Category Archives: School Media Specialist

Communication, School Media Specialist, Tech

School Libraries and Internet Filtering: What are you doing on this?

Réprésentation d'internet

We have had a member question about how school libraries are handling internet filtering requirements, and how to talk about it with IT staff, administration, and other stakeholders for school libraries.

So I looked up some information to share – and really, there is not enough out there.

Now we want to ask YOU what you are doing in your library!

First – are you using filtering software in your school library?

My sense at the moment is that not all of our members are, but I don’t know that. And of course there is not a right or wrong answer here – every community will be different and serve different needs that affect their decision.

How are schools handling internet blocking/filtering of sites for students and teachers. What do you specifically block? Topics? Key words? Websites?

What language do they use when working with administration, parents, students?

What support can library personnel acquire to use when discussing this with their IT personnel?

How specifically are library personnel handling the downloading of YouTube videos to school management platforms such as Schoology?

Whether or not you are filtering, it is worth taking some time to sit down with stakeholders, and/or CMLE staff, to make a plan to ensure you are meeting the needs of your community. As with all plans, it’s good to check in and review them every so often to be sure you are meeting changing needs and expectations!

Here are some resources to help you think about this issue. Remember: We are here to help CMLE work through just these kinds of topics! Call or email us and let’s set up some time to chat about your library’s filtering plan.

You can start at the ALA’s website for some of the basic ideas
from the profession. There are tons of links and sites here:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/filtering

Here is the FCC’s take on filtering in schools – Children’s Internet
Protection Act (CIPA):
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act

Here is an article for public libraries, but some of the info may be
helpful for schools and other libraries: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/internet-filtering-dont-do-it


This article is for school libraries:
https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/01/law-requires-content-filtering-school-and-library-networks

Some general info: https://ncac.org/resource/internet-filters-2

S little old, but info on filtering in schools:
https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/how-internet-filtering-affects-education/


Programs, School Media Specialist

ELM Expo: It’s For You!

Register Now!
March 23
Saturday
8:30-3:00

ELM Expo
Hands-on & Up-Close with the ELM Databases
This ELM Expo will focus on the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM).
ELM is an outstanding suite of databases available to all Minnesota residents. Join us to learn more about Learning Express, EBooks MN, Britannica, special features & more!

Learn from the experts how to search, save, & share your results. Take home tips on how to teach databases to users.

Please bring your own laptop or tablet to personalize your learning.

All levels of experience welcome! Novice or advanced searcher, there will something for you.

Who Should Attend
Public, academic, school, & special librarians. Teachers (K-12) and anyone who uses ELM or wants to use ELM in the classroom or library. School librarians (K-12) are urged to come as a team with History Day Teachers, Guidance Counselors, English Teachers or other interested teachers. CEUs available.

When
Saturday
March 23, 2019
8:30am to 3:00pm
Cost
$30

Includes morning snack, lunch, & handouts.
(Check with your multitype library system for library staff scholarships.)

Where
Lakeville North High School
19600 Ipava Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044
(park in the upper lot, off Ipava Ave. and enter through door 1, follow the signs to the media center.)

Registration ends on Wednesday, March 20.
Register NOW to guarantee your spot!

Register

Click below to read a description of sessions we are offering.
Session Info

Brought to you by
Lakeville North High School
Minitex
Metronet

School Media Specialist, Tech

AASL Recommended Apps: PBS Kids Games

In June, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their Best Apps for Teaching and Learning 2018. The apps encourage qualities such as creativity and collaboration and encourage discovery and curiosity.

This is our last of the apps from 2018! If you want to catch up on all our past apps check out the archive. Next fall we’ll be back with the Best Apps for Teaching and Learning of 2019!

This week we’ll look at PBS Kids Games! This app features favorite PBS characters to help kids learn about math, creativity, and more.

“Play free learning games with your favorite PBS KIDS characters anytime, anywhere. PBS KIDS Games features top shows and new games that are continually being added encouraging learners to engage in skills related to science, math, creativity and more in gameplay alongside their favorite characters!”

Platform: iOS, Android   
Grades: Preschool – 3rd
Cost: FREE

Common Sense Media has this review of the app, and Parents’ Choice recommends the app in this article. The app is also featured in this article from We Are Teachers that lists the best PBS apps to use in the classroom.

See some of the games available on this app!
Resources, School Media Specialist

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Mini Grants Available!

This sounds like a great opportunity for our members! Teachers and librarians from public or school libraries, check out this opportunity to get some funding for a program that “demonstrates creativity and a desire to make learning fun.” They’ll award approximately 70 grants up to $500 each! Deadline for submitting your application is March 31st 2019 so you have plenty of time. (Contact us at CMLE if you need help with yours!)

Here’s more info from their website:

“The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, dedicated to supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries across the country, is encouraging qualifying educators to apply for a 2019 Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grant. Applications are currently being accepted, and the deadline for submissions is March 31, 2019.

Approximately 70 grants, up to $500 each, will be awarded to teachers and librarians whose proposals demonstrate creativity and a desire to make learning fun. Decisions will be emailed to all applicants in May, allowing educators to plan for the 2019 – 2020 academic year.
“For over three decades, it has been our privilege to support the vision of the most innovative teachers and librarians, who inspire students to read joyfully, think creatively and support one another with generosity,” says Deborah Pope, Executive Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.

Since 1987, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation has provided over $1,000,000 in support of EJK Mini-Grant programs spanning the 50 states and U.S commonwealths. The Foundation welcomes Mini-Grant proposals focusing on any subject or discipline. To learn more about EJK Mini-Grants, and to see the criteria for application, visit Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grants.

“With the deadline fast approaching, I encourage all creative educators who want to put their new ideas into action to go online and apply for an EJK Mini-Grant now,” adds Pope.”


Children's services, Resources, School Media Specialist

Library Thoughts: AASL Standards for Libraries

McMillen High School Library

Working in school libraries is tough.

The community you serve is a group of kids who need access to all sorts of good information and training in good resources. And it’s also teachers, administrators, staff, and parents. It is keeping up with state standards, with books that are good and books that are required in class. Increasingly it’s about working with technology, figuring out how to best implement it and make it work across the community of users.

We can’t make all of it easier, but the American Association of School Librarians provide some guidance for you to use, and to share with your administration.

An important part of working in a school library is being a leader and doing constant advocacy. That work involves reaching out to the people in the community to keep telling them what you have to offer, and how you can help them to accomplish their goals. Using these standards can be a good step toward making that happen!

“The AASL Standards framework reflects a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning by demonstrating the connection between learner, school librarian, and school library standards. Three sets of standards (Learner, School Librarian, and School Library) make up the AASL Standards Integrated Framework featured within the National School Library Standards. Use the resources here to familiarize yourself with the structure and get started using the standards in your practice.”

We know that not every school can master every step here – money and time are still limiting factors for a lot of schools. But CMLE is here to help you to provide with assistance in building your library, including scholarships, minigrants, policy writing, in-person visits, meetings with your colleagues as your advocate, or other things that might help you move forward!

 

You can watch this video to get started, or share it with your colleagues:

Getting Started

Designed to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning, the National School Library Standards enable personalization for every learner and school librarian, allowing you to continuously tailor your school library to local needs, your own strengths, and learners’ benefit. These resources will help you get started on your journey.

For more great resources, explore the Materials Gallery >>

 

Common Beliefs

Standards Framework

Implementation Plan

Professional Development