Tag Archives: School Library

Books, Children's services, Resources, School Media Specialist

In smartphone era, students still head to school library

Image result for american association of school librarians(From GoDanRiver.com, byTrevor Metcalfe )

“At George Washington High School’s student library around 2:30 p.m. on a recent Wednesday, students are busy. Some are looking for books, while others work on research projects on the computers.

Around all of the activity, librarians Haley Walters and Kim Roberson say the activity points to a singular belief: in an age of smartphones and evolving technology, school libraries still matter.

“We have a lot of kids who just enjoy reading,” Walters said.

Walters leveraged that enthusiasm for reading into a grant proposal for the American Association of School Librarians’ Inspire Collection Development Grant, and submitted the grant just before winter break.

Recently, the library organization announced GW was one of six recipients of the grant. The school will receive $3,000 to improve its selection.

“The need for general fiction, graphic novels, and hi/lo books is significant in order to support so many students who are entering the school reading at below grade level,” said grant committee chairman Floyd Pentlin in a news release.

Additionally, Walters said for many students the library is the only place access books — with few chain or local book stores in the area.

(Read the rest of this article here!)

 

School Media Specialist

April 4th is School Librarian Day!

April is School Library Month, so of course there’s a day specifically to celebrate school librarians. That day is today, April 4th!

If you are a school librarian – we appreciate you and the incredible work that you do! If you know a school librarian, share your appreciation and admiration!

AASL has a whole page devoted to School Library Month, so make sure to check that out. This year’s theme is Because School Libraries Empower Students and the hashtag is #slm17. Their page also includes complimentary webinars and graphics to use at your school library or media center.

School librarians and media specialists do so much to equip students with necessary research, technology, and literacy skills. For a few examples of the cool things that school librarians are doing, see this article from Education Week or this one from Learning.com.

Many of CMLE’s members are school libraries and we have been able to visit several of them. Discover all the excellent programs and activities taking place at these local libraries on our Library Visit page.

Thank you to school librarians and media specialists for all that you do! 🙂

 

Children's services, Policies, Resources, School Media Specialist

AASL stands on ESSA

School Libraries & ESSA

From the AASL site:

“The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces the No Child Left Behind version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act with language that includes “effective school library programs.”

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), as the national organization for the school library profession, is examining ESSA, unpacking the provisions for school libraries within the legislation, and communicating how they will impact the school library community.

AASL will continue to work with the ALA Washington Office, the ALA Office of Library Advocacy, and other educational organizations to highlight opportunities within ESSA language for school librarians and school libraries to be addressed in state and local plans.”

Continue reading AASL stands on ESSA →

Books, Children's services, School Media Specialist

AASL Position Statements on ESSA

CORI Kids Reading

AASL Position Statements

With the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act moving forward, it is critically important that school boards and administrators understand what it takes to have an effective school library program. AASL’s official position statements can help us as we advocate. If components are missing, these statements from the only national organization focused on the school library profession can begin the conversation.

School librarians transform student learning, and every child deserves the services of a certified school librarian and an effective school library program.

Continue reading AASL Position Statements on ESSA →

Check this out:, CMLE, General, School Media Specialist

Library Visit: Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

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This week I got to take a tour of the library at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School! Director Maria Burnham escorted me around the library – not an easy task in a library filled with students working on school work, group projects, and puzzle creation before school started for the day. There was a lot to see here, and everything looked just great. (Yes, it was hard to pull myself away from the books in the collection; but I was brave about it!) Maria is based here, but spends a lot of time charging around the building helping out in classrooms, teaching, and working with students wherever they could use a librarian. She is a great example of the way library service is changing for the better: we don’t sit and wait for people to come find us, instead library service goes where it can best be of service!

When you walk inside the door, you are immediately aware you are in a library that is connecting with patrons!

bookshelf
Lots of good books on display here!

Not only is this a very nice looking book shelf, displaying all kinds of interesting new books – but it was created in shop class at the school by a student. Engaging patrons to that extent is an impressive achievement! Continue reading Library Visit: Sauk Rapids-Rice High School →