AASL News July 30, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentAASL Web site to be locked down during the month of August
In mid-July, ALA announced that its Web site, including the divisions, offices, and round tables, would be locked down during the month of August for the implementation of a Web site redesign. This means that AASL will not be able to publish any new information to its site between July 31 at 5 p.m. and September 2. New AASL press releases will still appear, and wikis and blogs will not be affected. Fall Forum registration and ALA/AASL membership renewals will not be affected. The redesign of ALA’s Web site will have no visible effect on the AASL Web site.
ALA announces 2009 National Library Week Grant
Libraries across the U.S. are invited to apply for the $3,000 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant. The grant will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2009 National Library Week theme, “Worlds connect @ your library®.” This year’s application deadline is October 17, 2008. National Library Week is April 12-18, 2009. A grant application form and guidelines are available on The Campaign for America’s Libraries Web site. The winner will be notified and announced following the 2009 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver, Colorado.
You can also learn more about last year’s winner, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, North Carolina, on these pages.
Information Literacy and the Fate of the Free World July 27, 2008
Posted by jhurd in : Standards , 2commentsI’m one of those really annoying people who struggles over every decision: Chinese or Italian for dinner , do I honestly need an iPhone, will CQ Researcher or SIRS be the better database (that one took WEEKS to decide!)? Self-centered narcissist that I am, I subconsciously assume the Fate of the Free World rests on every decision I make.The past month or so I’ve started redoing the library website. I’m currently working on the database page and now struggle with another seemingly inane conundrum. While looking at several model library websites, I noticed many of them list their state-sponsored database collections (such as iConn or AccessPA) individually, rather than as a collection. They group them under appropriate headings (e.g. General or History) making it far easier for the students to decide which databases to search.
Great idea, thought I. Keep the iConn link, but also add links to specific databases. Then, of course, the second thoughts kicked in. It seems like a particularly ridiculous question over which to vacillate. What does it matter, really, how one links to the databases?
Except.
I posted a while back about whether pathfinders were doing students an information literacy disservice, guiding them to relevant materials and websites rather than providing them the opportunity to hone their search and web-evaluation skills. I’ve (finally!) decided to lead them more to the large portals such as Best of History, PBS and the LII, than leading them to specific sites. They’ll still need to use their search skills at least, and do some web evaluation as to which sites are relevant to their topic, even if deciding the site’s authority becomes less of an issue.
The database decision falls into this category. As school librarians, with a mandate not just to find resources for our “patrons,” but also to educate them, we walk a fine line between helping the students to have a successful research experience and over-simplifying the process for them. It’s not easy, especially when teachers, parents and administrators or so thrilled to have long lists of materials students can immediately access, saving considerable time in fruitless search.
We know, however, that those fruitless searches, with helpful guidance and questioning from information professionals, can be powerful educational experiences, as students discover what works and what doesn’t. Thus, our job becomes not just to educate the students, but to educate the faculty as to the importance of information literacy skills.
This seems like a no-brainer, but I’m often surprised at what teachers don’t know about the search process, the resources available, and how bad students are at accessing this information in a thoughtful manner. Like most non-information specialists, they assume that just because students can text, chat, and use Facebook like a pro, they’re web savvy and don’t need teaching beyond the basics.
The NY Times had a great case in point today, in their article: Online, RU Really Reading, (a much more balanced look at online reading than The Atlantic’s Is Google Making Us Stupid last month). Towards the end of the article, after showing that only 39% of students demonstrated core competencies on ETS’ new iSkills test, they reported
Some simply argue that reading on the Internet is not something that needs to be tested — or taught.
“Nobody has taught a single kid to text message,” said Carol Jago of the National Council of Teachers of English and a member of the testing guidelines committee. “Kids are smart. When they want to do something, schools don’t have to get involved.”
Right….
As I said, the teachers need educating just as much as the students.
And, so, while a part of me likes the idea of giving links to specific databases, I’ll probably resist that urge, and merely provide a link to iConn, forcing students to think about which database will provide the best results for their given topic, giving them as many opportunitieas as possible to practice those essential skills.
Though I might hedge my bets and make a few suggestions.
AASL, Charlotte, and Web 2.0 July 24, 2008
Posted by Floyd Pentlin in : AASL2009, Conferences, Hot Topics , 11commentsA group of us got together recently via Skype to discuss AASL’s great leap forward into the 2.0 world. Specifically we were talking about how the next AASL conference could take advantage of the collaborative and transparent nature of 2.0 to make the conference more available to AASL members as well as make the conference have a life beyond the few days that we would be able to spend in North Carolina in November 2009.
The discussion was pretty spirited as we talked about what it would look like to make the conference more interactive. So much of the conference is lost after the moment and events like the Exploratorium which have so many specific activities taking place within a short period of time could really benefit from additional exposure. The general excitement of the conference could be reflected through postings to Flickr and workshops could be streamed through software like Ustream. It would allow someone in Minneapolis to see the same thing that someone sitting in Charlotte would see. It wouldn’t be the same experience but it would be an experience that someone who can’t attend the conference personally would miss out on completely otherwise. I suppose one could even twitter your comments about the presentation at the same time it was happening. (Be nice!)
Needless to say this brings up all kinds of questions. What kind of technical resources would be required to do this effectively? What are the copyright implications? What might the frustration level be for someone who is trying to participate virtually with little or no technical support? Can we extrapolate from the conference experience data that might be useful in helping the organization know more about its users? How do we extend the use of 2.0 in school libraries when so many school districts filter many of the most popular 2.0 software?
From all of these questions, the group began a philosophical discussion of where all of the 2.0 technology puts the library media specialist. Everyone in the group feels that librarians continue to be in the cross-hairs of a technological revolution that will continue to redefine our position within the educational structure. If we don’t model the use and knowledge of this environment, then someone else will take up the mantle. The fact that 2.0 ties in so closely to a broader interpretation of information literacy means that we have a natural entrée into this world. If that is the case then AASL needs to interlace aspects of the 2.0 world into its next conference. The question is how and in what way?
We are looking for suggestions.
Over to you.
AASL News July 23, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentOne week left to apply for AASL sponsorship in the class of Emerging Leaders
AASL will sponsor two members for the 2009 class of Emerging Leaders. Those selected will each receive $1,000 for travel expenses when attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference – $500 for each conference. AASL’s Emerging Leaders will have the opportunity to participate in projects crucial to the profession. During conference, they will also benefit from attending specific workshops geared toward networking with fellow peers in the program. For more information about the program, please visit the Emerging Leaders wiki or contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org. The deadline to apply is July 31. Those requesting consideration for the AASL stipend should indicate that on the application.
New videos posted on American Libraries (AL) Focus
These videos are available for your use. Feel free to link to them, share them with members or colleagues, or embed them in your own Web site or blog. More videos are available on the AL Focus Web site.
Information Literacy session July 16, 2008
Posted by Debbie Stafford in : NECC2008 , 1 comment so farThe very first session that I was able to attend at NECC08 was Information Literacy: Concrete Strategies to Bring Students Aboard Presented by Eric LeMoine Session Links www.trackstar.4teachers.org (Tracks #354932 and #354698)
I can’t really say that I picked up anything new about Information Literacy but what I found most interesting was that this session was presented by a K-5 Technology/Curriculum Coach. The material contained all that might have been at a similar sessioon presented by a school library media specialist. IS this significant? I don’t know. Certainly Information Literacy is not something that belongs just to SLMS but it is one area that we push as a reason for our existence. I decided that it was a good thing that Information Literacy was being pushed whether from a SLMS or a Technology Coach.
At any rate, it was a good session, well attended and well presented.
One tip that I did pick up; have students create their slide show in outline view. Don’t allow them to move from outline view to slide view until the outline has been reviewed to make sure the content is there before the bells and whistles go in.
Debbie
SLJ’s 2.0 Program Begins July 21 July 16, 2008
Posted by Wendy Stephens in : Check this out! , 1 comment so farSchool Library Journal is offering a self-paced 23-things-type experience – it looks like a fun way to immerse yourself in the 2.0 tools amidst some like-minded people.
It will be hosted by Dominican GSLIS faculty member Michael Stephens (Tame the Web). SLJ editor Brian Kenney provides more details. I know I am looking forward to it.
AASL News July 16, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentAASL Board of Directors approves L4L development
During the ALA 2008 Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, the AASL Board of Directors approved the development of Learning 4 Life (L4L). L4L is a 3-5–year plan to nationally implement the “Standards for the 21st-Century Learner” and other guidelines being developed for school library media programs. A full launch of L4L is scheduled for fall 2008.
Intellectual Freedom brochures available online for AASL members
AASL has developed a new Intellectual Freedom brochure for AASL members to download. The brochure offers insight and support for school library media programs facing censorship issues. There are also print and online resources and information on the ALA Code of Ethics.
2009 NSLMPY application now online
A copy of the 2009 National School Library Media Program of the Year (NSLMPY) application is now available for download on the AASL NSLMPY Web page. The 2009 application deadline is January 2, 2009. Those considering their school library media program for the 2009 award are encouraged to read “Leadership for Excellence” (edited by JoAnn Carr) to gain insight as to why certain school library media programs excel and gain national recognition.
NECC08 and the SIGMS Forum July 14, 2008
Posted by Debbie Stafford in : Conferences, NECC2008, Standards , 1 comment so farFirst of all I can really relate to jhurd’s post about NECC being intense. I am still working on stuff to post for the SIGMS group!
I really want to post about the SIGMS forum SIGMS Forum: NETS or AASL Standards for 21st-Century Learners?—A Standards Debate . The forum was listed to be a debate between the net NETS for students and the new AASL 21st Century Skills. Of course no final answer emerged but there were significant common understandings. One common understanding; these standards support the school library program making use of web 2.0 tools to aid student learning. Another common understanding; the definition of collaboration may need to be expanded.
In another spirit of collaboration, Joanna Freeman was also at the forum. Since I was one of the organizers of the forum I may not be the best person to say how it went from a participant point of view. So, I am hoping that Judy will go ahead and post her thoughts in another post.
As it turned out another group SIGTE also planned a forum focused on standards. Both forums were scheduled at the same time. In the spirit of collaboration both groups are collaboration via a NING group. NECC2008 21st Century Skills Each group posted video and audio versions of the forums and hope to have some discussion available.
Debbie
LOC @ NECC08 July 13, 2008
Posted by jhurd in : Conferences , add a commentAs I’m sure most people have heard by now, NECC is an intense experience, and I needed a week just to recuperate and start processing all I learned.
I’ll post about some of the issues later, but one of the workshops that most impressed me–to my surprise!–was the Library of Congress Primary Sources workshop. I almost didn’t sign up for it. I spend hours on the site when creating pathfinders and helping students find material for research papers; I wasn’t all that sure I would learn much that was new.
Well, I’ve been humbled! I learned some great ideas for teaching students how to analyze primary sources, and found some areas of the site I never knew existed:
You can access all the handouts from the workshop here.
The oddly-named Community Center page offers pre-selected collections of PS material on commonly-taught subjects.
The Handouts page includes a FANTASTIC Flash presentation that would be a great promo piece to play while students are settling down prior to PS instruction (located on the bottom of the second section).
Each of the LOC’s central divisions has developed a Research Center page of resources.
Of course a large part of the workshop was working with Primary Sources. One of the absolute coolest was this “business card” humorously announcing Abraham Lincoln’s return to legal practice after his first term in office.
Turns out, it was a piece of Democratic propoganda, mocking the Republican’s chances of being re-elected. Who says politics used to be more civilized? And what a great find to share with your Civics teacher!
AASL News July 9, 2008
Posted by Melissa Jacobsen in : AASL News , add a commentAASL to sponsor two Emerging Leaders – Deadline Approaching
AASL will sponsor two members for the 2009 class of Emerging Leaders. Those selected will each receive $1,000 for travel expenses when attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference – $500 for each conference. AASL’s Emerging Leaders will have the opportunity to participate in projects crucial to the profession. During conference, they will also benefit from attending specific workshops geared toward networking with fellow peers in the program. For more information about the program, please visit the Emerging Leaders wiki or contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org. The deadline to apply is July 31. Those requesting consideration for the AASL stipend should indicate that on the application.
Spokane Moms respond to receiving the 2008 Crystal Apple
“We, the Spokane Moms, are touched and humbled to be receiving the 2008 AASL Crystal Apple Award. We thank the entire AASL, and by extension the ALA, for such an honor. The gesture itself represents, at heart, what you do best – give to others. School librarians embody a spirit of selflessness and compassion that creates a rare ability to change a human being’s life course. We are honored to be recognized by those who deserve our greatest admiration and gratitude for the work you do for our children.
It is your spirit of service and dedication that has inspired us to wage our campaign…”
–The Spokane Moms, Denette Hill, Lisa Layera-Brunkan, Susan McBurney
Read the full statement from the Spokane Moms.
The National School Library Media Program of the Year winners respond to receiving the 2008 award
Luella Elementary School, Locust Grove, Georgia
“It is an honor for the Luella Elementary School library media center to receive the prestigious NSLMPY award for 2008. The LES library media center first opened in 2004 with an opening day collection that has quadrupled to its present numbers. By partnering with others, the LES library media center has been able to open doors for the students to books that support the curriculum and provide pleasure reading…”
–Anne Wallace, Library Media Specialist
Read the full statement from Luella Elementary School.
Simsbury High School, Simsbury, Connecticut
“All professionals seem in agreement that students need to become information and technology literate to succeed in the 21st century. What appears to be unclear among professionals is how to go about:1. Making sure our students attain these skills and
2. Measuring that our students have mastered these skillsIn the Simsbury High School Library Media Center, all freshmen and all sophomores participate in “Assured Experiences” (guaranteed experiences) in Social Studies and Science…”
–Janet Roche & Maureen Snyder, Library Media Specialists
Read the full statement from Simsbury High School.
