iLibrarian, Ellyssa Kroski, brought her two “quirky libraries” posts from earlier this summer back into the limelight by recently highlighting her top ten most popular blog posts of 2012. 
Don’t miss them… you’ll see unique architecture, collections, and designs from around the world! Check out… 10 Quirky Libraries.
All posts by Kate
Holiday Greetings from CMLE!
With the holidays upon us, we couldn’t resist creating a special little message for all of you to enjoy!
Please note that CMLE offices will be closed December 24th & 25th and December 31 & January 1st.
TIES Conference Recap by Holly Pringle: A CMLE Scholarship
The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.
Submitted by: Holly Pringle, Becker Middle School Media Specialist
I just got home from the TIES conference in Minneapolis, and this year’s experience was, once again, amazing. I am so impressed with all the people who present at these conferences, and the wealth of knowledge that all comes together for the two days of TIES. Unfortunately, a foot of snow in the Metro made getting to TIES “interesting” this year, but we made it in time!
The theme of the conference was “On the Move: Transforming Pedagogy with Technology”, and there seemed like a million sessions offered for a variety of needs & interests. As was the case last year, my biggest disappointment was that there were so many concurrent sessions, I had to choose not to see some sessions that looked like they’d be great. I wish conferences like this were in the summer (and cheaper!), so more staff from my school could attend. The tech integrationists here would have loved a chance to see some of what I was able to.
Because the 8th graders in my school will be starting a 1:1 iPad project next year, I was interested in attending sessions by Apple, as well as sessions that talked about setting up, deploying, and managing large numbers of iOS devices, since that will be a large part of my job next year. I attended three different sessions about 1:1 deployments and I learned some new ideas, especially in regards to mobile device management. I think I have a good handle on where I’m heading with this next year (what to do, and what not to do), and I’m glad to have met and networked with some folks who could be great coaches and allies if I have questions next year.
The highlight of the conference for me was the keynote address on the first day by Simon Sinek. He did a great job addressing the fact that technology is great, but we should never use it for technology’s sake, but for the betterment of our kids….or the world. After all, it’s all about human connections. I love that that was the framework my conference began with, and I thought about the role of technology in regards to my kids…..and making their lives richer….the whole time.
In all, the TIES conference was worthwhile for me on many levels, and I’m so thankful CMLE made it possible for me to attend. Thank you!
Recommended App: Browzine
Recently released by Minnesota-based company, Third Iron, Browzine is an app created by librarian, John Seguin. According to the Browzine press release “With BrowZine, users can easily find journals made available by their library, browse titles of interest, and read individual articles or the complete journal.” It also syncs with Dropbox and box.com for easy distribution 
and citation of articles.
There are two different versions of the app; one version gives the user access to open-access journals, and another requires a sync to occur between their library (whether public, school, or academic) and the app — authentication gains them access to most of their library’s online database collection. In other words, the library needs to have subscribed to the Browzine service for the sync to occur. If a library is interested in subscribing to Browzine they should consider reviewing this video, and visiting the Browzine website for additional information.
The app is free to the user, and is currently specific to the iPad (though plans are in the works for an Android app). It requires iOS 5.1 or later.
Paul Beckermann Selected as 2012 Outstanding Minnesota High School AV/Media Coordinator
CMLE’s Governing Board President, Paul Beckermann, has won another award for his outstanding service to students, faculty, and staff at Dassel-Cokato High School!! Congratulations to Paul for this exciting honor!
From Alpha Video….
Minneapolis, MN, December 14, 2012 – Alpha Video is pleased to announce that Paul Beckermann, Media and Digital Learning Specialist at Dassel-Cokato High School, has received the 2012 Outstanding Minnesota High School AV/Media Coordinator Award.
Beckermann was recognized for the effective and innovative implementation of audio, video and media technology. He has 18 years teaching experience as an English instructor plus seven years experience as the Media and Digital Learning Specialist. Some of his accomplishments include:
- Acting as coach and advisor for DCTV – a weekly TV news broadcast, produced by students for students.
- Designed technologically equipped classrooms to include mounted LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards and updated computers with document cameras, microphones, headphones and an improved software collection.
- District Trainer in Moodle.
- Introduced eBooks to the school library collection.
- Current President Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange.
- Chaired or participated in numerous technology committees for the school district.
Beckermann received his award on December 9, 2012 at the annual TIES Education Technology Conference during the Technology Leadership Awards Banquet. Scott Tronson, Alpha Video Marketing Manager, presented the award to him.
Commenting on the award, Beckermann said, “I have had the opportunity to meet other high school AV/Media coordinators from schools across the state, and I’m continually impressed with how they have effectively and innovatively implemented audio, video and media technology in their schools. Their leadership and hard work is helping to transform classrooms and to provide students and staff with the tools and training needed to be successful. It’s an honor to receive this award and to represent this great group of professionals.” He also thanked his wife, Pamela Beckermann, who works at the Dassel-Cokato Middle School as a Digital Learning and Media Specialist.
The program was sponsored by Alpha Video, CastNET, Bosch/ElectroVoice, Kramer Electronics, Samsung, Panasonic and VBrick.
About Alpha Video
Alpha Video & Audio has been a professional video systems provider and integration specialist since 1970. Alpha specializes in products, systems and services for video and digital media content creation, distribution and management. Alpha Video is headquartered at 7711 Computer Ave, Edina, Minnesota 55435. (800) 388-0008 or (952) 896-9898. www.alphavideo.com