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.
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.
Read Maureen’s post at http://tinyurl.com/crqshp8
The Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Public School is re-opening a search for a licensed Library/Media Specialist (.75 FTE) teacher in their Hanover Elementary School. This position will begin August 26, 2013. Interested applicants must complete an application available online at the district website.
The new application deadline was extended to May 10, 2013.
**Content in this post was provided by GRRL**
On April 23rd approximately 25,000 volunteers signed up to give away half a million free books in more than 6,000 towns and cities across the country. The free book giveaway is part of World Book Night U.S. (WBN), an ambitious campaign to give thousands of free, specially printed paperbacks to light or nonreaders across America on one day.
Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. These facilities allow access to nearly 1 million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, along with a variety of programming and information services.
GRRL recruited more than 50 volunteers who shared books at various locations across Central Minnesota such as parks, coffee shops and fitness centers. Providing people with materials and services to support lifelong learning and personal enrichment is a goal within the library’s strategic plan.
Volunteer Jeanie Pilarski said, “This was a fun and easy event. The Delano Tiger Activity Center is an active location with parents, exercisers, participants of clubs, and many activities happening in this location. People were surprised to be asked to receive a book! They were very receptive and wanted to know about World Book Night. I enjoyed the opportunity to hand out books. I have read this book and that made for an easy introduction also.”
