Tag Archives: Resource

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

New Monthly Research Center Workshops: Stearns History Museum

Information provided by the Stearns History Museum

Research Center Workshops

Have you ever wondered what resources are available in the Research Center and Archives of the Stearns History Museum? Come and find out! The Stearns History Museum is offering workshops, on the third Wednesday of every month, to highlight the many resources available and show you how easy they are to access.

This month, on December 18th, at 9:30 a.m., our archivists will teach an Introduction to the Research Center and Archives.  Whether you are a seasoned research veteran interested in genealogy, or you are researching town histories or the history of a local business, or just a beginner, this class is for you!

Please RSVP to (320) 253-8424 or email swarmka@stearns-museum.org.

Image retrieved online from the Stearns History Museum 12/10/13.
Image retrieved online from the Stearns History Museum 12/10/13.

Founded in 1936, the Stearns History Museum has focused on preserving and interpreting the history of the region for 77 years. The mission of the museum is to engage people in the exploration of the County’s diverse heritage by providing connections to the past, perspectives on the present, and inspiration for the future. The Stearns History Museum is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

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

Amazon's Delivery Service is Reaching New Heights

Image by comedy_nose. Retrieved by Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by comedy_nose. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Amazon is taking the phrase “special delivery” very seriously.

A recent article in MIT Technology Review (December 2013), discusses Amazon’s interest in launching a new delivery system using drones. Although this service is continuing to be researched, it has already been proven to be feasible. In 2012, these mini, propeller-based aircraft were used to deliver supplies to refugee camps in Haiti. Click here to read the full article by David Talbot titled: Separating Hype from Reality on Amazon’s Drones.

Fun facts: Specific to Amazon, Econsultancy (December 2013) released online holiday shopping statistics for this year in comparison to 2012. 

  • Black Friday: Sales increased 63%
  • Cyber Saturday/Sunday: Sales increased 46%
  • Cyber Monday: Sales increased by 13%

 

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

Blogging Helps Reluctant Writers

Image by Maria Reyes-McDavis. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Maria Reyes-McDavis. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

The best writers are able to adjust the style of writing to fit the intended audience. Blogging is a web-based, log of information generated by a user(s.) It is often reflective and a less formal medium for writers to share content and deliberate.

In an article by Edudemic,  talks about how blogging helps improve general writing and critical thinking skills at any age. Fioriello encourages this medium to engage reluctant writers stating, “Blogging helps students find their voice.” She further discusses the positive influences it has on writing in the article, How Blogging Can Help Reluctant Writers (August, 2013.)

Blogging facts according to Social Media Today;

  • John Barger coined the term “blog” in 1997
  • 12 million people blog via social media networks
  • 77% of internet users read blogs
  • The Blogger has over 46 million unique visitors each month

Tip: Check out this year’s top ranked blog for school libraries, Blue Skunk.

Don’t forget, about the 23 Mobile Things Program starting soon. Participants from the library profession will be asked to blog about their experiences testing new apps. Click here to learn more about this program.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist

I-Pad Apps Used to Create Books

Image retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

This week, CMLE links members to an online resource that combines technology, literacy and learning by capturing simple stories. TeachThought developed a list you can use to create books with apps including; Story Buddy 2, Book Creator and Scribble Press. Follow the link to review the complete list of 15 Literacy Apps to Create Books on the iPad (July 2013.)

Tips: Incorporate one of these apps with a community activity in the public library. Collect stories from a classroom instruction to share with parents as they stop by during conferences. Capture success stories to help demonstrate value added programming.

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

The Art of Appreciation

In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to highlight an Edutopia article titled, Gratitude Can Fuel School Transformation. According to author Elena Aguilar neuroscience suggests that, “Our brains need to feel gratitude in order for us to want to be at work.”  She further illustrates how the brain grabs hold of negative comments and interactions. Conversely, the retention of supportive moments and compliments is a muscle that needs to be worked and flexed to stay strong, “to create new links between neurons.”

Aguilar suggests becoming a trailblazer in your schools. She provides several ways to practice both giving and receiving appreciation.  In keeping with this idea of appreciation, CMLE would like to go first in a Message of Thanks from the Director.

Image by Celestine Chua. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Celestine Chua. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.