Tag Archives: professional development

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

No Cost Training Solutions

Are you a trainer seeking training? In January, CMLE highlighted an organization call WebJunction. As a learning site for libraries they provide online, self-paced courses to all members of the Minnesota library community. Each month you can elect to add a new course(s) to your professional development portfolio at no cost.

Here is a sample of this month’s FREE program:

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Image provided by WebJunction
  • How Libraries can meet the Evolving Needs of Patrons in the Digital Age
  • The Future of Online Learning: a changing landscape
  • Self-Directed Achievement: if you give library staff an hour…

You can also take a sneak peek at the complete list of more than forty courses offered by WebJunction.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Recording from American Libraries Live: Landing Your Ideal Library Job

American Libraries LiveDid you miss it? Last Friday, American Libraries Live held Episode 2: Landing Your Ideal Library Job via Google Hangouts. Host David Connolly led a fantastic discussion with panelists Jill Klees and Bohyun Kim. Checkout the recording of the webinar/hangout at http://americanlibrarieslive.org/blog/archive-episode-2

While you’re there, also be sure to take a look at the left panel; it provides a listing of upcoming American Libraries Live episodes.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

E-Books and K-12 School Media Event Summary

Thanks to everyone who attended the E-Books and K-12 School Media event at RJ’s American Grill and Bar on Tuesday, January 8! Patricia and I were quite happy with the turn-out (20 participants!) and were glad to touch base with so many of you again.

The event kicked off around 3:30, with a brief welcome and introduction to the topic and the event from Patricia. Soon after, we launched Sue Polanka’s webinar recording. Polanka is a Head of Reference and Instruction at Wright State University and is the author of the No Shelf Required blog. Polanka shared some broad information about e-books, e-book readers, e-book lending, e-book publishing, and trends to be aware of. She is a big picture thinker, and provided a thorough overview for the topic of e-books.e-book

After Polanka’s video, we conversed for about 30 minutes on a variety of topics related to e-books and K-12 media. The evaluations from the event indicate that attendees appreciated the opportunity to discuss e-books with others from around the region. And, that there was value in seeing where others are “at” with e-books at their media centers. Next, we took a break, allowing the opportunity for attendees to grab some pizza – yum!

The last video presentation was from Chad Mairn. Chad Mairn is the Information Services Librarian and Adjunct Professor at St. Petersburg College & Chief Technology Officer at Novare Library Services. Mairn was humorous and energizing, and talked about tips and tricks for library staff to help their patrons use their e-reading devices to their full potential. Specific focus areas included: dedicated and non-dedicated e-readers, new and innovative e-reading devices and software, current and upcoming e-formats, Digital Rights Management, privacy issues, and emerging technologies impacting reading in a digital age.

Attendees indicated that as a result of attending this event, they hope to:

  • share what they’ve learned about e-books with other media specialists in their district
  • publicize & market their current e-book collection
  • engage in broad discussions within their district about e-books
  • look into links and websites shared by the presenters
  • investigate e-book publishers/providers
Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Professional Development Opportunity for those Who Love Teen Authors

From Metronet (“sister” multitype in the Twin Cities)…

The metro public libraries in partnership with the Teens Know Best Book Club are bringing in eight of the best teen authors to visit the Twin Cities this winter. Though the events are free and open to the public, for just $20 we invite you to spend this winter earning 5-40 continuing education clock hours while enjoying these great authors:

  • Jay Asher – Saturday, February 9, 1:00-2:30, St Paul*
  • Steve Brezenoff – Saturday, February 16, 1:00-2:30, Woodbury
  • Lauren Myracle – Saturday, February 23, 1:00-2:30, St Paul, Apple Valley
  • Jodan Sonnenblick – Saturday, March 9, 1:00-2:30, Savage*
  • Neal Shusterman – Saturday, March 16, 1:00-2:30, Shoreview*
  • Andrea Cremer – Saturday, March 9, 1:00-2:30, Chaska*
  • Tamora Pierce – Saturday, April 6, 1:00-2:30, Edina
  • Barry Lyga – Saturday, April 13, 1:00-2:30, Anoka*

*Not all events are at the public library. Check the event site for full event details.

Here are the requirements to take advantage of this amazing deal:

  • Registration: http://www.tfaforms.com/239580
  • Fee: $20
  • For each 5 hour block, you must:
    •  Read a book by one of the participating authors
    • Attend that author’s event
    • Join in an online discussion
    • Promote the events with students

Here’s what you get for participating:

  • Between 5 and 40 clock hours, depending on the number of sessions in which you participate
  • A free poster and bookmarks to publicize the authors and events to your students,
  • A “swag bag” and a T-shirt* when you attend your first session.

*Participants who register after 1/15/13 will be awarded a T-shirt while supplies last

partners

Sponsoring Organization: Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

Contact Kathleen James with any questions.

Partnering Organizations: Mackin Educational Resources, Addendum Books, Teens Know Best Book Club, Metronet

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Check out the Top 10 EdTech Stories of 2012

I don’t know about you, but I sure love end of the year lists… “Best Of’s”, “Top Stories”, “Top 10 Articles”… they all provide useful information about the most popular or important topics from the past year. Check out EdTech’s list of the Top 10 Stories of 2012. The list will acquaint you with topics that are clearly of interest to others – they don’t rise to the top of the list without good reason! It also includes topics that are still current and timely, that may require at least reflection, if not action, on your part (or your school’s).

Top 10Examples of top stories include: 

One-to-One or BYOD? Districts Explain Thinking Behind Student Computing Initiatives

Why Teachers Worry about Students’ Online Research Skills

10 Education Hashtags to Follow on Twitter

What is Web 3.0, Really, and What Does it Mean for Education?