Black Armbands and Buttons in Support of School Libraries

There has been a lot of discussion online about wearing black arm bands and making buttons to get the word out in our communities about how school libraries are getting slashed by budget cuts and students are the ones getting hurt. Marin Teacher Librarian Tom Kahn has the right idea: He has a school blog read by students, teachers, and parents. So, he wrote a short but effective post on "Do Educators Need a Tea Party?" and included a close-up photo of an "I Love My Library" button tied around an arm of a suit jacket with a black arm band.

Read Across America -- Start Planning!

Anaheim Union High School District (CA) high school teacher librarian Heather Gruenthal says, "It's time to start thinking about Read Across America Week -- first week in March! This is a great event to get good publicity. Here's my page of ideas from our District. Also, Kohl's Cares for Kids program is offering Dr Seuss Books and Plush for $5 each. Titles include: The Lorax, If I Ran the Circus, the Foot Book, and Oh, The Things You Can Think."

NEA now has a "Read Across America" Facebook page. Check it out.

If you are crazy for everything Seuss, check out the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden and Seussville catalog.

February is Love Your Library Month

California School Library Association Northern Section President and Teacher Librarian Tom Kahn alerted members of the CSLA to California School Libraries SNAP. February is Library Lovers Month. He urges members to share photos of what is happening in your library.

Rules are simple:

1. Photos will be accepted from current CSLA individual members only (both paraprofessional and professional)

2. Photos should be tagged as follows:
A. Students Access Information -- Students access information by applying their knowledge of the organization of libraries, print materials, digital media, and other sources.
B. Students Evaluate Information -- Students evaluate and analyze information to determine appropriateness in addressing the scope of inquiry.
C. Students Use Information -- Students organize, synthesize, create and communicate information.
D. Students Integrate Information Literacy Skills into All Areas of Learning -- Students independently pursue information to become life-long learners.

3. All photos containing easily recognizable students will need to be accompanied or followed up by a parental release form (See in my Google Docs)

4. All those submitting photos agree to permit the California School Library Association to use the photos in press releases and other promotional materials, as well as on their website. It is understood that no payment will be received for this use. [Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1311584@N24/ ]

The Uniform Project - Library Version?

Have you heard of The Uniform Project, where a fashion student decided to wear the same basic black dress for one full year (1 dress. 365 days), using different fashion accessories, with a goal of raising money to pay for student uniforms in India? Here is what Sheena Matheiken says:

"Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir.

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums."

Is there a library version of the Uniform Project? For example, what would a "1 book. 365 days" project look like? Here is a starter list. A librarian, team of librarians, FRIEND of the Library, or Library "Best Seller" could:

• Read Aloud the SAME book to a different person or group of people each day for 365 days (and post about it).
• Read Aloud a DIFFERENT book to a different person or group of people each day for 365 days (and post about it).
• Storytelling. Tell the same or a different story each day to a new person or audience.
• Book Talk a book-a-day for 365 days. Create an online "book talk"podcast/video for each day.
• OTHER? What project would fun and meaningful to support libraries and literacy?
  

In all cases, each day should include a new "post" to a blog; a "tweet" to followers; ongoing requests to support the library or a library program.

"Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries - PR

Redwood High School Teacher Librarian Tom Kahn alerted me to Dr. Joyce Valenza's 1/24/10 article in School Library Journal. Title is "California's Proactivity: "Best Sellers Campaign". This is excellent publicity for the California School Library Association (CSLA), its members, and its online professional development tutorials because Joyce is the most sought-after practicing "new media" school librarian in the nation, if not the world! Joyce is most known for her "Neverending Search" blog, which is now a regular feature in School Library Journal.

Tom actually alerted all California School Library Association listserv subscribers to the article and added: 'It would be great if each of us could make Jackie and CSLA proud by giving school libraries at least one "Best Seller" by the end of February's "Love Your Library Month."' Yes! Thank you, Tom, for your words of encouragement. "Best Sellers" is a grassroots advocacy program. Grassroots mean everyone gets busy to advocate for strong school libraries. [Tom is also CSLA Northern Section President and has a fine blog that I've followed for years, "My Continuing Educ@tion"]

ALA OITP Successfully Advocates for Stimulus Fund Dollars for Public Libraries

The American Library Association's Office of Information and Technology Policy (OITP) Successfully Advocated for more Federal Stimulus Funds for public libraries. Good work! Looks like Carrie McGuire, ALA Director, OITP Program on Networks, is to be commended.

On Friday, 1/22, Carrie hosted a "GoToWebinar" presentation by John Windhausen and Robert Bocher on "Stimulus Funds: Round 2 -- Get Connected". See archived version at http://ala.org/knowyourstimulus

John Windhausen gave lots of credit to ALA for upgrades to NTIA and RUS grant programs. He said that part 2 of the Stimulus Funds will have the same 3 programs as the first part:

• CCI - Comprehensive Community Infrastructure - emphasis now includes libraries as key community "anchor" entities.
• PCC - Public Computer Centers
• Sustainable broadband

Timing:
March 15 is deadline for applying for round #2.
Summer through September 30 grants will be awarded

Scoring preference:

• Applications for programs that serve the needs of healthcare, education, children and "vulnerable populations" and unserved/underserved areas.
• Public Computer Center programs are obvious areas for libraries and community colleges, yet there is a lot of competition for this money from other community organizations.
• NEW emphasis on community colleges and training (workforce training)
• NEW emphasis on "community anchor institutions"

Priorities: (p. 12 NOFA)

• includes partnerships - govt, nonprofit, for-profit, community
• addresses economically distressed areas
• commitment to serve community colleges

Serve Up a Good Book - March 2

Just got "Serve Up a Good Book" Read Across America kit from the California Teachers Association. Includes Recommended Reading list by the California School Library Association. Excellent collaboration! To order kits, contact Sheri Miyamoto at 562-478-1361 or smiyamoto@CTA.org

Read Across America is March 2, 2010

When the Scores Go Risin' Up @ Your Library

Explored the American Library Association's website and discovered a tune that would be appropriate for the California School Library Association's "Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Research consistently shows that strong school libraries increase student academic performance, yet library programs are often whittled away year after year when school finances are in distress.

Check out the Lyrics to "When the Scores Go Risin' Up @ your library®. Written to the tune of "When the Saints Go Marching In," this was the song that the @ your library special committee sang during the kick off of the @ your library® Campaign for School Library Media Programs at the Taste of Kansas City event at the October 2003 AASL Conference. This would be fun for a school glee club or chorus to sing and capture on video!

Lyrics by Judi Moreillon, Library Media Specialist, Sabino High School, Tucson, AR.
[Well done, Judi!]

Oh, when the scores go risin' up

Oh, when the scores go risin' up

Kids'll be learnin' @ your library®

When the scores go risin' up.

Oh, when the kids are readin' books

Oh, when the kids are readin' books

The librarians'll be there smilin'

When the kids are readin' books.

Oh, when the teachers are makin' plans

Oh, when the teachers are makin' plans

The librarians'll be willin' partners

When the teachers are makin' plans.

Oh, when the lessons are bein' taught

Oh, when the lessons are bein' taught

Librarians and teachers workin' together

When the lessons are bein' taught.

Oh, when the principals are makin' change

Oh, when the principals are makin' change

The librarians'll be leaders with 'em

When the principals are makin' change.

Oh, when the scores go risin' up

Oh, when the scores go risin' up

Kids'll be learnin' @your library®

When the scores go risin' up.

Library Advocacy Day @ ALA Annual Conference

The American Library Association (ALA) annual conference is being held in Washington, DC on June 24-29, 2010, so for this year only, ALA will not have a Springtime Library Legislation Day. Instead, there will be a Library Advocacy Day held in Washington on June 29, concurrent to the annual conference. More details will be sent to members as countdown to conference continues. It would be good to see advocacy plans and videos for all types of libraries, including school and academic ones.

Here is an advocacy video in support of public libraries:

Library Advocacy Day from ALA Washington on Vimeo.

Library Musical Chairs - Grades 1-2

Palo Alto Elementary School Teacher Librarian Pam O uses the game of musical chairs for introducing young students to a wide variety of books, before a library book fair. Here are her directions:

"I put the chairs in a circle and put one book on each chair. (For book fair, I use books that the book fair has that the library also owns if I don't have enough I borrow actual books from the book fair.) I put the music on and the children walk until the music stops. Then they sit on that chair and preview the book. When the music starts again they carefully put the book back on the chair and go around again until the music stops and then preview that new book. I never eliminate a chair, it is just a fun way to get the kids walking around and preview some of the books."

She uses Book Fair BINGO for students in grades 3-6.

Book Fair Bingo - Grades 3-6

Palo Alto Teacher Librarian Pat O treats students in grades 3-6 to Book Fair BINGO. It is a great strategy for introducing students to a large number of books, getting them to think about ones they'd like to read, and identifying the names of those books to show to parents before visiting the book fair. Here is Pat's description of how to conduct a Book Fair BINGO:

"I borrow books from the book fair. I try to use books that the library also owns. I use this site to make BINGO boards: teAchnology: The online Teacher Resource. There may be a better BINGO board maker site, but this one will do. I make 30 different boards and then make copies for each different class. I book talk the books and the students mark their board with a colored pencil and a symbol. Between each game they trade colored pencils with a neighbor this makes it easier to see which game is which with different colored pencil marks. The first game might be a dot, the second game might be a check and if we have time a third game might be an x. After I book talk the book, I place it on the whiteboard railing to know that we have done that book for this game. At the end of the lesson I ask them to circle the titles they want to check out or purchase from the book fair. If copying is a problem make one set of boards and use markers. Then at the end give them time to write down the titles they want to look for."

She uses Library Musical Chairs for students in grades 1-2.

Change Agent - Librarians' Badge

Came across several "change agent" badges from a library advocacy program by Metropolitan Group. The badge is more like an old West sheriff's badge, so it might be of particular interest to California and Western U.S. librarians. Given this is is a major time for change in our world and California, this might be an excellent time for librarians to wear a "change agent" badge.

InvenTeam High School Grants - Teacher Librarians

Grant descriptions often do not specifically include librarians as eligible applicants or members of teams, so it is useful to ask first. Asking first is also a good way to advocate for the role of the librarian or library. Here is a good example of a grant that lists science, math, and technology teachers but overlooked teacher librarians. When contacted, Ellen Dickenson, Invention Education Associate for the Lemelson-MIT High School Invention Grants said that teacher librarians are important team members and hopes to see more TL applicants this year. Read on:

"Thank you for your note and for your support of the InvenTeam initiative. We do not discount applicants who are not teachers in STEM fields, and in fact have heard that teacher librarians are vital to InvenTeams-- not only in assisting with background research, but in helping to prepare the grant applications. I’m looking forward to seeing some applications from teacher librarians this year!" -- Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams: Inspiring a new generation of inventors

So, how about public or academic librarians who assist people in seeking grants? Why not suggest that they include you or your library in the grant application. Authors often give credit to the librarians at the library or libraries where they did their research. Something to think about.

Innovations in Reading -- Contest by National Book Foundation

Do you have a special program or technique for encouraging students to read and gain a lifelong love of reading? Check out the National Book Foundation's 2010 contest, Innovations in Reading. Applications must be postmarked by February 17, 2010.

Libraries on Forefront of Offering Free Public Access Internet

OITP profiles five library networks. The ALA Office for Information Technology Policy released on January 6 Making Connections: Lessons from Five Shared Library Networks (PDF file)—profiles of five library networks that have, through varying approaches, successfully upgraded their broadband connectivity. The case studies reveal lessons learned that may be instructive for other libraries seeking to establish successful networks. Networks include Ohio Public Library Information Network, West Virginia Library Commission, Wisconsin BadgerNet, Peninsula Library System (California), and Maine School and Library Network.

This and earlier Making Connections reports are meant to support calls for Federal Broadband funding for public libraries. Much of the broadband grants is going to other entities, yet Public Libraries are on the forefront of offering no-fee broadband access to the Internet. Library Internet workstations are generally full (with waiting lines) and most public libraries also offer free wireless Internet access. Ironically, library hours are often reduced because of local government budget woes even though public demand to library access increases in times of economic downturn.

School Library Media Month - April 2010

School Library Media Month is using the same theme as National Library Week: "Communities Thrive @ Your Library". This year's SLMM spokesperson is award-winning author, Laurie Halse Anderson. The American Association of School Librarians has created activities for promoting school libraries during the month.

One activity is a video contest for AASL members. Here are the details:

• School library media specialists (teacher librarians) are encouraged to submit videos to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) detailing how they help their school community "thrive." This is an opportunity for school library media specialists to be creative and share why they are essential to their school community. The winning video will be featured on the AASL Web site, AASL social networking platforms, and possible feature and recognition at AASL conferences. Entries will be vetted by AASL and the top three will be judged by the entire AASL member community starting March 8, 2010.

• Suggested focus
  AASL encourages creativity. Entries may include an interview with members of a school community, a typical day in the life of a school library media specialist, or a short skit on why school library media specialists are essential to a school community.

  Submission process
  Entries should be submitted to AASL by March 1, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. CST. Please include your AASL membership ID with your submission. All videos must be accompanied by a signed video/photo release form from each person featured in the video. Videos should be no more than 3 minutes. Only WMV, RealVideo and QuickTime formatted files will be accepted.

  Additional Rules
  This contest is open to AASL members only. All entries over 3 minutes will be disqualified.

California members may want to use the definition of a strong school library when they create their 3 minute (max) video on "Communities Thrive @ Your Library". For example, School communities thrive when your school library has:

• A full time, certified school Teacher Librarian and a fulltime paraprofessional working as a team. This allows the teacher librarian to collaborate with teachers in co-designing instruction which incorporates information literacy into the curriculum.
  

• Lots of carefully selected books, databases, and other learning resources. Resources must reflect the school curriculum and student recreational reading needs.
  

• A program which provides instruction and activities for students to use the research process in finding the information they need. Research is a process, not an end product – it is the thinking process which the students benefit from, not the ultimate "find." The "find" is generally forgotten – while the process remains with them forever.
  

• Technology, including hardware, software, and networking that form a virtual library without walls linking students to the world of information, a cybrary that fully supports the school curriculum, 24/7.
  

• Its doors open before, during and after school hours, with liberal circulation policies. This means access to the school library, its resources, and staff.

National Library Week 2010 - PSA

The American Library Association has issued a press release about a library PR tool for National Library Week:

CHICAGO – To promote National Library Week 2010, a free customizable public service announcement (PSA) featuring award-winning author Neil Gaiman is now available.

Gaiman, the 2009 Newberry Medal winner for "The Graveyard Book," will appear in both a print and a radio public service announcement (PSA). Gaiman’s love of libraries and librarians is no secret, as his many fans and Twitter followers know.

The PSA can be downloaded for free at www.ala.org/nlw. The PSA reminds library users of all the resources the library offer and how libraries are of key importance in tough economic times. To have the PSA customized with their library’s logo, librarians are asked to send a print quality logo file, their library name and URL to: ala@atigraphics.com. The PSA will be sent to the library in 1-2 weeks.

Other materials are currently available in both English and Spanish, focusing on the 2010 National Library Week theme “Communities thrive @ your library.” They include a proclamation, sample press release and letter-to-the-editor, as well as scripts for use in radio public service announcements (PSAs). Libraries can download materials at www.ala.org/nlw.

Libraries planning to participate in “Communities thrive @ your library”-themed programming are encouraged to share their stories with the Campaign for America’s Libraries, by sending an e-mail to: atyourlibrary@ala.org.

ALA Graphics products supporting the “Communities thrive” theme are also available. In addition to the 2010 National Library Week poster and bookmark, libraries can also purchase mini poster and, new this year, a downloadable transit sign. National Library Week-themed Web files along with all Graphics products can be purchased through the ALA Store at www.alastore.ala.org/nlw.

National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use.

The Campaign for America’s Libraries (www.ala.org/@yourlibrary), ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations that advocate the importance of the library in American society.

Duck, Duck, Dewey - Game for Grades K-5

My friend loves ducks. Has had a duck as a pet her whole life. She grew up to be a kindergarten teacher. Every time I see a cute duck toy, I think of my friend. Well, thank-you, UpStart library promotions for introducing the game "Duck, Duck, Dewey". It looks like a fun way to teach the Dewey Decimal Catalog System to elementary school students.

The game includes 10 little vinyl duckies, each dressed differently to represent different subject headings. According to the description in the catalog, the duck representing literature is dressed as Shakespeare, while the duck representing sports and recreation wears a baseball outfit. You can also order an extra set of Dewey Ducks OR a set of design-your-own ducks! My friend will soon get a fun surprise in her mail box! This item definitely belongs on my other blog, "Gift Guide for Library and Book Lovers"and is something fun to "tweet" about.

The Power of Reading: Books About Libraries and Librarians

University of Illinois Library and Information Science Doctoral candidate Minjii Chen created a list of U. S. children's books about libraries and librarians. See her list in the article, "The Power of Reading: Books About Libraries and Librarians".

1. Dear Miss Breed (2005)
   
2. Tomas and the Library Lady (1997)
3. The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq (2005)
4. Wild About Books (2004)
5. Please Bury Me in the Library (2005)
6. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth (1994)
7. My Librarian is a Camel: How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World (2005)
8. Richard Wright and the Library Card (1997)
9. Library Lil (1997)
10. The Librarian from the Black Lagoon (1997)
11. Library Dragon (1994)
12. Mike's House (1954)
    

This must be a challenge to librarians everywhere! I KNOW of at least one other book to add to the list, but first must go search for it in my personal collection. Harper-Collins gave me a "proof" copy at a library conference about 15 years ago... It was a picture book history of libraries by Jack Knowlton and illustrated by Harriett Barton, titled "Books and Libraries"(1991) and included an illustrated Melvil Dewey Decimal System in the front and back. I remember it so well because the last page was devoted to "Today: Your Neighborhood Library".

A big-time omission from the above list is "The Library" (1995) by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small. The front cover is of a girl pulling a wagon full of books, with her head buried in a book, reading. I have a good supply of note cards and book marks with that image!

Operation Teen Book Drop 2010 - April 15

American Libraries Direct included an item by Stephanie Kuenn about Operation Teen Book Drop 2010. She says “YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) will again work with Readergirlz and Guys Lit Wire in 2010 for another iteration of Operation Teen Book Drop. The initiative will take place on Support Teen Literature Day, April 15. Over the past two years, Operation TBD has put 20,000 books for teens into pediatric hospitals in the United States and Canada. This year, Operation TBD will coordinate donations to tribal libraries and schools by joining forces with If I Can Read, I Can Do Anything, a national book club for Native American children, a project directed by former ALA President Loriene Roy.” Watch the Readergirlz video (2:29)....Music is "Prayer Song".
YALSA Blog, Dec. 16; YouTube, Dec. 10

Georgia School Librarian Asks Kids: What makes a Library a Library?

The Unquiet Librarian is the name of a blog written by Buffy Hamilton, a high school librarian in Georgia. She has been doing video interviews with students, asking "What Makes a Library a Library", a question asked recently by California blogger Sarah Houghton-Jans, aka Librarian-In-Black.

Check out the answers by high school students:



What would your students say? What would your library visitor "regulars" say? What are some other good questions to ask library users? I'm sure you can come up with some meaningful and fun questions, but here is a start:

• Why are you in the library today?
• Do you remember the first time you visited a library?
• How old were you when you got your first library card? Which library?
• When you come to the library, do you have a favorite section or place?
• Do you have a special "reading place" at home, in the library, or?
• What are you reading or planning to read next? Any recommendations?
  

Gingerbread Library -- FRIENDS Fund Raiser

Ever see a Gingerbread Library? Conshohocken Public Library FRIEND Jen Borovicka baked and built a replica of the 152-year-old Victorian Gothic Revival building as a centerpiece for a Winter Solstice Celebration and a raffle prize.

Once upon a time, a long long time ago when I was getting my MLS degree from Drexel University, I lived around the corner from the Conshohocken, PA public library. So, when I was reading today's issue of American Libraries Direct, news of the fund raiser by the FRIENDS of the Conshohocken Library caught my eye.

What a yummy treat! How many libraries can say their library tastes and smells like Gingerbread? Hope the FRIENDS have digitally captured the little library in a way that can be used for holiday cards, cups, or calendars.

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

Two years ago, the Library of Congress and the Children's Book Council appointed John Scieszka as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Since then, the author-ambassador has traveled to 33 states, visited hundreds of schools/libraries/bookstores/festivals/conferences, and met many young children.

His official term as National Ambassador is ending, but once-an-ambassador, always an ambassador for reading. He says he will continue to serve as Ambassador Emeritus. He wrote an end-of-term article in the Huffington Post.

Here is the advice he has given throughout his ambassadorship:

• Let each child choose what she or he wants to read. I'll never forget my own son's reaction reading Little House on the Prairie (a favorite of many readers): "Are they really going to spend this whole chapter making a door?"

• Expand the definition of "reading" to include non-fiction, humor, graphic novels, magazines, action adventure, and, yes, even websites. It's the pleasure of reading that counts; the focus will naturally broaden. A boy won't read shark books forever.

• If a kid doesn't like one book, don't worry about finishing it. Start another. The key is helping children find what they like.

• Be a good reading role model. Show kids what you like to read, what you don't like to read, how you choose what you read. Let them see you reading.

• Avoid demonizing television, computer games, and new technologies. Electronic media may compete for kids' attention, but we're not going to get kids reading by badmouthing other entertainment. Admit that TV and games can do things books can't. Talk about how reading can make a world in ways that movies and games can't.

Reading champion Stephen Krashen posted this praise on the California School Library listserv: "Jon Scieszka has been giving young people a lot of advice on reading, in his role as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. What audacity! A mere author giving advice on reading! This is the job of professional educators and reading researchers like myself, academics who have spent years painfully and carefully doing studies, examining the research of others, and performing arcane statistical analysis. But Mr. Scieszka got it exactly right. Everything he says is backed up by our research. And being a fine writer, he said it more succinctly and convincingly that any of us ever did."

Scieszka is the founder of Guys Read, a nonprofit literacy organization. He is also a children's author of books including The Stinky Cheese Man.

"Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries

The California School Library Association is going into high gear in promoting its grassroots advocacy effort, the CSLA "Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries. CSLA introduced the campaign at its November conference and will continue to promote it to its members -- they are the grassroots! "Best Sellers" work to save California's school libraries and teacher librarians and to help our students become college and career ready.

California’s massive budget cuts have dramatically impacted K-12 public school library programs. The national average for the ratio of students to teacher librarians is 1 to 916. California ranks last in the nation with a current ratio of 1 to 5,124. The number of credentialed teacher librarians has continued to drop each of the last 5 years and is now at 1,151 for 9,846 schools in the state. Additionally, the age of library book collections has increased due to a lack of funding.

Why is a quality school library so important? According to research by Doug Achterman, PhD, in his work entitled “Haves, Halves and Have-Nots: School Libraries and Student Achievement,” California public schools with strong school library programs outperform those without such programs on the state’s STAR tests. This is true regardless of the school community’s parent education and poverty levels, ethnicity, and percentage of English language learners. Policymakers fight to improve student performance, so this remarkable data should not be overlooked or ignored. Achterman’s research shows that increases in the following library program elements correspond to increased STAR test scores at the elementary, middle school and high school levels:

• Total hours library open
• Total technology available through the library
• Total services provided by library staff
• Offering a program of curriculum-integrated information literacy instruction
• Informally instructing students in the use of resources
• Providing teachers with information about new resources
• Providing reference assistance to students and teachers

What can "Best Sellers" do?

• Study the issues and the impact of strong school libraries on student success and put this information to work in whatever you do - speaking, writing, policymaking.
  
• Encourage your local school districts and communities to include strong school libraries as a key solution to improving academic achievement.
• Become an advocate or “Best Seller” for strong school libraries and their role in developing 21^st Century learners and workers by telling the story of why school libraries are a crucial component of student academic success. Learn what it means to be a “Best Seller” and invite others to become advocates as well.
• Read the national research on school libraries. The document, “School Libraries Work,” chronicles the research done in 19 states on the value of school libraries. The cornerstone of student success is their ability to read. The research shows that access to a quality school library is the most important factor in student success.

I'll keep track of this important California campaign.

ASF School Library - Dewey Decimal Video

Check out this fun music video on the Dewey Decimal system. This video was produced by the Lower School Library at ASF (American School Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico).

School Library Videos

I searched my PageFlakes videos for the term "school libraries" and came across a few fun videos filmed in school libraries. Here is a short video on successful school library advocacy by Australian school library advocate Karen Bonanno.

Biblioburro - Columbian Traveling Library

Watched a video about Luis Soriano, a Columbian teacher in the small town of La Gloria. For the past ten years, every weekend he loads his donkey with books to deliver to kids far out in the countryside. The kids love the biblioburro.


Watch this video at Ayoka Productions

Read Kiddo Read

Action author James Patterson writes both adult and young adult non fiction page-turners. Apparently, his son was not a reader early on, which got Patterson to seek out or write novels for boys. At the American Association of School Libraries conference on November 6, Patterson said ‘It’s time for librarians to start making a lot more noise.... School libraries are not a luxury, they are a necessity.’ He called for librarians to "make noise" and advocate for school libraries. According to American Libraries Associate Editor Pamela Goodes, “Best-selling author James Patterson has launched a new website, ReadKiddoRead, designed to help parents, teachers, and librarians find books that will appeal to kids at all reading and interest levels....
AL Inside Scoop, Nov. 6

Big Read - 2010

Check it out!

Alert from ALA Direct: Time to apply for The Big Read
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest, announces the 2010 deadline for The Big Read, a program to revitalize the role of literature in American culture. Organizations may apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 with the grant size determined by community population, number of activities planned, and artistic excellence and merit. The proposal deadline is February 2, 2010....
Institute of Museum and Library Services, Nov. 13

Big Read grants require the participation of a library as a lead applicant or a partner. Grant funds, which must be matched with nonfederal funds, may be used for such expenses as book purchases, speaker fees and travel, salaries, advertising, and venue rental. How can school libraries benefit from this grant? See book choices at http://neabigread.org/guidelines.php

• If book choices agree with summer reading or other school lists, would this be a good public-school collaboration?
• PR tools and educational resources look good. See the following list.
• Reader’s Guides: 16-page booklets containing an introduction to the featured book or poet, historical context, background of the writer, information about related works, and discussion questions.
• Spanish translations of Reader’s Guides: Available for In the Time of Butterflies; Bless Me, Ultima; Fahrenheit 451; The Maltese Falcon; Sun, Stone, and Shadows: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories; To Kill a Mockingbird; The Call of the Wild; The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe; The Grapes of Wrath; and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
• Teacher’s Guides: 20-page booklets containing lesson plans and other teacher resources for high schools or middle schools that can be used in the classroom and/or by the school library media specialist.
• Audio Guides: 30-minute CDs featuring interviews with notable literary and public figures about the book for radio promotion and classroom use; for the poetry selections, 20-minute CDs containing readings of poems.
• Banners, posters, and bookmarks for promotional and marketing purposes.
• Web site: Participating community organizations also contribute to www.NEABigRead.org.

Middle and high school partnerships are essential to meeting the goals of The Big Read. Applicant organizations are encouraged partner with local middle and/or high schools, working with school leaders, such as teachers, school librarians, English department chairs, principals, superintendents, or curriculum specialists. Partner schools should be capable of integrating The Big Read materials in classrooms and/or involving students in school-based Big Read activities. Applicant organizations should also develop program plans to involve students in community-based programming.

Book Trailers - Book Promotions

We all have seen Movie Trailers or "previews of coming attractions". Now we have BOOK TRAILERS! Love them. Here is an example, "Impossible" by Nancy Werlin. Inspired by the classic folk ballad Scarborough Fair.



Book trailers are ideal for libraries of all kinds to promote reading. How are you using them? There are commercial sites like BookTrailers.net, but trailers are ideal as student-created book commercials that could be easily captured on a Flip Video and uploaded to Teacher Tube.

Frontline Advocacy - ALA Panel

ALA Midwinter Planning Conference in Boston features a Saturday 1/16 program on Frontline Advocacy. California School Library Association's 08/09 President Connie Hamner Williams is on the panel, representing school librarians. ALA President Camila Alire sees the CSLA "Best Sellers" grassroots advocacy campaign for strong school libraries as a prime example of frontline advocacy.

Program description of Frontline Advocacy: "Do you think advocacy is just for the higher-ups in your organization? Everyone can – and should – have a role in advocating for their library and the profession. Learn how advocating from the front lines is possible: Join ALA President Camila Alire and guests in a discussion on Frontline Advocacy, a unique initiative designed to motivate, encourage and train librarians and library support staff to seize opportunities to promote the diverse professionals, resources, and services of public, school, academic, and special libraries."

Building BUZZ - Word of Mouth Marketing

I enjoyed reading "The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing (WOMM)", an article by Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace in the November issue of American Libraries. The focus was on empowering public library staffers to ask patrons questions like "Do you know we have the Tumblebooks Site" and demo those sites or databases. It is simple, fun, and strategic on many levels. It creates a buzz. It is something like a fast food store asking all customers if they'd like fries with their meal -- it makes customers think about it, often add that item, and stimulates sales.

How would this work in school libraries? Is anyone doing something like this now? Would it be a fun experiment?

• Select a book-a-week for teacher librarians, library clerks, and/or student library aides to promote? Upon book check-out, ask something like: "Have you heard about X book by Y author? It is very popular -- check out a copy on the book display table". Effectiveness could be measured by how many times each of the recommended books gets borrowed over the semester or year. This could be a school-public library collaboration too.
• Select a library database or public primary source database (like Calisphere.org) to promote once-a-month.

Peggy says: "WOMM can definitely work for school libraries and we included an example from a middle school in our book [Building A Buzz]. Basically we suggest that every library have a marketing/communication plan that includes two-way communication-- finding out what the people served want and need.--- Then goals and measurable objectives based on what is learned, with WOMM as a useful strategy for making the plan work. (Golly....I do start preaching!) A library staff team can develop the plan, and all staff can make it happen. In our case study, a school district library recruited two people from each school to be advocates--both listening and telling colleagues about library services....and they had bunch of practical ideas --like "eat lunch with teachers and make the librarian accessible." Bottom line...the ideas you suggest sound good, but they'll be great if they are part of a plan---- organized, focused, consistent."

School Libraries Lacking - Newspaper article

The San Mateo Daily Journal | November 09, 2009 carried an interview with yours truely in the role of concerned parent and California School Library Association VP-Communications. The front page article was headlined "School Libraries Lacking".

A strong school library program is the cornerstone of a healthy school. School libraries require buy-in from administrators, programs based on state standards, high visibility, and strong, committed advocates – like you! My message focused on state standards for school libraries, elements of a strong school library, and equity. Compelling personal story (to reporter) was how there were full-time teacher librarians at each middle and high school when my children attended them. They are now in college and beyond, but current students are getting shortchanged. Today's students are less prepared for college and careers.

AASL's new national standards and California's new DRAFT model school library standards are important BLUEPRINTS. Promote the standards so parents and policymakers can properly prioritize and fund strong school libraries.

Here are five questions you can ask in order to better understand if a school has a strong library program. Does the library have:

• A full time, certified school Teacher Librarian and a full-time paraprofessional working as a team? This allows the teacher librarian to collaborate with teachers in co-designing instruction which incorporates information literacy into the curriculum.
• Lots of carefully selected books, databases, and other learning resources? Resources must reflect the school curriculum and student recreational reading needs.
• A program which provides instruction and activities for students to use the research process in finding the information they need? Research is a process, not an end product – it is the thinking process which the students benefit from, not the ultimate "find." The "find" is generally forgotten – while the process remains with them forever.
• Technology, including computers networked to the community and the Internet; sufficient eDatabases, DVDs, audio and video technology related to the school curriculum?
• Its doors open before, during and after school hours, with liberal circulation policies? This means access to the school library, its resources, and staff.

See also the California School Library Association advocacy program, "Best Seller" Campaign for Strong School Libraries.

Books Across America Grants - NEA Foundation

National Education Association Foundation announced its Books Across America grant program for books for public school libraries in needy communities, where at least 70% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunches. 50 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded. California schools need this -- especially those with eliminated or reduced library programs! Deadline for applications is November 20, 2009. Contact is Anita Merina at 202-822-7289.

Book Clubs for Philanthropy

An article in Philanthropy Today was about the charity Mercy Corp, which is organizing book clubs that read, discuss, and donate to womens causes in developing countries. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy's column on Prospecting:

A project by Mercy Corps centered on a new book Half the Sky by journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn. Kristof and Wudunn argue that many of society’s problems can be alleviated by improving the status of women. Mercy Corps' focus is primarily on alleviating hunger in developing countries.

Room-to-Read Supported by Twitter

Charity events that include fun and wine are off to a good start.

On October 15, 2009 Twitter picked a charity for its Fledgling Initiative. They will promote donating to Room-to-Read, a San Francisco-based non-profit that establishes schools and libraries in underdeveloped countries. According to the press release, Twitter staff is planning a "fun experiment to create wine with the San Francisco-based custom winery, Crushpad. Five dollars from every bottle sold will go directly to Room to Read to support our global education programs. The wine’s own micro-site will feature news and updates documenting the wine’s development each step of the way."

Room-to-Read's theme is World Change Starts with Educated Children. Co-founder John Wood speaks about the organization he started.

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

On Saturday, October 24, 2009, participants in Dewey's 24-Hour Read-A-Thon read books, posted to their blogs about what they were reading, and visited other readers’ blogs. They also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. Mark your calendar and get ready for the next one! It happens twice a year, in April and in October. The first one was held in October 2007.

San Marcos High School Teacher Librarian Helen Murdock shared her Read-a-thon day with fellow librarians.

Check out the dozen or so Read-a-thon buttons for your blog or website.
Read the list of tips for surviving a full day of reading. I like the one about not sitting in the same chair the full time -- get up and move around. My tip would be to listen to a book while walking to the YMCA, then spend an hour or two with a fast-paced mystery book while walking/climbing at 3.1 mph on an incline machine or treadmill set at various levels of incline, from 3-24. That is how I keep in shape and have a daily excuse for reading mysteries. :)

Follow Library Advocate on Twitter

There is a Twitter account @ 4Libraries that "tweets" about Library Advocate blog topics and other items in 140 characters or less. At this time, there are about 35 "followers". I've been reading a guide to Twitter in order to better understand how to use it to get the word out about innovative and important library issues and activities.

I'd like to see how Twitter can be used to:

• increase awareness and participation in CSLA introductory tutorials, such as School Library Learning 2.0, Classroom Learning 2.0, Learning web 2.0 for Teens, Athletes as Readers and Leaders, and "Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries.
• promote new state school library standards, key legislation, grants, programs, and opportunities.
  

Free Pancakes in the Library - Getting Boys to Read

The Getting Boys to Read blog carried an item on how to host a pancake breakfast to bring in (always) hungry teen boys. The article, "Free Pancakes in the library! We do it and so can you" was written by Getting Boys to Read's Mike McQueen. Mike starts by asking "Food in the library! Are we crazy? If you want boys to read, get them into the library by going after their stomachs! As part of our Extreme Library Makeover, we allow students to eat and drink in the library any time they want - even at the computers. Are we crazy? Maybe little, but heck, most adults eat and drink at their computer all the time. Are adults more careful thanks kids?..." Learn how to set up pancake breakfasts in your library and comments from other librarians on their fun food events.

To follow Mike on Twitter: MrMLibrarian

Book Bike at Chicago Banned Books Event

Gabe Levinson and his Book Bike has been giving books away in Chicago parks for the past two summers. See earlier post. This year, he was invited to be a part of a Chicago Banned Books Read-Out on September 26, 2009.

William Kamkwamba and Library Book on Windmills

Here's a video you MUST WATCH and SHARE widely. See Daily Show with William Kamkwamba

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
William Kamkwamba
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

See also the powerful ABC Interview on how William had to drop out of school, so he looked through the school library and found a book on energy from the wind... Now, neighbors come to his home to power up cell phones thanks to the windmill that William built.

See also the Public Library Association e-mail interview with village school librarian Ms. Edith Sikelo. Be sure to share William's story!

More on William Kamkwamba is available on Ted.com

"I'll Fight You For The Library" - YouTube Video

This is a "must see" video. *****(5 stars)

"I'll Fight You For The Library" performed by Taylor Mali as part of the Page Meets Stage Series at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City on April 29, 2009

"I'll Fight You For The Library" performed by Taylor Mali as part of the Page Meets Stage Series at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City on April 29, 2009

Category: Entertainment

Tags:

Page Meets Stage Taylor Mali Bowery Poetry Club Spoken Word Poetry

Image Chef - Word Mosaic

It has been a while since I've played with Image chef, so I checked it out again when a friend mentioned that it now offered word mosaic applications. It's October, so I used orange and black.

There's No Place Like the Library - Wizard of Oz (YouTube)

ALA has 5 favorite library videos. Here is one of them, "The Wizard of Oz".


YouTube info: Originally presented at the 2007 ALA Conference in Washington DC. A simple tale about library circulation. Presented by Salt Lake County Library. Created for Salt Lake County Library. Executive Producer - Jim Cooper; Producer / Writer- Greg Near; Director - Ernest Q. Bourne; Camera - Adam Hill; Key Grip - Brent Roberts; Dorothy - Telesa Rountree; Librarian - Beverly Dusserre; Witch - Darlene Dineen; Scarecrow / Tinman - Karl Gilchrist; Lion - Alexis Alires; Extras - Jamie Jensen, Rosemary Healy, Angie Rawlings.

10 Ways to Support English Language Learners in Libraries

Colorin’ Colorado posted an excellent article by Jacqueline Jules on "10 Ways to Support ELLs in the school library". Here is the list, but see the full article for details and a short video.

1. Provide Foreign Language Materials in Easy-Access Displays. There are a number of ways to keep bilingual or foreign language books front and center in the library, and to integrate them into the curriculum.
2. Provide Books and Information on Countries of Origin. ELLs love seeing colorful pictures from their birth countries in books or online. You can offer them access to those resources by making these materials available.
3. Provide Electronic Access to Materials in Other Languages. Many online resources are also available in other languages.
4. Provide Audio Materials and Instruction on How to Use Them. Audio materials can be very helpful to ELL learners, from books on CD to free podcasts.
5. Share Culturally Meaningful Stories. With curricular demands, classroom teachers have little time to acknowledge holidays through stories and read-alouds. This can be done in the library.
6. Watch Your Words! ELLs sometimes need help with instructions, vocabulary, or understanding a key piece of background knowledge in a story. It's important not to take their comprehension for granted as you might for English-speaking students.
7. Make Story Time Interactive. Interactive story time is a favorite activity for many ELLs at our library.
8. Use Visuals at Story Time. Using visuals will help ELLs learn new vocabulary words and will add meaning to stories or read-alouds.
9. Use Visuals in Your Correspondence Home. The concept of a lending library may be new to immigrant families. You can help them get familiar with library books.
10. Promote the Public Library, too! There are a number of things that school librarians can do to encourage ELL families to use the public library, including library cards, inviting a public librarian to a school event, arranging a family night at the public library.

Banned Books Week - Puppet Video

Lots of activities around Banned Books Week. ALDirect included a mini-video featuring puppets in a library, tossing banned books from the shelves!

Rural and Small Libraries - New Website Design

I love American Libraries Direct! It is always chocked full of good news items about and for libraries. Worth subscribing to the weekly eNewsletter.

Here is an item on Rural Libraries. I like how the national association spotlights member libraries.

"The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) has redesigned its website as a dynamic space that captures ARSL’s personality and mission in a way that is appealing and relevant to its members. It is also spotlighting its member libraries on the homepage each month. Elements of this website, including the new ARSL logo, were unveiled at their annual conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, September 11–13...." Association for Rural and Small Libraries

Best Book Bloggers - 2009

American Libraries Direct carried an item on "Best Book Bloggers". Tons of book lovers blog about their books, so it makes sense that some rise to the top of the list. This is the second year of the annual award. This is worth checking out!

"The votes are in for the best book blogs of 2009, and the winners include J. Kaye’s Book Blog (best commentator and most prolific blogger), The Book Smugglers (best collaborative blog), Books on the Nightstand (best general review blog and most eclectic taste), Hey Lady! Whatcha’ Readin’? (best literary fiction blog), Bermudaonion (most concise), and The Story Siren (most extravagant giveaways)...."
Book Blogger Appreciation Week, Sept. 15

In the the "About" section of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, it "was started by Amy Riley of My Friend Amy in an effort to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.

The first Book Blogger Appreciation was observed in the fall of 2008 and occurs every September. The week spotlights and celebrates the work of active book bloggers through guest posts, awards, giveaways, and community activities. Book Bloggers are encouraged to register their participation for inclusion in a database of book bloggers."

@ Your Library

The American Library Association has introduced a direct-to-the-public website called @ Your Library. It builds off the ALA branding for libraries, but is meant for educating the general public about public libraries. Focus is totally on public, not school, academic, or special libraries. Wonder how members of AASL, ACRL, SLA, and other non-public library divisions of ALA feel about this effort? Will there be similar efforts to go direct to the public with AASL Standards for 21st Century Learners? It looks like there is a new AASL toolkit for members to offer to parents -- if there is a teacher librarian in the district left to make it available.

From American Libraries: "American Libraries Editor-in-Chief Leonard Kniffel writes: “Every librarian knows that today’s libraries face contradictions in many areas of public perception: While libraries are popular, they are often taken for granted. While libraries are ubiquitous, they are not often visible. While libraries are unique, they face competition. ALA launched the @ your library website, designed not as a tool for librarians but as a direct pipeline to the general public.”...
AL Inside Scoop, Sept. 16"

Libraries Connect Communities 3: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2008–2009

The American Library Association issued a news release on Libraries Connect Communities 3: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2008–2009 on September 15, 2009. The report states that "libraries connect Americans with online government and jobs, and that libraries serve as crucial technology hubs for people in need of free web access, computer training, and assistance finding and using e-government and job resources....
With national unemployment topping 9% and many Americans seeking online information and new technology skills, U.S. public libraries are first responders in a time of economic uncertainty."