All posts by Michelle

Distance Learning: The Next Steps

Image by Nazzen. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Nazzen. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Distance learning is often marketed as a way to meet diverse educational needs by offering course flexibility, accessibility, and program diversity. In an infographic, Career Graphics illustrates the evolution of distance learning starting as early as 1728; emphasizing key factors which influenced its transformation to what we know it as today. Some of these elements include the first correspondence courses and the introduction of new technologies such as the radio, television and internet.

In an article by Edudemic, author Nina Hassing eludes to the number of times employees change career paths as an important variable in the growing need to apply broader, analytical thinking skills. She stated, “Memorizing facts will have a much lower value, while utilizing information for analysis and decision making will be a critical skill for educational and professional advancement.  This is used as the backdrop to discuss why the concept of distance learning needs to evolve. Hassing lists 9 ways in which this type of learning will continue to grow, why change is needed and her predictions for the future of distance education. Click here to read the full article, Why (And How) Distance Learning Needs to Change (August 2013.)

Registration: Reaching Reluctant Readers

Registration is now open!

CMLE is excited to offer our first reluctant reader event next month! In September, CMLE talked about reluctant readers in a popular post titled, Books & Boys. Then after attending this year’s MLA conference session with Patrick Jones in October, we knew our region would benefit from his message.

This Minneapolis based author, and former librarian, specializes in reaching reluctant readers and teens. As an American Library Association/Scholastic Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Jones will identify leading causes as to why young readers disengage. During this event, he will provide a framework to help us understand what reluctant readers look for including, tempting plot lines, enticing characters  and specific book design elements. Jones will leave participants with best practices to recapture a reluctant reader(s.) We hope you can join us!

Patrick Jones. Image Retrieved Online 11/7/13.
Patrick Jones.
Image Retrieved Online 11/7/13.

Event: Reaching Reluctant Readers
Date: December 6th, 2013
Time: 1:00-4:00 P.M.
Location: Stearns History Museum
Registration: Link (light refreshments will be made available)

Note: We are asking attendees to bring at least one, time honored and tested reluctant reader book to this event. When registering, you will be asked for the title (s) and author (s) of at least one book, but, the form will accommodate up to three of your favorite  picks. CMLE would like to compile a  list of these books to share as a takeaway from this event! Time will be allotted for Patrick to sign copies of his book. 

CSB/SJU Librarians Featured in New Campaign

Image by CSB/SJU featuring Librarian, David Malone.
Image by CSB/SJU featuring Librarian, David Malone.

Last October,  the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University (CSB/SJU) launched a campaign featuring librarians in Halloween-type costumes sporting the slogan, “Librarians aren’t scary – they’re scary good at research.” So this year, the Marketing Committee was challenged to develop another campaign to promote awareness of Library/Media/Archives to advance a greater recognition of the value of these services appealing to a broader audience.   Kathy Parker, Director of Libraries, Media, and Archives at CSB/SJU said, “This specific campaign was designed to help make the librarians more approachable in the eyes of our students –to show them we have a sense of humor and maybe aren’t as stuffy as librarian stereotypes can suggest.”

Eight images were printed as posters and placed throughout campus.  The digital versions of these posters have appeared in the CSB/SJU’s social media, including Facebook and Twitter (@csbsjulibraries).  In addition, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has also featured these funny, targeted posters  (link 1, link 2.)

What have/can you do to get people talking about your library?

Philosophy Takes Center Stage

Image by Loozrboy. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Loozrboy. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Next Thursday, November 21st,  the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes World Philosophy Day.  Since its inception in 2002, the third Thursday of November encourages a continued dialog about contemporary issues and reflection on classic debates.  Unsure where to start? Flavorwire links readers to their top 10 Great Works of Fiction for Philosophers (November  2013.)

Tip: Consider a display in your library noting this day (enlist students to help.) Or, download one of the 10 works of fiction listed on a device(s) available for check-out. 

Book Nostalgia

Image by Pattys-Photos. Retrieved in Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Pattys-Photos. Retrieved in Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

This week, CMLE highlights the printed book!

The Scholarly Kitchen recently posted an article about the time honored tradition of making a print book. Originally housed in the archives at Oxford University Press, a series of three silent films were showcased.

Just for Fun, take a step back in time to the 1920s; experience the once labor intensive process of creating a beloved classic; the printed book!

The making of a book, take three, and…..action!