Happy Learners with Technology

Do your students have access to the library before and after school? During the lunch period? Is the library open so students without technology at home have a safe, warm place to develop the digital literacy skills needed for school, work and life in the 21st century?

Here is a design that reflects what happens when students have regular access to technology and staff including teacher librarians.  The design is now available at the CSLA's Library Advocacy Store.

Pirate and Witch Promote Reading

"Yo Ho Ho and a Book to Read" shouts this treasure-hunting pirate. Our Pirate Captain promotes reading on "Talk Like A Pirate Day" (September 19) and throughout the month of October, when Halloween is on the minds of kids of all ages. Yo Ho Ho!

Our popular Halloween witch looks right at you and says "Trick or Read!" Be careful! She may put a spell on you.

How do people use these characters? The first and primary use is for mini bookmarks for my local school students. I make a pdf of each set of bookmarks and make them available to librarians and friends at no cost -- each bookmark includes an advocacy message, "Strong School Libraries, Strong Students."  PDF download

The characters are also loaded onto the California School Library Foundation online store at cafepress.com/csla and cafepress.com/DesignClass. The two stores provide a small revenue stream for library advocacy. Support Strong School Libraries! To learn more about the crisis in school libraries, see librarycampaign.csla.net and make some noise!

School Librarian Crusader

Here's a school librarian worth following. Middle School Librarian Sara Stevenson of Austin, TX advocates clearly and is the recipient of the Loeb Award for online journalism.

See Lauren Barack's  School Library Journal article, "Sara Stevenson: School Librarian Crusader."
Follow her on twitter

ALA Needs to Introduce Strong School Libraries to FCC

It is that time of year again.  School starts and thus it is time for school and library E-Rate plans and requests for discounts.  Since the start of the Federal E-Rate program, where $2.25 BILLION is given ANNUALLY to schools and libraries to fund telecommunications, Internet access and related equipment.  Most money goes to public schools, yet ALA/OITP's E-Rate committee has historically lacked school librarians.  Teacher Librarians need to be at the ALA/OITP table in order to have a voice, advocate for the important role of strong school libraries, and get ALA to advocate for strong school libraries as key to teaching digital literacy and cyber safety.  For info on e-rate, see http://www.usac.org/sl/

Public libraries are very important players in providing access to the Internet, but school librarians are tops for teaching digital literacy!  Schools (and thus school libraries) have a captive audience of MILLIONS of students and staff that can be introduced to digital literacy through school library curriculum standards.  It helps to have the library open and staffed by teacher librarians.  This message needs to be delivered to the FCC and repeated. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

For that matter, an image of a school library that includes both books and technology should be regularly shared with members of the FCC and the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company).  Here is the image I designed due to lack of images that show both print and e-resources.

See the relevant discussion by the Unquiet Librarian on "Dear FCC and ALA: Do you really not get it?" at http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/dear-fcc-and-ala-do-you-really-not-get-it/#comment-7372

Teacher Librarians: A Value Proposition

Here is a value proposition for teacher librarians as key players in building literacy for a strong democracy. Teacher Librarians:

• Provide K-12 student access to books and online resources
• Teach students (and classroom teachers) online research, cyber safety skills, Digital Citizenship
• Are schoolwide literacy and digital literacy specialists
• Reach thousands of students annually
• Have the largest classroom, reaching all students, over multiple years
• Use and offer the most technology in a school (often a computer lab or classroom set of computers, central depository for classroom technology, online library catalog, largest viewing center for presentations)

While Public Libraries play an important role in providing access to information -- especially for preschool, after school, and lifelong -- school libraries play an important role in providing access to information and instruction in how to access information to a "captive" audience of THOUSANDS of students from grades K-12.  This is an extremely important distinction (between public and school libraries or between classroom teachers and teacher librarians.)  Here is why:

• Students visit public libraries on a voluntary, often irregular basis.  However, school libraries have a "captive" audience; classroom teachers take their classes to the library for special research and other assignments, book talks, and to get taught digital literacy skills by the teacher librarian.  
• School students have library classes and free library access time.*  These numbers are potentially a powerful force in increasing literacy and digital literacy.  In California, there is now a set of minimum library curriculum standards for information skills, but no "teeth", funding or incentives for school districts to embrace the standards or rebuild their school libraries. [*except when the library hours are cut or library team reduced or eliminated -- this is an incomprehensible and tragic trend in California and across the country.  In my wealthy community, the middle and high school libraries are now staffed by teacher librarians who are employed 1/2 time and thus the libraries are less accessible to students.]  

Technology companies and other large employers could play an important role in making the argument that school districts should invest in their school library programs and staff.

Learn more about the role and issues related to strong school libraries.  See http://librarycampaign.csla.net  

Big-Eye Readers - New Characters

The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries has added two new characters to its collection and thanks to high votes from an earlier poll, it has created a coloring page contest for libraries and any establishment that serves children and loves reading. Print the PDF or png by visiting csla.net and search "Big-Eye Readers".  Suggest new characters by taking the poll.


Another high vote from the poll is the interest in using the individual characters in library newsletters or librarian columns in school or local publications.  All that we ask is that if you use the readers, you properly acknowledge the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries at librarycampaign.csla.net  To request individual images in png format for your publications, contact Library Advocate at info@csla.net

The new Big-Eye Reader characters have been added to the Campaign's LIBRARY [ADVOCACY] STORE.

BURN BOOKS

Most Americans have read science fiction author Ray Bradbury's book and movie "Fahrenheit 451" in school.  Bradbury is known for lots of great quotes.  The one about burning books is especially timely today, given the steadily shrinking budgets for our academic, public and school libraries.

This is a great conversation starter and appropriate for classrooms, libraries and board rooms. Remind your friends and families about the importance of reading -- pick up a message mug!

Linda Darling-Hammond Addresses Lack of Funding for School Libraries

From AASL Hotlinks (September 2011):

Former Presidential Advisor Linda Darling-Hammond Addresses Lack of Funding for School Libraries In a recent speech at the Save Our Schools March in Washington, D.C. Stanford University Education Professor and former advisor to President Obama on education, Linda Darling-Hammond explained the extent of the trouble public education is in, and mentioned the lack of funding for school libraries. “We are here to say it is not acceptable for the wealthiest country in the world to be cutting millions of dollars from schools serving our neediest students; to be cutting teachers by the tens of thousands, to be eliminating art, music, PE, counselors, nurses, librarians, and libraries (where they weren’t already gone, as in California)…” she said.http://ed.stanford.edu/news/darling-hammond-mess-we-are

Teenagers Are Reading: Keeping Book Industry Afloat?

The other day, Dr. Stephen Krashen shared this post with California School Library staff and supporters: Sara Stevenson presents evidence that teens are indeed reading and might even be "keeping the book industry afloat."

California teacher librarians have responded with an immediate and enthusiastic "yes", students are reading and love books and their libraries (school and public).  Now, get the word to parents and policymakers to stop cutting budgets and support strong school libraries!  Learn what a strong school library is by going to the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries site.  Learn the minimum standards for school libraries and demand that your school meets or exceeds the standards.  Promote and advocate for implementation of model school library standards.

Follett Challenge - student video contest

Follett is having a student video contest.  Here is a video worth voting for!  See the Follett Challenge: an invitation to the education community to promote the role that school libraries play in encouraging and developing information literacy and student engagement. 


There are six prizes, ranging from $10,000 to $35,000.  Winners are determined by votes. Check them all out.  Voting is this summer.

Contest details

Kid Book Reviews - An Open House Treat (FUN & FREE)

Free, fun, fabulous idea of the week:

(Thanks to Alfie Cohen, Steven Krashen, and HS Teacher Librarian Connie Williams)

"Early this week Dr. Krashen sent out a great idea from Alfie Cohen about putting book reviews on lockers, etc. I loved it and since this evening was Open House I thought I'd give it a try. I asked many English teachers if they'd have their students write a 'quick write' that started:
[name] is reading.....   and then whatever they wanted to write about."

"With only 3 days to put this out to them... they were amazing! They (classroom teachers) loved the idea and sent lots and lots of them.  I think that they'll continue it.  What a great way to reinforce to teachers just how much kids like to read when they get to read what they choose. I plastered the hall to the library and put a sign Board at the end of the hall saying:"

"My T.A.s (teaching assistants) put them on lockers, on doors, and all over. I included some QR coded book talk signs too... lots of parents looked at them, and many kids dragged their parents over to their own reviews.   It was lots of fun.  I think that what I'll do now after taking these down is to practice "random acts of book reviews" and just post some every now and then in various places around the school."

"Kids wrote all over the map from Kafka to Dr Seuss to Superman....  it was fun."

Connie Williams, TL at Petaluma HS

Two Teachers and a Microphone -- Protests against LAUSD Pink Slips

Angry Teacher Rap about Getting Fired - two rap videos by Two Teachers and a Microphone productions.  What is happening in Los Angeles is happening across California.  It is a total meltdown.  Tons of teachers, including hundreds of Teacher Librarians and Library Assistants, are getting eliminated.  


What is wrong with this picture??? California needs to CREATE JOBS, INCREASE LITERACY, BUILD STRONG STUDENTS. 

Illustrators Galore -- and many more!

Thanks to Patrick Nelson, CEO of Mrs. Nelsons Library Supplies, there are now a dozen illustrators who have donated their art in order to promote libraries and support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.  Artwork is now available on mugs, notecards, T-shirts, and more at the Campaign LIBRARY STORE.  New items and artwork is added regularly.  Urge your friends, family and book lovers to visit and shop regularly.  These are wonderful items for gifts and gift baskets, recognition, and simply fun for your collection.

Here are highlights of the four newest artists.  Please be sure to thank them all.  The most recent additions include Steve Gray's two hilarious cow illustrations: Moonlight Cows and Farm Cows.  If you are crazy about cows, these images are especially for you.  Both images say "Read. Know. Grow."

Ben Boos, noted for his Fantasy and Sword illustrations, contributed a fantastic Key and Book image linked with the words "Read. Know. Grow."  Underneath the image is a statement to "save California school libraries."  Yes!  Thank you.  Save us!

Sophie Blackall has given us a beautiful library scene, with a teacher librarian reading to a class of young students.  Across the top, over the tops of the children, are the words "Strong Libraries Build Lifelong Learners"  Yes!  So true.  Tell the story.

Sarajo Frieden has given us a fun tree filled with children, reading.  Words are "Read. Know. Grow." These words are so perfect for all students, all schools, all readers, all lifelong learners.

»	Kazu Kibuishi says Read.Know.Grow.
»	Kazu Kibuishi for Libraries
»	Kazu Kibuishi Rabbit for School Libraries
»	Aliki says Read. Know. Grow.
»	Aliki for Libraries (ALL)
»	Aliki for School Libraries
»	Marianne Wallace READ.KNOW.GROW.
»	Marianne Wallace for Libraries (ALL)
»	Marianne Wallace for School Libraries
»	Panda by Caroline Arnold. Read.Know.Grow.
»	Panda Loves Libraries (ALL) by Caroline Arnold
»	Panda for Strong School Libraries. Art by Arnold
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Joe Cepeda.
»	Joe Cepeda for Libraries (ALL)
»	Joe Cepeda for School Libraries
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Marla Frazee.
»	Marla Frazee for Libraries(ALL)
»	Marla Frazee for School Libraries
»	David Shannon for Libraries
»	David Shannon for School Libraries
»	California Campaign for Strong School Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for School Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for School Libraries = Strong Stude
»	Moonlight Cows by Steve Gray
»	Farm Cows by Steve Gray
»	Sophie Blackall for Libraries
»	Ben Boos for Libraries
»	Art by Sarajo Frieden

School Library Language for Legislators - article by Christie Kaaland

School Library Monthly has a timely article by Dr. Christie Kaaland on advocacy messages for legislators, depending on legislator background and issues.  The article title is "School Library Language for Legislators."

What Does a Teacher Librarian Do? Ask a TL!

This is a great video that shows what school teacher librarians do.  Not sure how I overlooked this one!  

Connie Williams Invites Advocates to Join the Campaign, Act Locally

Connie Williams, Chair of the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries, has sent the following message to members of the California School Library Association:

The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries has begun!  The Campaign is a grassroots action to raise public awareness that our students need strong school libraries. Our message:
• Students need the library team: teacher librarian and library aide.


• The model school library standards are tools that schools can use to design instruction to teach students how to be digitally safe, better readers, and lifelong learners.


The California School Library Association (CSLA) has launched this campaign, but it is up to each local library advocate to design projects to share in our communities, get the word out and ‘go viral’ with our message.


Statewide, the Campaign is kicking off with a bus campaign in two major cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles. We are raising money to fund bus ads to appear on city buses on targeted routes. We chose the bus venue because of their ability to reach large audiences. We will gauge the success of this pilot program by measuring expanded media coverage, hits on the website, calls with questions and local discussions. Above is one of two designs – the other one has pictures of younger students with an adult reading books to them, with a computer in the background.
What you can do:


STEP 1: Use the campaign logo to make bookmarks and other hand outs. If you live in either S.F. or L.A. you can host “ did you see them” contests … if you live elsewhere, make sure that the bookmarks show up at local libraries, bookstores, schools, sports venues [gymnastics, fencing, martial arts gyms all have desks….]
STEP 2: Purchase buttons and/or other inexpensive items at the library store [cafepress/csla.com] to hand out to parents, teachers, and others at Board meetings, PTA, Rotary, and other community venues. Be visible, be vocal…stay on message.


STEP 3: Donate to the campaign so that we can expand our ads into other markets, including Sacramento!


STEP 4: Join the campaign and create your own local advocacy action.


Beginning May 1, The CSLA Campaign Advisory Board (the Presidents elect of the Northern and Southern Section and the Past President of the State Board) will be accepting applications for local grassroots projects that need start-up funding. Criteria will be posted soon, but the intent will be for local library advocates to identify local venues for advertising and marketing the Strong School Library message. If your town doesn’t have a city-wide bus system, maybe a cab company will carry the message on their cab roofs, maybe you can take materials to your local radio station, visit a Rotary Club luncheon, Ladies Auxiliary, or the Toastmaster’s club and tell them about the need for strong school libraries in your community. Money could be used to invite speakers to support your efforts locally…. A million needs, a million ideas… a million solutions. YOU are the best judge of your local community and how to best reach it with this vitally important information. Collaborate now with your local school library folks to design a local campaign so that you’ll be ready to go when the application forms are ready.


This campaign is designed to change the story.
The current story = school libraries are important, but money is so tight that we have to close them or cut their hours or their staff.
The new story = Our students need strong school libraries in order to become informed citizens, who are ethical users of information and ideas, digitally literate, good readers, and lifelong learners.


Community leaders and policymakers need to see teacher librarians as teachers – teachers of essential skills including research, cyber safety, digital literacy! Teaching is a key differentiator between school librarians and all other librarians. School libraries need to be seen as solutions. List the solutions!
WE can change the story – now is the time to take charge, move out into our communities and spread the word.


Join the campaign today.  Start with step one, ‘follow us’, invite your friends, sign the guestbook at: librarycampaign.csla.net then, gather your local colleagues and create YOUR plan to spread the word.
Connie Williams


Chair

ALA | School Library Month

School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) celebration of school librarians and their programs. Every April school librarians are encouraged to create activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school library programs play in a student's educational career.

The 2011 theme is "Create Your Own Story." This year, AASL will help school librarians tell their stories and advocate for the value their school library program brings to their school and local community.

AASL observes its 60th Anniversary. Read about the history of School Library Month and download SLM proclamation templates.

- AASL Hotlinks, March 2011

ALA | Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest

There are a number of student video contests to promote the value of school libraries.  This one supports the American Association of School Libraries marketing program for its national school library standards, Learning4Life.

ALA | Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest

Illustrators Galore @ the Library Store

Notable children’s book illustrators have generously drawn upon their talents to support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Aliki, Caroline Arnold, Joe Cepeda, Marla Frazee, Kazu Kibuishi, Brian Selznick, and Marianne Wallace created illustrations for the cause. The public can view the images and support school libraries when they visit the Campaign’s LIBRARY STORE. California School Library Association members praised the artists and school library “Best Seller” Patrick Nelson for stepping forward.  

Southern California librarians asked for T-shirts, so now there are lots of t-shirts available with the Childrens Book Illustrators images, each with the message: "Strong School Libraries Build Strong Students and Lifelong Learners".

There are lots of choices, so buy a bunch.

Get one in every color and shape.

Get some for your family and grandparents, too!

Get matching note cards to reinforce your message.

1- Art by Aliki (2 illustrations: Library Cat and Reading Friends)

2- Marianne Wallace (Sunflowers & Students)

3- Kazu Kibuishi (Reading Rabbit)

4- Marla Frazee (Magical Reading Tree)

5- Joe Cepeda (Reading Adventures)

6- Brian Selznick (SAVE California School Libraries)

7- Caroline Arnold (Panda Loves Libraries)

Shop for strong school libraries at http://cafepress.com/csla
Build your Spring wardrobe.

CSLA/CCFSSL Press Release:

http://www.csla.net/pdf/CSLAIllustratorsGaloreLibraryStore.pdf

California Campaign for Strong School Libraries

The California School Library Association (CSLA) has launched the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries, a public awareness campaign to raise awareness about the importance of strong school libraries for children.

Through a variety of projects and programs, the Campaign for Strong School libraries is targeting areas throughout California to raise awareness about the importance of strong school libraries for our children.

Campaign Chair Connie Williams plans to reach out to vendors and other large sponsors. Research confirms that school librarians and school libraries support students in academic achievement, lifelong learning, and reading.  Now is the time to get the word out to parents, community members and decision makers. California is in serious danger of losing school librarians and school libraries. The most severe cuts are occurring in our state, where school library services to children are already at the bottom in the nation.

By creating awareness, the Campaign will open the doors to conversation about how strong school libraries impact learning and how keeping the doors open, staffed appropriately will – in the long run – provide the scaffolding for strong schools.

As school libraries close, children of poverty lose access and the achievement gap grows larger. The easy solution, and one backed up by more than 20 state and international studies confirms that the school library provides access to books, plus access to the professional who can lead our children into their digital future safely and thinking critically about their world - both virtual and real.

The Campaign is asking for tax-deductible donations to support funding for projects and programs dedicated to helping school library professionals and support staff to create projects for their students, faculty and/or administrators, develop legislative campaigns that support requirements for school libraries; and design curriculum and instruction which will benefit our students for years to come.

Williams says "Let the Campaign begin!  See you on board."

Press release:

http://www.csla.net/pdf/CSLACCfSSLAnnouncement.pdf