I believe libraries and librarians will be even more necessary in 2020 than they are today. As a School Librarian, I'll look at the field from that perspective.
Someone will have to continue to teach the teachers and students how to use all of the new databases, searching tools, do research and use equipment--who better than a librarian?
As more and more literature is produced, who better than a librarian to match people with good reads?
Someone still needs to store all the equipment and keep track of it in a school--who better than a librarian, who can also teach everyone new uses for it?
Who better than the librarian to tie all aspects of Common Core standards to every facet of learning?
Obviously I am biased, but I believe we can continue to make a huge difference in the lives of all involved in a school community. That said, we certainly can't rest on our laurels. It is up to each librarian out there to keep learning, keep growing, and to keep up on all the latest trends. Shame on any librarian that becomes stagnant--that only leads to our profession going the way of the dinosaur.
Right now, it's a tough time for school librarians. More and more positions are being eliminated and more and more schools will be without a librarian or without enough librarians for the population. My dearest hope is that school districts will very soon begin to understand the error of this position and the pendulum will swing the other way.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thing 9--eBooks
A few months ago, I bought a Nook Color. It took a lot of thought and research (both reading and asking around) before I decided what to buy. Although I will always love an actual book printed on paper, there are a number of reasons I LOVE my Nook:
1. It is so easy to carry around numerous books with me with very little weight.
2. My Nook fits in my pocketbook, making it easy to transport.
3. I can have access to thousands and thousands of books at any hour of the day and night (and yes, I have bought a book in the middle of the night).
4. I can change the font type and size, numerous times, while reading a book. Thus, as I get tired, I make the font bigger and can keep reading.
5. It has a built in light. I really hate using book lights that attach to a book because no matter what I do, the light falls off numerous times at a sitting.
6. Love my hot pink cover!
7. Love that the people at Barnes and Noble are around to help me.
8. I also really enjoy using my Nook to surf the web and check e-mails. Very few places (where I go) don't have Wi-Fi these days so I pretty much can get online anywhere.
9. The colors are stunning.
10. The Read to Me feature on many picture books. My daughter loves it.
11. Many more reasons that I can't think of right now.
Now for my embarrassing librarian confession. To date, I have been unable to download books from the public library. I try and try and somehow it doesn't work. I tried to get lessons at my public library but the director recently quit and no one else seems to know what to do. The other night I tried again for TWO HOURS as part of this assignment to do it and still am having trouble. Help is in sight, however! I found out the good people at the Voorheesville Library are offering a course on downloading to your eReader on June 13th and have signed up! Soon my lack of knowledge will be a thing of the past.
1. It is so easy to carry around numerous books with me with very little weight.
2. My Nook fits in my pocketbook, making it easy to transport.
3. I can have access to thousands and thousands of books at any hour of the day and night (and yes, I have bought a book in the middle of the night).
4. I can change the font type and size, numerous times, while reading a book. Thus, as I get tired, I make the font bigger and can keep reading.
5. It has a built in light. I really hate using book lights that attach to a book because no matter what I do, the light falls off numerous times at a sitting.
6. Love my hot pink cover!
7. Love that the people at Barnes and Noble are around to help me.
8. I also really enjoy using my Nook to surf the web and check e-mails. Very few places (where I go) don't have Wi-Fi these days so I pretty much can get online anywhere.
9. The colors are stunning.
10. The Read to Me feature on many picture books. My daughter loves it.
11. Many more reasons that I can't think of right now.
Now for my embarrassing librarian confession. To date, I have been unable to download books from the public library. I try and try and somehow it doesn't work. I tried to get lessons at my public library but the director recently quit and no one else seems to know what to do. The other night I tried again for TWO HOURS as part of this assignment to do it and still am having trouble. Help is in sight, however! I found out the good people at the Voorheesville Library are offering a course on downloading to your eReader on June 13th and have signed up! Soon my lack of knowledge will be a thing of the past.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thing 8: Video
This video from You Tube is called "How to Suck an Egg into a Bottle". I chose it as my embedded video because it has two things I love, an English accent and a cool science experiment.
I had a little trouble finding a video I would want to bother to post plus would allow itself to be embedded. Once I found the actual video, however, the process seemed quite easy. (We'll find out if I did it right as soon as I actually post this!)
I am fortunate enough to work in a school that does not block YouTube. Therefore, we use it a lot for projects, showing informational videos, and to inspire students.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Thing 7
This week we had to look at sites that would make our lives easier. I looked at many on the list but then focused on two.
One of the sites I concentrated on was "Instapaper/Read it later". This site allows one to create a tab on their toolbar that reads, "Read Later". Then, whenever one is searching the web and sees an article or blog entry they would like to see later, tap the read later tab and it is saved at the Instapaper/Read it Later site. I love this tool!! I feel like saying, "Where have you been all my life?" Too often in the past, I would start to read something and then plan on going back later. Then I would forget about the article/recipe/blog or would not be able to find it together. This tool easily ensures that will never happen again.
The other tool I looked at was delicious. This tool acts like the bookmark tool on a computer, but since it is a website, one can use it to find your favorites from any computer. I actually had created a delicious account a few years ago, but haven't been on it in over a year. First I had to think about my username and password! When I finally remembered, I started to explore. I realized a few of my links were now broken so took the time to clean up my account. I then added some sites. Once again, I remembered why I really liked this site and realized I really need to use it more.
These are two tools I will definitely share with my students and colleagues. They are simple to learn, easy to create accounts for, and make one's life so much easier.
One of the sites I concentrated on was "Instapaper/Read it later". This site allows one to create a tab on their toolbar that reads, "Read Later". Then, whenever one is searching the web and sees an article or blog entry they would like to see later, tap the read later tab and it is saved at the Instapaper/Read it Later site. I love this tool!! I feel like saying, "Where have you been all my life?" Too often in the past, I would start to read something and then plan on going back later. Then I would forget about the article/recipe/blog or would not be able to find it together. This tool easily ensures that will never happen again.
The other tool I looked at was delicious. This tool acts like the bookmark tool on a computer, but since it is a website, one can use it to find your favorites from any computer. I actually had created a delicious account a few years ago, but haven't been on it in over a year. First I had to think about my username and password! When I finally remembered, I started to explore. I realized a few of my links were now broken so took the time to clean up my account. I then added some sites. Once again, I remembered why I really liked this site and realized I really need to use it more.
These are two tools I will definitely share with my students and colleagues. They are simple to learn, easy to create accounts for, and make one's life so much easier.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thing 6 : Online Meetings
This year, due to budget cuts, our school was unable to provide money for us to attend conferences and workshops. Thus, I began really getting into the world of webinars. I have attended about 10 of them since September. They have been on topics as varied as the new SAVE legislation (Schools Against Violence in Education), Suicide prevention, and a number provided by the Career Cruising database.
I was very nervous for my first webinar. Would I be able to connect to it? Would I figure out how to ask questions? Would I pay attention? Well, I survived and actually enjoyed the process. I always make sure I log in early to avoid any computer issues and I have learned a lot from each one. For a few of the webinars I attended, I used the LCD projector and screen at school and watched with a number of co-workers.
One of my biggest complaints about some webinars is the timing. A number of them are held during the school day and I can't just close the library to attend one. (I am the only one working in the library for most of the day). I especially don't understand when webinars specifically geared towards school librarians are held during the school day.
Although I prefer to attend a "live" workshop with lots of living breathing people, I'm happy that I have access to so many webinars.
I was very nervous for my first webinar. Would I be able to connect to it? Would I figure out how to ask questions? Would I pay attention? Well, I survived and actually enjoyed the process. I always make sure I log in early to avoid any computer issues and I have learned a lot from each one. For a few of the webinars I attended, I used the LCD projector and screen at school and watched with a number of co-workers.
One of my biggest complaints about some webinars is the timing. A number of them are held during the school day and I can't just close the library to attend one. (I am the only one working in the library for most of the day). I especially don't understand when webinars specifically geared towards school librarians are held during the school day.
Although I prefer to attend a "live" workshop with lots of living breathing people, I'm happy that I have access to so many webinars.
Thing 5--BLOG
I have to admit I have really been enjoying this course. It has introduced me to some products and blogs that I never knew about. I was worried about taking a course like this on the computer, but all of the directions and explanations have been written in clear English and are easy to understand.
It has also been nice to take a course with many types of libraries. Usually, I am only in workshops or courses with school libraries, so it has been nice to get lots of different views on librarianship.
I do wish I had more time to look at everyone's blogs. Time just seems to get away from me. I'm wondering if I would have done better if each "Thing" took two weeks instead of one or if I had been able to take this over the summer.
It has also been nice to take a course with many types of libraries. Usually, I am only in workshops or courses with school libraries, so it has been nice to get lots of different views on librarianship.
I do wish I had more time to look at everyone's blogs. Time just seems to get away from me. I'm wondering if I would have done better if each "Thing" took two weeks instead of one or if I had been able to take this over the summer.
Thing 4 : Online Communities
I have been a member of Facebook and Linked In for a number of years. I have not gotten involved with Twitter (my brother likes to say, "Twitter is like FB without the fun parts".) As someone who is not involved in the business world, I have to admit I don't find Linked In overly useful for my life. Facebook on the other hand is something I use almost daily.
Facebook has reconnected me to so many old friends and that has been wonderful. I have also learned about a lot of local and world news first from people's posts on FB. (I then go to the traditonal news outlets to learn more). In addition, I like having quick connections to a number of businesses I use regularly. For example, X's to O's Vegan Bakery in Troy posts their list of what items are available that day, letting me know if I want to take a trip over or not. I do have to say, however, that Facebook can become very addicting. I was finding myself spending way too much time looking at posts and playing games on it. I now limit my time at the site or will make myself go cold turkey for a few days at a time to avoid falling into that trap again.
There are some things that worry me about social networking sites. I feel that a number of people don't understand that some things in their life are private and don't need to be shared with the world. For example, I don't want to read about some of my friends fights with their spouses (some of these get way too personal and actually make me very uncomfortable). I find my younger relatives will post mean things about people and think nothing about it. Many people also can't deal with people politely disagreeing with their posts and then WWIII breaks out.
I also have a comment on the Social Media Revolution 2 video we watched as part of this week's course. One of the quotes read, "96% of millenials have joined a social network". This comment makes no sense. That would imply that 100% of millenials have access to a computer and are online. I don't believe there is even a town in the U.S. where 100% of the people use a computer. This quote then made me question every other statistic given in the video.
As far as libraries go, I can greatly see the use of social networking tools. Having a FB page lets patrons know more about the programs, hours, and services at the library. A library could post How To instructions or videos on the page. I like the idea of using one to share book suggestions. As a school librarian, I am bound by school rules, so I do not presently have a library page for my workplace. Maybe one day...
Facebook has reconnected me to so many old friends and that has been wonderful. I have also learned about a lot of local and world news first from people's posts on FB. (I then go to the traditonal news outlets to learn more). In addition, I like having quick connections to a number of businesses I use regularly. For example, X's to O's Vegan Bakery in Troy posts their list of what items are available that day, letting me know if I want to take a trip over or not. I do have to say, however, that Facebook can become very addicting. I was finding myself spending way too much time looking at posts and playing games on it. I now limit my time at the site or will make myself go cold turkey for a few days at a time to avoid falling into that trap again.
There are some things that worry me about social networking sites. I feel that a number of people don't understand that some things in their life are private and don't need to be shared with the world. For example, I don't want to read about some of my friends fights with their spouses (some of these get way too personal and actually make me very uncomfortable). I find my younger relatives will post mean things about people and think nothing about it. Many people also can't deal with people politely disagreeing with their posts and then WWIII breaks out.
I also have a comment on the Social Media Revolution 2 video we watched as part of this week's course. One of the quotes read, "96% of millenials have joined a social network". This comment makes no sense. That would imply that 100% of millenials have access to a computer and are online. I don't believe there is even a town in the U.S. where 100% of the people use a computer. This quote then made me question every other statistic given in the video.
As far as libraries go, I can greatly see the use of social networking tools. Having a FB page lets patrons know more about the programs, hours, and services at the library. A library could post How To instructions or videos on the page. I like the idea of using one to share book suggestions. As a school librarian, I am bound by school rules, so I do not presently have a library page for my workplace. Maybe one day...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thing 3: Photo-Sharing
I have had a Flickr account for a number of years. Originally, I set it up as a back up for my photos, after losing a number of them when my computer crashed. Now, I like it for that purpose as well as in having a place where I can share photos with my friends and family.
Although I was intrigued by the narrators compelling reasons in the Common Craft video, Online Photo Sharing in Plain English, for making ones photos Public, I believe I will still keep my pictures private, to be shared with only family and friends. I have a lot of pictures of my little girl in my account, and there are just too many sickos out there.
Even more interesting in this weeks "Thing" was the blog from librarian.net [http://www.librarian.net/stax/3053/leaving-des-moines/] about the problems she ran into when taking pictures at the Des Moines Public Library. The comments after her blog were especially intriguing and made me really think. As I sit in a public library typing this (as a patron), I don't think I would feel comfortable if some stranger came around and started taking pictures of me, but I also understand wanting to take pictures of a beautiful library. The feedback from different architects weighing in on the issue was also intriguing.
I can see the use of having a public Flikr account for one's library. If I did it, I would create a separate Flikr account for that use, I would not tie it to my personal account. Since I work as a school librarian however, in order to do such a thing, I would need to get a lot of permissions to do it. Principal, superintendent, parents, most likely the Board of Education. I'm wondering how many of my peers have gone through all this yet, and if they find it worth the effort?
Although I was intrigued by the narrators compelling reasons in the Common Craft video, Online Photo Sharing in Plain English, for making ones photos Public, I believe I will still keep my pictures private, to be shared with only family and friends. I have a lot of pictures of my little girl in my account, and there are just too many sickos out there.
Even more interesting in this weeks "Thing" was the blog from librarian.net [http://www.librarian.net/stax/3053/leaving-des-moines/] about the problems she ran into when taking pictures at the Des Moines Public Library. The comments after her blog were especially intriguing and made me really think. As I sit in a public library typing this (as a patron), I don't think I would feel comfortable if some stranger came around and started taking pictures of me, but I also understand wanting to take pictures of a beautiful library. The feedback from different architects weighing in on the issue was also intriguing.
I can see the use of having a public Flikr account for one's library. If I did it, I would create a separate Flikr account for that use, I would not tie it to my personal account. Since I work as a school librarian however, in order to do such a thing, I would need to get a lot of permissions to do it. Principal, superintendent, parents, most likely the Board of Education. I'm wondering how many of my peers have gone through all this yet, and if they find it worth the effort?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thing 2-RSS Part 2
I like the idea of RSS Readers and have had a Bloglines account for years (thanks to Polly's Tech Camp at Rensselaerville Institute several years ago). My biggest problem is remembering to check the account! Months and months can go by without me doing it. I need to make a commitment, now that I created an iGoogle page, to check the site and updates regularly. I feel like I am making a New Year's Resolution, but truly hope to keep this one!
RSS readers can be SO useful to librarians. We know there is so much info. out there on the web and it truly is hard to keep up with it all. By creating and CHECKING our RSS Readers, it is so much easier to keep up to date on the latest news, technology, books, authors, etc.
As I keep using my iGoogle page, I hope to update this blog on what I have learned.
RSS readers can be SO useful to librarians. We know there is so much info. out there on the web and it truly is hard to keep up with it all. By creating and CHECKING our RSS Readers, it is so much easier to keep up to date on the latest news, technology, books, authors, etc.
As I keep using my iGoogle page, I hope to update this blog on what I have learned.
Thing 2-RSS
So first I created an I Google account. It was much easier than I thought it would be. That said, I did have a tough time picking the picture for the top! It was fun to practice moving things around on the page and adding links.
That said, I had a lot of trouble adding RSS Feeds when I would go to sites and click on the quick link. I was much more successful when I would cut and paste the URL into the reader add RSS feature.
After reading Polly's Q & A's about this week's "thing", I realize I might be more successful using Firefox instead of Explorer. I'll try that next time.
That said, I had a lot of trouble adding RSS Feeds when I would go to sites and click on the quick link. I was much more successful when I would cut and paste the URL into the reader add RSS feature.
After reading Polly's Q & A's about this week's "thing", I realize I might be more successful using Firefox instead of Explorer. I'll try that next time.
Children's Book Festival
This past Saturday, I took my mother and daughter to the Children's Book Festival held at the Albany Academies. We had a blast meeting authors, doing crafts, and looking at books. It took a lot of will power not to break the bank buying books, but my seven year old's book collection definitely grew this weekend.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thing 1: Blogging
Hello all! My name is Beth Davis and I work at Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD. I have been a working librarian for 15 years. I'm married and have a seven year old daughter.
My hobbies include reading (surprise, surprise), Broadway musicals, golf and Mah Jongg.
I am taking part in this CDLC program so I can keep moving forward. Technology is always changing and I want to learn as much as I can so I, and my library program, can keep changing too.
This week's reading reminded me a lot about why people blog as well as letting me see many forms of blogging. I especially liked the YouTube video "Blogs in Plain English". I never thought about comparing blogs to journalism before. The video was easy to understand and I would use it with a high school class or as part of an in-service with faculty and staff.
What a great first week of the program. I look forward to next week's lesson.
My hobbies include reading (surprise, surprise), Broadway musicals, golf and Mah Jongg.
I am taking part in this CDLC program so I can keep moving forward. Technology is always changing and I want to learn as much as I can so I, and my library program, can keep changing too.
This week's reading reminded me a lot about why people blog as well as letting me see many forms of blogging. I especially liked the YouTube video "Blogs in Plain English". I never thought about comparing blogs to journalism before. The video was easy to understand and I would use it with a high school class or as part of an in-service with faculty and staff.
What a great first week of the program. I look forward to next week's lesson.
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