Recently, I was amused to read a post on A Librarian’s Lists and Letters blog by none other than Brassy Librarian. As I read her post, I wanted to yell “ So True”! Inevitably, when I tell people I am a librarian, I get weird comments back and I’ll bet you do too! And yes, males still seem to be hopeful that you might be the naughty librarian too! What was just as much fun as reading the post was reading the comments that followed; almost like a librarian’s support group! Certainly not scholarly in nature, but a good chance to feel the lighthearted support of others in the profession, and add to the love too!
Please join American Libraries Live for this month’s broadcast on Thursday, May 9th at 1 pm (CST). The exciting new episode will discuss the shift in online learning and what that could potentially mean for libraries. Guest speakers will examine how traditional library instruction may be enhanced with online tools and identify possible library standards in the face of changing technology. Click here for additional information about the guest speakers and to register for this free broadcast.
Infographic released an article (April, 2013) referring to the challenges facing many public libraries today. It starts by identifying the opening of an all digital and technologically advanced library in Texas. Using this as a discussion point, it touches on the role these facilities play in their communities, damaging budget cuts and the shift in patron demand(s) on these providers. Click here to read the full article titled, “The Changing Face of Public Libraries.”
Each year I am in charge of purchasing school supplies for my son. The first year, I selected the standard box of 16 crayons. Then, he graduated to a box of 24 for school and a larger set of 64 for art projects at home. I wonder how many parents have taken the time to read the names assigned to each color? They are far more descriptive than orange (Mango Tango), green (Inchworm) and yellow (Canary).
This post if for those of you who love researching unusual and interesting facts. In this link, Merriam-Webster defined 10 unusual colors and the history behind their names. It’s worth a look-Just for Fun!
As we wrap up School Library Month, it is especially timely for Maureen Sullivan, president of ALA to write a blog post specifically about the importance of school libraries. Maureen mentions cuts to specific federal programs that may have impact on our school media centers in Minnesota. She also mentions that “The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project Online Survey of Teachers found that although the Internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, their digital literacy skills have yet to catch up. Twenty-four percent of those surveyed stated that students lack the ability to assess the quality and accuracy of information they find online. Another 33 percent reported that students lack the ability to recognize bias in online content.” This reinforces the critical role that media specialists possess in our schools.
