All posts by Mary Jordan

Book stumper: Can you identify this one?

A librarian is looking for some help identifying a book for one of her patrons. If you can identify it for her, send us an email and we will pass your info along!

“I had a patron in this morning looking for help finding a book she read as a child – This book would have been published roughly 50+ years ago. I think it would be a jFic but cannot be sure. Here is what we have to go on: The book focuses on a group of young boys. There is an older man they interact with. They are somewhat fearful of him and he serves them sassafras tea. There was possibly a tree involved in the story at some point – maybe the boys hid in it?”

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Classes Start Soon!

Here is an update about some interesting training you can take to build your skills in working with kids! Remember: CMLE offers up to $200 in scholarship money to members to help you attend these kinds of opportunities.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) encourages participants to sign up for Spring 2017 ALSC online courses. Registration is open for all courses. Classes begin Monday, April 3, 2017.

Continue reading Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Classes Start Soon!

Intellectual Freedom News from ALA

As part of our commitment to providing our members with news from around the profession, we are copying information for you from the latest ALA newsletter from the Office of Intellectual Freedom! Supporting the intellectual freedom of your patrons is an important aspect of being an library professional; so here is some news on how this topic is shaping up around the country!

At the end is information on how to subscribe for yourself, or to follow them on social media.

Continue reading Intellectual Freedom News from ALA

Getting Started with Social Media!

Socialmedia-pmSocial media has moved way past something only tech early adopters, or “the kids today,” are using. These tools are quick and easy ways everyone can find out what is going on in your communities (the profession, your organization, your school, your town, the library community you serve, Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans…we’re not judging).

But you want to be sure you are not wasting your time on it. Social media does not generally have associated financial costs, but for most library people time is your most valuable resource. And, you want to be sure you are not violating any rules of your parent organization (town, university, school, corporation, etc.). Continue reading Getting Started with Social Media!

Advocacy: The 2017 MLA/ITEM Legislative Platform

Do you need some suggestions on important ideas to talk about with your legislators and other stakeholders? We have them right here! Remember: Legislative Day is Feb. 22. If you can’t attend in person, send an email to be sure your legislator knows about the important work you are doing in libraries!!

The Minnesota Library Association (MLA) and the Information
and Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM) support state funding for the following programs that sustain library services in Minnesota:

Continue reading Advocacy: The 2017 MLA/ITEM Legislative Platform