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!