Tag Archives: Resources

Teaching Children About $

Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin
Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin

During National Financial Literacy Month this April, it is the perfect time for parents to begin talking to their children about finances and the value of making good choices.  One excellent way to teach children about money is by reading books that instill these messages through storytelling.

As a resource for your library, click here for a list of books by MoneyAndStuff.info you can recommend to patrons of all ages. Also, to encourage libraries to promote financial literacy, the University of Minnesota Extension offers a free webinar (available anytime), titled, “Promote Financial Literacy Month @ Your Library.”

According to Kristen Mastel,  Outreach & Instruction Librarian and Minnesota Library Association President 2013, “Reading young children stories with financial concepts and discussing money matters can help children learn about money and become responsible money managers.  Reading books and talking with children about resource management topics during the early, formative years is ideal because this is when life habits and skills are developed.  In addition, when parents are involved with helping their children learn wise use of financial resources, the parents typically increase their ability to manage their own financial resources.” For more information you can view Kristen Mastel’s blog the KLMLibrarian.

Five Books Recommended by Bill Gates!

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Some rights reserved by gizmodo

Would you be surprised to know that Bill Gates, the American investor, inventor and philanthropist is also an avid reader?

According to GeekWire, there are five books he thinks should be on the top of your list for 2013!  Click here to find out more=>

If you would like to continue to follow Bill Gates’ previously preferred picks, you can go his website, Gates Notes. It offers a glimpse of his favorite reads and invites comments from book lovers alike. You might want to peruse the section on education!

Must Have Skills!

Some rights reserved by Sam Churchill
Some rights reserved by Sam Churchill

Integrating technology into a professional environment can be overwhelming. It takes time, commitment and a comprehensive plan of action to successfully learn, identify and incorporate the tools that meet your goals and objectives. Not to mention, it must be perceived as a viable and accessible alternative to your target audience.

Click here for a list of the “Top 10 Skills a Modern Teacher Must Have” to successfully integrate technology into most any educational setting or environment.

After you open the article, try the QR Code in the lower right-hand corner of the image for more embedded content!

Congrats to the 2013 Movers & Shakers!

In collaboration with OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), The Library Journal has released a list of the top “Movers & Shakers” within the library field for 2013. Divided into six areas of expertise; these individuals know how to be agents of change, advocates, innovators, community builders, marketers, and leaders in technology! Since 2002, the work of nine professionals have been recognized from the State of Minnesota. Click here to see a map of the past titleholders!

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Recommended Ed Tech Tool: DigitalLearn!

Some rights reserved by Wikimedia Foundation
Some rights reserved by Wikimedia Foundation

Digital Learn.org is a new beta website-launched this month!

If you have learners that struggle with the computer basics this site is for you. It provides free tools, techniques and tips to help build confidence with technology (email, internet searching, etc.) It is sponsored by the Public Libraries Association (PLA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, however the tutorials can be viewed by any patron looking for help.

The main page is divided into two sections, one for the patrons (learn) and the other for support staff  (help learners).  The link for support staff will take you to a form to request additional information about future services and tools; so for a quick application of this ed-tech tool the “learn” tab will be extremely useful.

Please keep in mind that because this is a new beta site, the contents will continue to grow over time!