All posts by Michelle

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

2013 Reading List for Best Fiction by Genre!

The Ritual

According to the American Library Association (ALA), the Reference and Users Services Association (RUSA) has announced the selections for its 2013 Reading List. Annually, RUSA recognizes the best books in eight genres: adrenaline (including suspense, thrillers, and adventure), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and women’s fiction.

This year’s list includes novels that will appease even die-hard fans, as well as introduce new readers to the delights of genre fiction!

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Two Opportunities to Meet the Minnesota Book Awards Finalists!

MNbookawards-smAre you curious about who our state’s top authors are?  Here are two opportunities to meet the Minnesota Book Awards finalists!

First, consider attending the Meet the Finalists event sponsored by Minnesota Book Awards.  This is a free event in which all the available 2013 finalist authors will gather to share their work. In addition, copies of their books will be for sale by Magers & Quinn. Take this opportunity to have your book(s) personally signed!

      Friday, March 15 at Open Book
      1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis beginning at 7:00 p.m.
      This event includes a reception with wine and refreshments following the program.

Second, 2013 marks the silver anniversary of the Minnesota Book Awards Gala honoring the finalists. Awards will be presented to the winner in each of the eight book categories as well as the Kay Sexton Award and Book Artist Award. Renowned writer and comedienne, Lorna Landvik, will emcee the evening with her quick humor and wit and passion for all things bookish. Purchase your tickets today!

     Saturday, April 13 at the Hilton Minneapolis
      7:00 p.m.  Opening reception. Meet the finalists, book sales and signings, and cash bar
      8:00 p.m.  Awards ceremony. Wine and refreshments, celebrity presenters, and more
      9:30 p.m.  Epilogue Celebration with champagne, desserts, live music with Reina del Cid and the Cidizens

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Opening Emails with Confidence!

7543411458_955765a2a0. AJC1
Some rights reserved by AJC1

Recommended Ed Tech Tool

Last summer, I crashed a computer by downloading what I thought was a label for a FedEx package that I had been impatiently waiting for. Instead, I uploaded a computer virus.  Since then, I tend to be slow to open emails (and its contents), even when it appears to be sent from a valid contact/source.  If you are like me, and are still uncertain about what is or is not safe in the world of email-check out the How-To-Geek’s (HTG) website.  His article, ” Why You Can’t Get Infected Just By Opening an Email (and When You Can)”  explains how the email process has changed over the years and provides a lists of email safety tips.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Information Literacy Webinars

ELM

How do students approach research in a digital world? 
Attend these FREE webinars offered through the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) to learn more.

Primary Sources in ELM: Learn tips on how to navigate the ELM library in search of primary sources for comprehensive research assignments. This session is offered on Tuesday, March 12th or Friday, March 29th from 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM (Central Time). Click here for more information.

Online Information Literacy and ELM: Take 45 minutes and join Minitex staff to discuss best practices to identify what information is appropriate and credible for research. Also, learn how to teach effective search strategies and see ways ELM allows students to manage their research.  This webinar is being offered on Tuesday, March 26th from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM (Central Time). Click here for more information.