All posts by Mary Jordan

CMLE, Communication, General, Resources, Services

Teen Volunteers in the library? Keep them busy!

Volunteering SVG

Does your library have teens as volunteers?

Are you struggling to find tasks for them?

Are you thinking about teens, and making some work plans?

You are not alone!

These are ideas you might consider for giving your teen volunteers (or other volunteers!) some tasks in your library. These are all currently being used by libraries around the country, so should be helpful in your library.

Do you have other suggestions? Share them in the comments! We could all use ideas for making a volunteer experience valuable for the teens and for the library!

Continue reading Teen Volunteers in the library? Keep them busy! →

Academic, Resources, Special

“Understanding Metadata” from NISO

Learning process and quality standardsAt CMLE Headquarters, we want to be sure everyone has access to all kinds of library information that might help you in your work! Many of you may not (yet?) work with metadata – but those who do will find this guide helpful. And if you want to learn more about metadata, from the National Information Standards Organization, they are providing this online guide free!

Take a few minutes to flip through this; maybe you will get some new ideas about your own information organization! Continue reading “Understanding Metadata” from NISO →

General, Public, Resources

Library Outreach Example: Itty Bitty Art

This program was just too cute not to share with CMLE members! As you know, I am a huge fan of library outreach work; and that includes reaching into all areas of the communities we serve.  Partnerships make that outreach even stronger. And this program is not only adorable, but a great example of partnerships outside the library!

Dr. James Thomas was invited by the Amon Cartner Museum (Ft. Worth, Texas) to do his program on language play for infants in their gallery. It was such a hit last year, they scheduled four events this year!

“Infancy is the time to begin with an awareness of language and books. During this program you will learn songs, how to share books, sign language, and ways to exercise with your little one to encourage language development. Each caregiver will receive a free CD of all songs and activities shared.” (more information on the program is after the break)

Do you have an idea for reaching out to a segment of your population? Would making some connections, and building up partnerships, help your library provide better service – or something really fun? Great!!

Let’s discuss your plans, and see what we can do to help out! CMLE Headquarters is here to support you and the work you do for your patrons; so let’s do some great things! Continue reading Library Outreach Example: Itty Bitty Art →

CMLE, Resources, School Media Specialist, Services

Could your school library use some money? Try Donors Choose!

If you are in a public school library, you may have already heard of Donors Choose. It can be a great way to bring materials not otherwise in the budget, or to pay for a special program or set of materials for your students!

“We were started by a history teacher. In 2000, Charles Best, a teacher at a Bronx public high school, wanted his students to read Little House on the Prairie. As he was making photocopies of the one book he could procure, Charles thought about all the money he and his colleagues were spending on books, art supplies, and other materials. And he figured there were people out there who’d want to help — if they could see where their money was going. Charles sketched out a website where teachers could post classroom project requests, and donors could choose the ones they wanted to support. His colleagues posted the first 11 requests. Then it spread. Today, we’re open to every public school in America. Continue reading Could your school library use some money? Try Donors Choose! →

Academic, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Time for spring cleaning yet? Let’s weed!

Weeding the lettuce (798138529)

I follow a bunch of library-related listserves, and it’s a great way to keep up with the discussions happening all across the profession. Recently, there was an extended discussion from a newbie library person about weeding a collection in a small library.

This seemed like an issue that would apply to many of our libraries here in CMLE; so as we start to think about spring and cleaning (or “still stuck inside to escape the cold for a few more weeks” and cleaning), it seemed like a good time for us to also talk about weeding!

Continue reading Time for spring cleaning yet? Let’s weed! →