced that she would play a role in the establishment of her husband’s presidential library at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The First Lady also talked about how her profession as a former librarian and teacher influenced her initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of advocating for books, reading, and school libraries. Watch a videocast of the interview and view a full transcript of the interview on the American Libraries Web site.
National Library Week videos available through AL Focus
NLW: Reference Desk
NLW: Game On
* These are the first two of eight quirky and humorous NLW videos that are appearing on AL Focus every other business day between now and April 14. The animated introduction has also been posted by itself.
School Libraries and School Accreditation March 23, 2008
Posted by Debbie Stafford in : Check this out!, Community , 1 comment so farMost, if not all, high school library media specialists are familiar with school accreditation team visits. Middle school and elementary school librarians may also be familiar with these. Many of us remember the days when the paperwork required prior to a visit looked at how many books were in the library, regardless of their age. Now these reports only ask for “adequate” if they look at the library program at all.One of the largest school accreditation organizations is AdvancED which combines NCA CASI and SACS CASI. Last week NCA held their annual convention in Chicago. I was in attendance and while there looked to see what would be of interest to school librarians and whether school librarians were at all represented.One strand was identified as Reading/Writing/Literacy. In the program I found three school librarians making presentations and I found two sessions focusing on Information Literacy and Reading Comprehension. There were a small number of vendors, two of them were programs familiar to school librarians, one a read and test program the other a read and discuss program. Assessment especially formative seemed to be the biggest topics in all strands.
Now my questions; what role should school librarians take in this area of school accreditation? Since we know that school libraries have a big effect on student performance, how can we make sure that school libraries are represented at conferences like these?
AASL News March 19, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentAbigail Breslin named spokesperson for School Library Media Month
Abigail Breslin, celebrated for her Academy Award nominated performance in “Little Miss Sunshine” has agreed to be a spokesperson for AASL’s School Library Media Month. In collaboration with Picturehouse, HBOFilms and American Girl, AASL has produced a poster featuring Breslin in her newest role as “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl” and celebrating School Library Media Month. The poster, which will be distributed to all AASL members working in elementary and middle schools, features information about the Great Depression and activities developed by the AASL School Library Media Month Task Force.
Find tools for celebrating School Library Media Month online
How will you celebrate School Library Media Month (SLMM)? AASL is celebrating, along with Carmen Agra Deedy and Abigail Breslin, by giving school library media specialists the tools needed to promote and celebrate school library media specialists and their programs during the month of April. Many AASL members will receive the Breslin poster, but for more ideas on activities you can do at your school to celebrate SLMM, visit the Advocacy section of the AASL Web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasladvocacy/schoollibrary.cfm. There, you will also find public service announcements in both English and Spanish done by Carmen Agra Deedy; news releases on School Library Media Month; and a brief history of SLMM. AASL encourages school library media specialists to use the public service announcements on their school broadcast systems during the month of April.
National Library Week honorary chair named
“Join the circle of knowledge @ your library” during this year’s National Library Week celebrated from April 13 – 19, 2008. Julie Andrews, named honorary chair of National Library Week, stars in public service announcements which are able to be viewed and downloaded at http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.htm#events. Visit this page for more information on important events happening during the week, interviews, a history of National Library Week, and future dates for celebrating the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians.
Online facilitated courses registration ends April 3
Registration for Spring online courses is open until April 3! Be sure to register today! The online facilitated courses offer the opportunity for participants to share and collaborate while AASL experts guide learners through key points within the program. Facilitated topics include copyright issues and the classroom, creating collaborative lessons for both elementary and middle schools and creating compelling programming in school libraries. Self-paced courses are also available. For more specific information on the courses, including cost and dates, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aasleducation/onlinecontinuing/courses/courses.cfm.
Register online, by mail, or fax for AASL’s 2008 Fall Forum
AASL’s 2008 Fall Forum is now open for registration online, as well as by fax and mail. This year’s forum, “Assessment, Part II: Constructing and Interpreting Viable Tools for Effective Student Learning in the Library Media Center” will be held on October 17-19, 2008, in Oak Brook, Illinois, located approximately 25 miles from Chicago. To download a printable version of the registration form, register online, or learn more about the Fall Forum, visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/fallforum.
I voted. Did you? March 18, 2008
Posted by Laura Pearle in : Community , add a commentYesterday my e-mail inbox had a message entitled “ALA 2008 election login information”. I clicked, entered my id and password (helpfully supplied by ALA in the message text), and voted.
If you haven’t received one of these messages, call 866-909-3549 or mailto:2008electionhelp@alavote.org. My vote counted. Shouldn’t yours?
New ALA e-Government subcommittee; AASL can submit names for possible membership March 17, 2008
Posted by Sara Kelly Johns in : Check this out! , add a commentIf you have an interest in e-government, would like to participate in the committee described below, and will be in Anaheim and can attend the subcommittee’s meeting, please contact me <johns@northnet.org> before the end of the week (by March 22) with a message describing your experience and interest. The decision about who will represent us will be made next week.
It’s a great opportunity to get involved in an ALA committee if you are interested in e-government.
ALA Committee on Legislation’s new “Ad-Hoc Subcommittee on E-Government Services,” would like to create a committee that is comprised of people who have some knowledge of E-Government services and who are eager to work with a diverse group of people from many different ALA units. The draft charge of this subcommittee is:
to develop policy recommendations, legislative proposals and other strategies for the ALA Committee on Legislation related to the role of libraries and the delivery of E-Government services to the American public. The subcommittee shall seek involvement from the broadest range of interested units within ALA and promote collaboration to determine and meet the needs for policy, training, research, legislation and other activities related to libraries and E-Government services.
We have a chance to send in names for this. Anyone will be able to participate on the subcommittee’s wiki. This is a large issue, affecting many areas of the library world in different ways and we want to ensure that everyone’s perspective is heard.
This sub-committee will be meeting at Annual but the subcommittee will begin its work before the conference. We need to make our recommendation very soon!
MEET AASL: The Intellectual Freedom Committee March 17, 2008
Posted by admin in : AASL Committees, Community , 2comments What is the Intellectual Freedom Committee?
A group of six school librarians and college faculty working in school library programs (plus a chair and 2 AASL liaisons). We work together to carry out the Committee Charge: to gather, prepare, and disseminate information on Intellectual Freedom issues and available support services pertinent to school library media programs.
How does the Intellectual Freedom Committee fit into AASL?
Over 70% of all challenges to books and other resources occur in schools and school libraries.
What does the Intellectual Freedom Committee do?
We:
- Gather, prepare and make available materials advising school library media specialists of available services and support in formulating Intellectual Freedom policies and for resisting local pressure and community action designed to impair the rights of others.
- Work with the ALA Intellectual Freedom Office and with the Freedom to Read Foundation in gathering information as requested and responding to issues and concerns.
- Provide technical assistance to the AASL Intellectual Freedom Award Committee.
What are 2-3 goals you have for the Intellectual Freedom Committee for 08-09?
- Review and revise the resource guides available for school librarians on the AASL website.
- Gather, prepare and make available materials advising school library media specialists of available services and support (1) in formulating Intellectual Freedom policies and (2) for resisting local pressure and community action designed to impair the rights of others.
- Revise the AASL Intellectual Freedom brochure and make it available in PDF format for downloading
- Plan/initiate monthly intellectual freedom themed postings on AASL Forum, AASL Blog, and Hotlinks (this is where I come in).
In a perfect world, what would you like the Intellectual Freedom Committee to be/do?
I (Clover Taylor, Committee Member) guess if this were a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an Intellectual Freedom Committee! Or our task would merely be to celebrate all the freedoms being excercised in all our schools and libraries!
How can I get involved?
Watch for and respond to AASL Forum and blog postings. Report assaults on intellectual freedom to the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom. Right now the committee is at capacity, but there will likely be openings in the future. When the AASL President sends out her appeal for participation, put this on your list of committee interests.
Your vote is important! March 13, 2008
Posted by Sara Kelly Johns in : AASL Officers, ALA Council, Check this out! , 1 comment so farPlease vote in the ALA Elections. The 4,282 ALSC members, and 5,688 YALSA members constitute a strong youth presence within ALA. Add to that the 9,380 AASL members who represent a specific type of library! Representation by all of the above reflected on the governing ALA Council will give voice to youth services and school libraries. By sheer numbers, these combined divisions are a major voting block in ALA.
It is critical that Council has many voices speaking for youth and school members. On our web page, AASL has a link to a list of those candidates who are members of youth divisions: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslgovernance/aaslelections/aaslelections.cfm
Please pay special attention to credentials for the candidates. We can really make a difference on Council if every AASL, ALSC, and YALSA member votes. The ballots will be available next week.
Please vote! The more we vote, the louder our voice for strong school libraries
Thanks, Sara Kelly Johns, AASL President
Success for school library funding in Washington State March 12, 2008
Posted by jfreeman in : Hot Topics, Spokane Moms , 2commentsGrassroots efforts can make a difference in a short period of time! The Washington State legislature listened to their constituents’ concerns about school library funding, today releasing a supplemental budget with $4 million allocated to public school library programs, averaging just over $4.00 per student. While it is not the original $12 million found in the Senate’s version of the budget, it is a huge victory to be a newly funded item in a supplemental budget year when financial prospects are bleak.
Lisa Layera Brunkan, Denette Hill, and Susan McBurney, the “Spokane Moms,” and their grassroots organization, Fund Our Future Washington, called upon the Washington Library Media Association’s members and anyone else they could find to write letters, walk the halls of the capitol buildings, call the legislative hotline, and flood elected officials with stories and information about school libraries. Over 5500 people signed a petition supporting school libraries, communicating local support and understanding of the importance of school libraries to the legislators. Sara Kelly Johns and Loriene Roy supported the Washington State efforts and came to Olympia, Washington, to the School Library Summit in January. Nationally and locally, this issue is capturing the attention of librarians, parents, school boards, and now, legislators.
This commitment from the Washington State legislature is the first step to permanent funding for school libraries, as next year is another budget cycle and a reevaluation of the state’s Basic Education Act. A goal for the next legislative session is for school libraries to be considered essential to basic education. It seems possible in light of the legislature’s heightened awareness of the role that school libraries have in the education of our children.
To read the Spokane Moms’ first-hand account of the past few months, see their blog: http://librariesfordemocracy.org/fundfuture/.
AASL News March 12, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentMarch marks a busy month for AASL members. There are many votes to cast and chances to register for learning and networking events. Make your membership to AASL worthwhile by doing all of this!
All K-12 public and private schools are encouraged to participate in the “School Libraries Count!” study before it closes this week on Saturday, March 15. By providing current and accurate data, this survey informs key decision makers on the local, state, and national level of the value of school library media programs. This year’s survey also asks about the use of Web 2.0 and other electronic tools. Access the survey at http://www.aaslsurvey.org
Be sure to register for two AASL events—the 2008 Fall Forum and AASL preconferences. This year’s Fall Forum, “Assessment, Part II: Constructing and Interpreting Viable Tools for Effective Student Learning in the Library Media Center,” will be held in Oak Brook, Illinois (in the Chicago area), from October 17 to October 19. Didn’t attend Part I? Don’t worry! Attendance at the 2006 Fall Forum was not at all necessary to benefit from the 2008 Fall Forum. The 2006 Fall Forum on assessment was such a popular and well-received event, that it seemed necessary to further explore the topic. Presenters include Celeste DiCarlo Nalwasky, Judith Dizikowski, Barbara F. Schloman, Julie Gedeon, and Everett Kline. New this year, breakout sessions will offer the attendees a chance to focus on one of three particular areas of assessment to get more in-depth knowledge and confer with other attendees. Registration on or before September 12 is as follows: AASL members, $209; ALA members, $259; Non-members, $319. Registration after September 12 is as follows: AASL members, $259, ALA members $309, Non-members, $369.
AASL preconference topics include trends in reading, learning, and Web 2.0. As AASL preconferences are ticketed events, I encourage you to register soon to avoid missing out on the opportunity to learn trends and gain ideas from the insightful preconference speakers. Presenters include Cassandra Barnett, Barbara Stripling, Julie Osur, Julie Masterson-Smith, and Doug Johnson. Tickets for the full-day session are $169 for AASL members, $209 for ALA members, and $259 for non-members. Half-day sessions are $79 for AASL members, $129 for ALA members, and $184 for non-members. ALA’s Annual Conference will be held in Anaheim, California, from June 26 to July 2. For more information or to register for 2008 Fall Forum or AASL preconferences, visit the AASL Conferences and Events Web page at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/conferencesandevents/aaslconferences.cfm
Finally, the entire month of April is devoted to School Library Media Month (SLMM). This year AASL is fortunate to have Carmen Agra Deedy and Abigail Breslin as spokespersons for the event. Started in 1985, SLMM has gained a national presence as a time to celebrate school library media programs and the importance school library media specialists play in a student’s education. Our Web site includes links to ways to celebrate SLMM in your school, as well as fun posters and information on our spokespersons. Look for public service announcements in both English and Spanish from Carmen Agra Deedy to be posted soon! More on SLMM can be found in the Advocacy section of the AASL Web site. Visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasladvocacy/schoollibrary.cfm
For more on all of the above news topics, visit the AASL Web site often:
http://ala.org/aasl
Every Vote Counts March 12, 2008
Posted by admin in : ALA Council, Community , add a commentWithin the next two weeks the electronic ballot for ALA’s annual elections will be in your mailbox. Please take the time to vote.
If you’re wondering which candidates for ALA office are AASL members, wonder no further
AASL Members and position they’re seeking
J. Linda Williams (2008 ALA President-Elect)
2008 ALA Councilor-at-Large
Mary Biblo
Alison Ernst
Linda Friel
Carrie Gardner
Dolores D. Gwaltney
Christopher G. Harris
Margaret L. Kirkpatrick
Johan Koren
Steve Matthews
Esther L. McRae
Marilyn J. McCroskey
Jo Ellen Priest Misakian
Toni Negro
Barbara K. Stripling
Ida Williams Thompson
Linda J. Underwood
Lisa Von Drasek
Kelvin Watson
Ann C. Weeks
The following are members of ALSC and/or YALSA
Camila Alire (2008 ALA President-Elect)
2008 ALA Councilor-at-Large
Thomas W. Brogan
Frank A. Bruno
Sandra A. Collins
Barbara A. Genco
Bonnie L. Kunzel
Dale K. McNeill
NOTE: These names are provided for informational purposes only and imply no endorsement of the candidates.
