Please note Soundcloud credits:
Library posters: Dewey Decimal System & Book Genres. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2015, from www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lib…nres-545868
The Dewey Decimal Rap. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2015, from www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiUQb5xg7A
If the video does not work here is the link: Dewey Decimal Podcast
This week I am looking at podcasts. Let me say these are FUN FUN FUN! I envision the students listening to this and visualizing what is actually happening. Much like reading a book. Maybe even using sketch notes. I will share sketch notes later.
The first podcast software I used was Soundcloud. This was just too easy. And unlimited recording was an added plus. A great system. I would like to have music so I added my own. Be careful when adding music as copyright laws need to be considered. I did use only a small soundbite and included appropriate citations. This is also for educational purposes. This took all of 2 minutes to learn and a few minutes to record. I would highly recommend Sound cloud as a podcast tool. This tool is simple and easy to use.
The second I used was Audioboom. This was not a good experience. I felt pressure to get everything recorded within a ten minute window. The pressure was too intense and I felt rushed. I had to hunt around to find a way to navigate the site. Finally, I find where to record and when I playback my voice is in slow motion. This takes more time than I want to spend on a regular basis. Of course, just like any other software, the more you use the product the more familiar you become. I would not recommend this site for podcasts.
The last product is PodOmatic. Initially, I am excited with the look and feel of the site. I do have to spend a little time looking around to find out how to create a podcast. Not to much time though. I did not like the idea that I have to create my podcast somewhere else and then upload. This site does produce professional looking podcasts. I just do not like the idea of going to several places. I would not recommend this product.
Of the three sites I experimented with, I love Soundcloud. This provides a one stop shopping type of experience and I am sold! The navigation is easy and this is a quick process. While the images are not so attractive, this site is great. So easy.....as my students say "even a baby can do it."
This has so many applications in the classroom and the library. What a great way to help any student that may have absences or maybe out for an extended amount of time. Students can record what they learned today or even a concept. Students could record directions on how to do something. This is actually in line with the TEKS. For ESL students, this can take place of the old language masters. The teacher records the words in the native language and then in English. A teacher could promote visual literacy by describing and item that the students must draw. Students could even create pretend newscasts on current events. They love hearing their voice. They become instant "rock-stars" when they hear themselves on the Promethean board. This creates a memorable moment with a taste of learning. Podcasts bring to mind a famous tune sang by Mary Poppins that said "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down."
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Information Ethics in a Multi Cultural World.
Ethics, we all have our individual belief systems. We all have a core value system which may guide our ethics. What happens when someone's is different? This question started my gears to turning. What happens when we are dealing with someone from another country or culture. Many people assume these are the same as their own. So I decided to look for more information.
Employees are facing this dilemma more frequently as the workforce is global (Fleischmann, 2011). Each culture handles these circumstances differently and according to their own ideas. This is important to know as we must prepare our students for these situations. We must teach diversity along with information ethics. It is now critical to involve students in decision making skills involving ethics (Fleischnann, 2011). These scenarios must be from various perspectives and cultures(Fleischmann, 2011).
James Rest has developed a 4 component model to help resolve these ethical dilemmas (Fleischmann, 2011). This sounds like a great plan; however, I am sure there are still some circumstances that are not perfect. Each individual person makes a decision on personal beliefs. Americans have different beliefs than Brazilians. Even when looking at Americans ethics they can differ person to person. Two people with the exact same ethical system would be difficult to find. So image how many versions of ethics may be traveling around the world. The key is teaching tolerance and how to resolve these dilemmas despite the differences. We must function and co-exist in the global marketplace.
The research conducted basically studied different cultures and how they make decisions. The group was given scenarios and ask to respond to the situation based on their ethics. The answers may have been different but the exercise was and educational success. The participants were able to hear others responses and determine how to handle the situation (Fleischmann, 2011). The students learned there may be more than one way to handle an ethics issue (Fleischmann, 2011). The participants were also able to learn from each other.
The probability of one person knowing how to handle every ethical situation is small. However, students can learn where to find information when dealing with someone from another culture. Students can also learn to make those ethical decisions based on this information. There is no reason a person should not know more about the people they are working with. In the year 2050, working with people from all over the world will be commonplace. The diversity and ethical backgrounds of these people will not be. We are teaching students to be accepting of those that are different. That is still a work in progress. However, we are not focusing on how to cope with people who are different. More importantly we are not teaching how to handle the differences in information ethics.
Ther
Reference
Fleischmann, K. R., Robbins, R. W., & Wallace, W. A. (2011). Information Ethics Education for a Multicultural World. Journal Of Information Systems Education, 22(3), 191-201.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Information Ethics
There is so much to think about when discussing Ethics. These discussions transfer over to conversations about information ethics. Today so many people believe if it is on the internet it is free game. This is not the case. The internet only provides a quick and convenient vehicle in which to obtain information. This information still belongs to someone. To help with this issue many industries set up a code of ethics. This code helps establish guidelines for appropriate behavior. The internet is not excluded from these guidelines.
There are four areas to consider when working with information ethics (Bell, 1998). These are as follows:
- Respect for intellectual property
- Respect for privacy
- Fair Representation
- Non maleficence (or “doing no harm”) (Severson, 1997).
While everyone may not agree on what is appropriate we must all agree on a set of ethics. The above principles are pretty self explanatory. The standards will guide people in the appropriate direction. It is much the same reason we have laws. We have laws so people know what is acceptable and what is not. These ethics do the same job. We must protect information and the originators of this information.
References
Bell,
M. (1998). Kiss and Information Ethics. TAET Journal, Spring, 1998. Retrieved
from: (https://shsu.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-1640745-dt-content-rid-7918499_1/courses/LSSL539101815/LSSL539102414_ImportedCoationethicstaetjournal.pdf
Ethics in Profession. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from http://www.ualr.edu/vspillai/EthicsCases.html
Severson, R. (1997). The Principles of Information Ethics. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe, Inc.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Videos and QR Codes in the Library
That usually catches your attention. I explored several YouTube channels this week. That was fun. But I have to warn you that is a time consuming endeavor. Before you know, you have been watching videos for hours. Let alone annoying your family with songs and sounds of the library. Here are a few I explored.
The Norman High School Library
I felt this video was the most helpful:
Lets Get Started Video
This video is helpful in instructing students how to use the website. The librarian goes as far as giving the students a reason to log on with their g mail accounts. The video is short enough not to bore the students but packs in the information they need to get started. I especially like the classroom tab. Teachers can post assignments that allows the librarian to better assist the students. This is collaboration at its best.
I felt this is the video the students would like best:
Tiger visits the Library
This is a cute video. I think the students will like this video because their friends are participating. The tiger is cute and represents the school. The information he is sharing is presented in a fun way that they can relate. This takes school spirit and combines it with information.
The Unquiet Library
I felt this video was the most helpful:
Creative Commons Licensing
This is the most helpful in my opinion. Students need to understand copyright and why the rules exist. As technology use increases we must create responsible digital citizens. This is an non intimidating way to share with students how to properly use and share information. This is a quick video that sparks the thought process on the digital rights of others.
I felt this is the video the students would like best:
Media 21 Cohort Celebration Video
I think the students will like this one much for the same reason stated above. Allowing students to be in the video provides ownership. When students are given ownership engagement follows. This generation enjoys seeing themselves on screen. They are the part of the digital divide that jumps right in with technology. This highlights the kids and their strengths.
Pikesville High School Library
I felt this video was the most helpful:
Snapshot of The Panthers Library This video shares all the resources in the library. The video encourages students to come and learn. Expectations are set while creating a fun warm and welcoming environment. This video is helpful for students who are not sure what the library has to offer. It may also help remind those who forget.
I felt this is the video the students would like best:
This video shows the fun aspect of the library. Again, the video provides ownership to the students. It is fun looking for your friends and laughing at how you look. The video is full of kids having a great time. Who would not enjoy watching this. The video is colorful and entertaining.
I felt like this video was the most helpful:
Google Contact List I liked this video as more schools are using google drive for student work. While the information seems simple it can be overwhelming. I like the idea the librarian is available to help everyone including the teachers. This video can apply to everyone in the building.
I felt this is the video the students would like best:
Bring Them Back There are so many great videos on this channel. I had a difficult time picking my favorite or the one I thought kids would like the best. I know I will be showing this at the end of the year in my library. The tune is familiar and funny. Kids love a good parody. I think this is awesome. The students will actually listen to the words. The message is tied to something the kids know.
Youtube is a great place to share information. While I would not give unlimited rights, there are some great channels to share. Be careful when students are on youtube as inappropriate material does exist. I would use videos to introduce the students to the library and notify the community of happenings in the library. I also think tutorial videos could be helpful for teachers and students when using technology.
I also used Animoto (www,animoto.com) to create a book trailer. This was an awesome experience. I did not want to stop. The only downfall is the cost if you do not want the watermarks on the video. Otherwise, I would recommend this to everyone. This is a fun way to share ideas with visuals. This could be used for a ear in review, to cover books by a specific author, and special projects about any topic.
QR codes are another great resource for the library. Most of you have seen these around for awhile. You may not have known what they were used for. Well now you do. These are simple links that take you to a specific place on the web. Basically, you scan the QR code with your phone and then the url attached to this code will appear on your phone. This eliminates the need to type in a web address. These are fun, handy and convenient. I have included one for you to practice. I used QR stuff (www.qrstuff.com) to create a free QR code.This code will take you to the book trailer for The One and Only Ivan by Kathrine Applegate. One of my all time favorite books.
Scan this code to see the trailer (an advertisement may appear but the trailer will load):
If you would like to see a video on the real Ivan click here: The Real Ivan.
QR codes have many application in the library and classroom. This is a great way to do scavenger hunts for genres in the library. I could also place QR codes on books to direct students to print descriptions of the books or trailers just like above. I really like the idea of using QR codes to link to padlet (an online bulletin board) and databases. The students could just scan the QR code and immediately be direct to the card catalog as well. QR codes will save time directing students to websites versus trying to get them to type in a url correctly.
I loved these applications. In fact, I hope to post these on my school website. I will be posting my QR code with some youtube videos. I would highly recommend using both of these tools to communicate and create an interactive library.
I also used Animoto (www,animoto.com) to create a book trailer. This was an awesome experience. I did not want to stop. The only downfall is the cost if you do not want the watermarks on the video. Otherwise, I would recommend this to everyone. This is a fun way to share ideas with visuals. This could be used for a ear in review, to cover books by a specific author, and special projects about any topic.
QR codes are another great resource for the library. Most of you have seen these around for awhile. You may not have known what they were used for. Well now you do. These are simple links that take you to a specific place on the web. Basically, you scan the QR code with your phone and then the url attached to this code will appear on your phone. This eliminates the need to type in a web address. These are fun, handy and convenient. I have included one for you to practice. I used QR stuff (www.qrstuff.com) to create a free QR code.This code will take you to the book trailer for The One and Only Ivan by Kathrine Applegate. One of my all time favorite books.
Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller, this stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point-of-view of Ivan himself.
Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.
The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.
Scan this code to see the trailer (an advertisement may appear but the trailer will load):
The One and Only Ivan
QR codes have many application in the library and classroom. This is a great way to do scavenger hunts for genres in the library. I could also place QR codes on books to direct students to print descriptions of the books or trailers just like above. I really like the idea of using QR codes to link to padlet (an online bulletin board) and databases. The students could just scan the QR code and immediately be direct to the card catalog as well. QR codes will save time directing students to websites versus trying to get them to type in a url correctly.
I loved these applications. In fact, I hope to post these on my school website. I will be posting my QR code with some youtube videos. I would highly recommend using both of these tools to communicate and create an interactive library.
References
Bbmsmedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos
Bring Them Back Overdue Library Book Parody. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jo1RLPoD6s
Creative Commons Licensing: What Is It & Why Should I Care. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8zSYqvAJuI
Getting Started with the NHS Library Website. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjpxzgZQkZM&feature=youtu.be
HOW TO GROW YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98SmBiyEXEs
Media 21 Cohort 2011-2012 Celebration Video. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-dtUzK7LSw
The One and Only Ivan. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2015, from http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/One-Only-Ivan/
Pikesvillehslibrary. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos
Snapshot of The Panthers Librar. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zat-1kHF5sY
Staff List In Google Contacts. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DYXe-FhQW0
The Unquiet Library. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos
Tiger Visits The Norman High Library. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeUhXLvFAi4
Wii Like to Party @ The Panthers Library. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ysT9BZVTG4
Monday, September 21, 2015
Libraries of the Future……Are You Ready?
The Next Library and the People Who Will Use It. (2014, November 13). Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/11/13/the-next-library-and-the-people-who-will-use-it/
The Daring Librarian: Who Needs a Librarian When You Have Google? (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2015.
The Daring Librarian: Who Needs a Librarian When You Have Google? (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2015.
Free Image on Pixabay - Shelf, Books, Library, Reading. (n.d.).
Retrieved September 21, 2015.
Swiss Army Librarian » Hi, I’m Google. And I’m a Librarian. :: Brian
Herzog. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2015.
Pew Research Center is a great resource for libraries. In
2014 a study was done to gain insight on the public library of the future. Lee
Rainie was involved with the research and shared the findings at the 2014
AZLA/MPLA Annual Conference.
This research addresses three areas of concern: the library
as a place, the library as a connector of people and the library as an information
resource. While some of these are common practices of the library today, the
mode of delivery will surely change.
What do people think of public libraries? Do people appreciate public libraries? Well
let’s look a little deeper. According to Rainie, 91% say libraries are
important to the community and 76% say they are important to them and their
families. That is a big high five to libraries. The community sees the value.
More importantly, what is the value actually worth? Well here the numbers
reflect a different perspective. Participants were asked if the library were
closed what impact would that have. A significant number, 63%, said there would
be an impact to the community. However, on 29% felt there would be an impact on
themselves or their family. This sparks more interest in my mind.
More questions reveal more statistics. So these questions
relate to how the consumers feel about the library services. Interestingly enough
patrons still connect the library with reading. About 77% strongly felt the
public library was important to promote literacy and a love of reading. Some
72% strongly felt it was important for the free access to materials and
resources. When asked about improving the quality of life only 69% strongly felt
the library did that for them. Lastly, 48% of people strongly felt libraries provide
services that unique and hard to find elsewhere. On a positive note, only 11%
of people strongly felt that libraries are not keeping up with technology. Sadly,
22% of people strongly agree that people do not need public libraries as they
can find information on their own. Surprisingly when asked how confident people
are in the library to the community, the library ranks among other areas of
interest, it ranks the highest at 63%. The military falls into second place
with a 39% of importance. The police rank at 25%. These are alarming numbers.
Librarians are still people. And people like librarians. When
surveyed 98% of library visitors say interactions are very positive. Some 81%
say librarians are very helpful. And 50% visitors say they received help from a
librarian.
In keeping up with technology, libraries have rebranded as technology
centers or hubs. However, 80% of Americans say borrowing books is still very
important. Another 80% say reference librarians are very important. While 77%
say free access to computers and the internet is very important. About 76% say
quiet study spaces are important.
Do patrons really know what a library
has to offer? A low 22% say they know all or most of the services. While only
46% say they know some of the services. A whopping 31% say they do not know
much or nothing at all about the services the library offers. As few as 50% of
Americans age 16 and up have visited a library in the last 12 months. The website
use is even smaller with as low 30% using that feature.
The research goes on to identify types
of people and how they use the library. Only 30% of the population are highly
engaged in the library. Of that 10% are actual library lovers. The
characteristics of this group are mostly women with high education who face
economic challenges. They are heavy book readers and prefer to borrow in lieu
of purchase. However, they do visit bookstores. Approximately 20% are
information omnivores. These are high income earners who are seeking
information. The next group has a medium engagement with the library. The first
group is called the solid center making up 30% of this group. They are mostly
male and use both technology and books. The print traditionalists make up the
last of this group with 9%. These are the people who still want the book. The low
engagement group is next. There is a 4% that says the library is not for them.
This tends to be an older group that did not complete a high school education.
They are not reading nor using technology. The distant admirers make up 10% of
this group. This group knows someone who uses the library and typically have
lower levels of education. Lastly, there is the off the grid at 4%. These
people are just disconnected with society as a whole. They are older and tend
to have low incomes.
Now that we have all this information,
what do we do. We need to coordinate public libraries and school libraries.
Offer early literacy programs that are free. Create a space that is suited for
its purpose. Separate spaces and make spaces more comfortable. Lastly, offer a
broader selection of e-books. Make the library more interactive much like a
museum. Have more library services online. Keep up with technology so things
are automated and do not waste the patron’s time. Make better use of the space.
The library does not need to physically house everything. Patrons want reading
rooms, tech centers, meeting rooms and cultural events.
Internet and smartphone use is up.
Internet use is up to 87% of people are now using the internet compared to just
19 years ago when it was only 14%. Dial-up is almost non existent. Less than
10% of users have dial-up while 70% of users have broadband. In just 14 short
years, cell phone usage has gone from 53% to 90% usage. A surprising 61% of all
adults are on social media. The internet is common place. Eventually, the
internet will be much like electricity. The internet will be a daily part of
everyone’s life. The positives include enhanced health, convenience,
productivity, safety, and useful information. The downside will be privacy
challenges, over-hyped expectations, tech complexity, lagging human adaptation
to new realities.
Good news: Reading is alive and well.
People are still reading. A large 81% of Individuals 16 years and older are
reading. Thirteen is the average number of books read in past 12 months.
There are still areas that libraries
need to address:
Non
tech users still need help
Pre-school
programs
After
school programs
English
as a second language programs
Life
long learning opportunities
Local
media – community events
Assistance
for small businesses
Encourage
more discovery
Libraries are continuing to help in
these areas:
Tech
experts
Master
teachers in age of lifelong learning
Visionaries
for knowledge
Experts
in sens-making
Curators
of material
Monitors
of algorithms
Modelers
of lifelong learning
How libraries have evolved:
Physical
space is different and sensored
Artifacts
are connected to data-rich artifacts
Nodes
for “system of system” with databases and media
Test
beds – maker masters
Community
information and media steward – server farms
Libraries as a Community Resource:
Trusted
institution and privacy watchdog
Advocates
for free and open
Advocates
for closing digital divides
Data
and collection repositories
Entrepreneur
enablers
Civic
specialists and gap fillers
All in all, libraries must change with
the needs of society. This migration takes time. Libraries exist to service
patron and their needs. If the patrons need e-books that is what the library
should provide. I am always amazed at how many people are discounting
librarians. Many are shocked that a librarian holds a Masters Degree or higher
just to hold the position. Twenty five years ago information was slow to find
and limited. Librarians were held in high regard. Today information is vast and
at our fingertips. There is so much information, a person could be overwhelmed with just one key word search. Today, with more information and technology
librarians should be at the top of the list as valuable educators. Instead of
eliminating the position of librarians we should be promoting the position. This information provides us data to validate the need for librarians. Patrons believe the library is important and they will use them. We may have to change the way the library is used; however, we still need librarians driving the information bus. After
all, librarians are the finders of all information. I will leave you with a
couple of thoughts to ponder…….
56 slides
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Blah Blah Blog Readers!
Do you have lots of information you want to save and share? Do you get tired of searching for posts on your favorite topic or person? Blog readers are the answer. Blog readers allow you to keep track of all these posts without visiting individual websites. This could be beneficial for students and people in specific industries. As an American History student, just google "blogs American History" add them to your reader and BAM you only log in one place and the information is at your fingertips. Maybe you are in the cosmetics business, google "blogs make up" and BAM you can add all those blogs to your reader. You will have access to all that information with one log on and not have to click or remember individual websites. This is a real time saver. Time is my most valuable commodity and I appreciate every minute a blog reader saves me.
Lets talk about blog readers. There are many to choose from. Here are just a few: Bloglovin’, Feedly, Bloglines, NewsBlur, Digg Reader, and Newsvibe. I spent hours playing on each of these blog readers. Bloglovin was ok and easy to use. However, I did not like the interface. Bloglines was difficult to sign up for and I spent so much time just searching for the correct link. I had the same issues with NewsBlur. Newsvibe just was to plain for me and felt to basic. I did like Digg Reader and Feedly. Both of these were easy to use. I did not like the search feature on Digg Reader so I went with Feedly. I am glad I did. I was quickly able to add 25 blogs within about 30 minutes. I just googled "top library blogs" and picked which ones I liked best. This feeder is easy to navigate and allows you to even create categories for blogs. So whatever you are looking for is categorized and easier to find. Librarians tend to like filing systems.I like the look and feel of feedly. The name also makes sense and implies exactly what it does. I also like the layout of the blogs as they appear on the news feed. This layout is similar to the original Facebook (yes, I am that old) which makes it easy to follow. I am so excited to have this at my fingertips.There is also an app for your android device. Cha ching we have a winner!
Reference
Lets talk about blog readers. There are many to choose from. Here are just a few: Bloglovin’, Feedly, Bloglines, NewsBlur, Digg Reader, and Newsvibe. I spent hours playing on each of these blog readers. Bloglovin was ok and easy to use. However, I did not like the interface. Bloglines was difficult to sign up for and I spent so much time just searching for the correct link. I had the same issues with NewsBlur. Newsvibe just was to plain for me and felt to basic. I did like Digg Reader and Feedly. Both of these were easy to use. I did not like the search feature on Digg Reader so I went with Feedly. I am glad I did. I was quickly able to add 25 blogs within about 30 minutes. I just googled "top library blogs" and picked which ones I liked best. This feeder is easy to navigate and allows you to even create categories for blogs. So whatever you are looking for is categorized and easier to find. Librarians tend to like filing systems.I like the look and feel of feedly. The name also makes sense and implies exactly what it does. I also like the layout of the blogs as they appear on the news feed. This layout is similar to the original Facebook (yes, I am that old) which makes it easy to follow. I am so excited to have this at my fingertips.There is also an app for your android device. Cha ching we have a winner!
I followed several blogs. Here are some interesting ones. I am immediately drawn to The Book Bug. You can read that blog here: The Book Bug. I am particularly interested in the post about the Book Fair Set up. As a librarian this is something we do twice a year. I am always looking for better ways to display. Displays create a fun and welcoming environment. This also gets the kids excited about reading. Another good one is the Busy Librarian at: The Busy Librarian. This is a blog from an elementary school librarian. The title in itself explains how much a librarian has to do. I am interested in his view especially since he claims to be a gamer. This ties into my hopes to gain a maker space in my library, I love the podcast and images of books. His posts are more about books and that is where I can use some help. His text is simple and he lets the books do the talking. I have a personal connection to the library voice which can be accessed here: The Library Voice. Shannon Miller was one of my first professional development classes. Once she started talking about all the thing the library can be. I was hooked. I especially enjoy how she has a vision beyond the books and really wants the students to have a voice. She is considered one of the best and I see no problem in modeling the best. For me as the librarian, she seems up-to-date on the important things. Announcing Pebble Go in Spanish is important for my school. We service a large Hispanic population. I love the Skype help as well. Her blog is full of technology. And that is where it is at. Another elementary blog worth mentioning is Caleb's Creek Media Matters. You can find that here: Calebs Creek Media Matters.. The blog is not heavy with graphics and loads quickly. The text is in a simple format that is clear. Not much digital clutter here for the reader. I am really impressed with the lessons. She shares how she creates lessons that are cross curriculum. She even provides pictures to aid in understanding. This is so helpful for the visual learner. The last one to share with you is Mr. Library Dude. He can be found here: Mr. Library Dude. This is a surprise blog. You never know what he may blog about. But I love the first blog he writes. He shares how most people think the library is quiet.. However, that really is not true. So since it is quiet he creates a play list full of fun music. This definitely helps me to remember my library needs to have activity or working noise all the time. While this is a college level blog it is about research. We teach research starting in Kindergarten. Granted this is minimal compared to what college students do; however, we do start the process. More importantly, his blog helps with advocacy for the library and all librarians. I am always looking for new ways to advocate. One post goes on to discuss what librarians do and how our jobs have changed. One of the greatest blog's is that of Dr.Perry. Check out her blog of sketch notes here: Dr. Perry Sketchnotes. I love the colors and how stimulating the page is. This is a new and upcoming concept we are trying in my library. I want to share this with parents and teachers. Sharing how this conveys a message that doodling is learning. You almost know the story with limited reading. This sparks interest in reading. The best part is a professor is advocating drawing as a learning tool. This is great to share. This is just a few blogs to share that interest me. I am sure you can find plenty that inspire or interest you. I challenge you to learn something new. Go search for your school's blog or another school in your area. Maybe even another school with the same grade levels across the country. You may be surprised at how much information can be right at your fingertips and improve not only your job performance but your life as well.
Just as a final note, I have created a tumblr page. Check it out here: Library Ledge. Here I am sharing others great post. I especially love the sketch notes by Dr. Karin Perry. Go check this out right away. Lots of fun stuff here!
Choosing Your New Blog Reader! - Crafty Cupboard. (2013, March 18). Retrieved September 20, 2015.
Google Reader Who? Feedly Became Top News App On iPhone, iPad & Android This Week; New App Now Awaiting Approval. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2015.
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