Tag Archives: professional development

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

Quick Question Polls are Happening!

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Some rights reserved by
psychicdevelopmentgroup

Recently, CMLE posed three quick question polls to better inform programming and to assist in providing better networking opportunities in the region. All library staff in Aitkin, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties in Minnesota received an email containing the link to the 2-3 question polls, as they are the people CMLE is funded to serve. The polls have  different goals, but they all have a few things in common. One very quick poll per week, requiring only two to three minutes to complete,  within one week. In May,  if participants include their name while completing the poll, they are entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. The polls we have done so far include:

  • Summer Engagement and How You Use CMLE Communication Streams
  • One-to-One Initiative Plans in Central Minnesota
  • Your Professional Development Needs

We highly encourage all staff in Central Minnesota libraries to participate in the polls, as we will be making decisions on programming based in large part on data from the polls. Please make your voice heard, get your needs met, and get your name in the drawing too!  There is no fee to be a CMLE member, and almost all of our services are available at no charge. If you work in a library or media center in any of the mentioned counties, consider yourself a CMLE member!

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

Branch Out Conference This Summer!

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Branch Out 2013!
Branch Out 2013!

Save the Date!

The 2013 Branch Out Conference will be held July 31-August 1, 2013, in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Branch Out is a biannual conference, which began in 1992, designed by and for library paraprofessionals, support staff, and media specialists. Its purpose is to bring library staff from around Minnesota together for career development and networking opportunities.  Learn more on the Branch Out Conference Blog »

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

Google Hangouts for Professional Development?

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Some rights reserved by AJC1

Have you been involved in using a Google Hangout yet?

Basically, a Hangout is a video chat session and has appeal for families and professionals alike. The ones I have attended have been fairly painless and powerful from my end, but I have not been the host of the event. You may have noticed that even the American Library Association (ALA) is using  Hangouts for some of their national, forward thinking topics, and these events  have been well attended. Here in CMLE we are considering whether our members may benefit from some regional networking using this tool too.

The link here will take you to an article Edutopia did recently on using Hangouts for teacher development. According to the article, Google Hangouts is a perfect tool to increase the level of communication and professional development in every school. Individuals often feel more connected as a result of participating in a Hangout. Share your thoughts in comments either about your experience using Hangouts, or your interest in trying it out with CMLE staff.

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

Apply Now-ALA Leadership Institute!

This post was submitted by Mary Mackay and Dhaivyd Hilgendorf.

CHICAGO — Applications are being accepted through May 10 for Leading to the Future, a unique four-day immersion leadership development program for future library leaders offered by ALA in Chicago, Aug. 12-15, 2013. Led by ALA President Maureen Sullivan with ACRL Content Strategist Kathryn Deiss, this inaugural Leadership Institute will include a structured learning track as well as the opportunity for individual development and is limited to 35 participants.

Designed for mid-career librarians ready for increased leadership responsibility, the institute will help participants develop and practice their leadership skills in areas critical to the future of the libraries they lead. The curriculum will include, among other topics:

  • Leading in turbulent times
  • Interpersonal competence
  • Power and influence
  • The art of convening groups
  • Creating a culture of inclusion, innovation and transformation

Participants in the program will have the opportunity to form a vibrant learning community and network—an essential and powerful element of effective leadership growth and development. Participants will also: return to their institution with greater self-awareness and self-confidence, equipped with better skills for leading, coaching, collaborating and engaging within their organizations and in their communities; return as better leaders, prepared to identify, develop and implement solutions that will benefit all stakeholders; and earn approximately 30 hours of continuing education contact hours.

The Leadership Institute selection committee seeks a diverse participant mix based on type of library (public, academic, school, special, etc.), organizational responsibility, geography, gender and race/ethnicity. The selective process will be based on demonstrated leadership potential, professional achievement and community or campus involvement.  Particular attention will be given to applicants’ personal statements as well as those of their references.  Additional criteria can be found on the ALA Leadership Institute page. Inclusion in the institute is by online application only, and applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by their employer. Thanks to a subsidy from ALA in this inaugural year, the total cost for each participant (including food, lodging, and materials but excluding travel) will be $750.

Completed applications are due by May 10, 2013

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

Two ELM Webinar Sessions

ELM

As part of an on-going series, ELM is offering the following webinars this March:

Intro to ELM for Teachers: English Language Arts [Session 4]
Tuesday, March 5, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways English language arts teachers from across the state use ELM in the classroom. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for trustworthy online content to support classroom preparation, lesson plan building, and student projects.

Intro to ELM for Teachers: Education Professional Development [Session 5]
Tuesday, March 12, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways educators from across the state use ELM to stay current in their field. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for education-related news, research, and best practices.