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“Running the Race”

Sep 3rd, 2009 by

Welcome to our new  Blog Page!  As you can see we’ve had a face lift.

It’s hard to believe we are back again for another school year. We hope you will enjoy what we have to offer this year through our communication to you using Edublog.    As usual, I’m sure you were off to a running start, trying to get everything  just right for your patrons. Sometimes it seems as though we are  running a race.  We learn quickly that time waits for no one. Preparation time for the opening of the library seems  to get shorter and shorter while our tasks as librarians  grow longer and longer.   This time can be stressful, but  it doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly so.   Organization is the key to making life easier while trying to manage your library during such a stressful time.  This statement from me is nothing new.  I continue to emphasize this fact because I believe organization is a key factor in helping librarians to maintain their sanity. If you are interested in some tips in assisting you in getting organized, take a look at the posting of a previous blog entitled “March Madness”.  This blogs has a few tips on things you may have forgotten that you need to do.  Remember, there will always be some stressful moments in life, but perhaps getting organized can help to make your “library life” a little better.    “Keep running the race”.

When time permits, take a look at some previous blogs that may prove to be quite helpful.

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to realize they have a second”. ~William James

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You Found Us!

Aug 28th, 2009 by

Hello!  I am so glad you found your way to our new blog site.  Hopefully, things have begun to settle down some as we get the school year underway.  If you haven’t yet taken a look at the new OPAC appearances, go to ADMINISTRATION in Atriuum.  From there go to OPAC and select OPAC SETTINGS.  The first thing you will see on that screen is DEFAULT OPAC THEME.  You can change the theme, save your change, and then go to OPAC to see how it looks.  We now have some really nice seasonal and special event appearances. 

You will probably notice that we are in the process of posting some of our previous blogs that we hope you may still find informative.

Until the next time!

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Don’t Touch Those Lights!

May 4th, 2009 by

The end is near.  Your beach bag is packed.  It is so-o-o time for a little R & R.  Wait!  Before you turn the library lights out for the last time this school year, you might want to make yourself a note.  One of my goals for this year was to read more pictures books (as stated in an earlier blog).  I am thrilled to report I have. In the process, I discovered a humorous selection that might be incorporated into your “beginning of the year” curriculum.  So take out that pen and add this title to your notes for next fall before you leave, Read It, Don’t Eat It.  This picture book uses delightful animal characters to inform children about the proper care of a library book.  Written and illustrated by Ian Schoenherr (Greenwillow Books, 2009), it has uncluttered pages with concise tips in simple rhyme and different animal characters illustrating each tip.  Children will love this book, and it will open discussion on the topic that all school librarians need to have as the school year gets underway, book care.  Did you make that note?  Good.  Now, turn out those lights and go enjoy your summer. There will be one less stress when the new school year begins.  You have a fresh, new book to share in August when those youngsters arrive in the library.

Happy Summer!

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“Let’s See the Good Stuff”

Apr 3rd, 2009 by

When spring shows its beautiful face, we begin to see the old fade away and the new take its place.  Our yards turn green and the flowers begin to display their array of colors. However, before this happens we must make certain that the weeds in our flower beds and gardens are removed to allow the new and upcoming plants and flowers to grow.  I’ll bet you know where I’m heading. Oh yes, just as we must make room for the new arrivals in our gardens and flower beds, we must also make room for the new items in our library collection.   Weeding the library is discussed often because it is such an important factor in maintaining a well rounded collection. As you well know, weeds have a tendency to smother the good, thus not allowing the good to flourish. When proper weeding is done, it allows your patrons to see the “good stuff” you have in your library.  Have you weeded this year?  The answer should be yes.  If it hasn’t been done, it should definitely be in the plan. It would be a good idea to weed before you inventory the collection. It doesn’t make sense to inventory items that shouldn’t be there in the first place. Weeding is a continuous process.  As items deteriorate, they should be replaced with updated copies. Don’t let the weeds stifle the growth of your collection. If you have questions in regard to weeding, please refer to your School Library Information Center Handbook, section 7.1.0-7.2.0 (Weeding, Rebinding and Inventory).  As always, Library Services is available to answer any additional questions you may have.

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Hard Times

Apr 3rd, 2009 by

It is no secret, money is tight now, not that it hasn’t always been for Memphis City Schools libraries.  There are always more materials needed than there are funds for purchase.  What can we do to help ease the pain of “not enough to go around”?  Take care of those precious books!

One suggestion is to invest in clear book jacket covers.  These covers will make your books much more attractive to your patrons and add a good deal of life to the books you process yourself.  These can be purchased through most library supply companies like Brodart, Demco, and Highsmith.   These protective jackets come in a number of styles.  I like the clear covers that are bonded to a white paper liner on one edge with the other side open.  You might choose to purchase a size that can be used for taller books and also cut done to fit smaller books to keep from purchasing multiple sizes. You can purchase these covers pre-cut in different sizes. However, buying on the roll takes a bit more work, but is usually more economical. 

Other suggestions to make your books last longer and look better include:

  • Catch spines early when they begin to tear and use book tape to repair before the spines get too ragged (clear packing tape will work)
  • Use book repair or white school glue to repair books that have begun to break away from the binding (Simply squirt the glue in between the spine and the book.  Then, wrap rubber bands around the book to hold it together to dry.)
  • If a book is returned to the library with a sticky or soiled cover, take the time to wash it off with a soapy, damp cloth and dry it off before shelving
  • Take the time to tape loose pages back into books before shelving

Remember, a little time and money spent caring for your books will help keep them in your collection longer!

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“Going Graphic”

Mar 2nd, 2009 by

 With the passing of each year it seems as though it becomes more and more difficult to keep the readers reading and to come up with innovative ideas interesting enough to encourage the non-readers to begin to read.  As librarians, we try everything including Book Talks, reading aloud, Book clubs…well, you get the picture. Even though we try to get the older students away from choosing books that have lots of pictures, they always want to migrate to the materials that have lots of graphics and strange, but interesting looking characters… which brings me to the subject of graphic novels.
What is a Graphic novel?  Well, allow me to explain. A graphic novel is a book that is written in the format of a comic book.  They can sometimes be referred to as long comic books.  Graphic novels use successive illustrations that cover a story from the beginning to the end.  You know how kids love comic books.  Well, for that matter, you know how adults love comic books.  There’s something about them that seems to fascinate us. What is the attraction?  Is it the bold colors?  Could it be the overstated facial features of the characters?  Maybe it’s the format…not looking like a real book.  Whatever the reason, it seems to have the attention of the children.  Isn’t that what we really want?  Don’t we want something interesting that will attract them to reading?
You may be thinking that the term “graphic novel” may be associated with content that contains adult language and violence.  That could very well be the case with other books and materials available for school libraries.  Just keep in mind that ALL books and materials placed in the library should be reviewed and chosen very carefully. 
Making the choice to purchase graphic novels is certainly up to the individual librarian.  They may not be for all students; circumstances differ.  However, keep in mind that it is another option when it comes to selecting books and materials for your students. Information on graphic novels can be found in Booklist, Library Media Connection, School Library Journal and other journals.
 

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March Wind

Mar 2nd, 2009 by

Sometimes life takes you to places you had never planned to go.  That was my experience as I was doing a little on-line research for what I thought would be my new blog topic.  I finally knew where I was going with my blog this month when the winds of change blew.  Now, here I am starting from scratch.  I was reading over an article on my intended topic in one of the School Library Journal eNewsletters to which I subscribe (for FREE by the way), when I ran across an article giving information about new lesson plans on plagiarism that have been  put together by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP), and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).  I was curious, so I clicked on the link to check it out and discovered Read Write Think.  This website is great.  It was first created in 2002 as a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Verizon Foundation.  It has excellent resources for teachers, librarians, and students on all levels related to reading and language arts.  There are some great lesson plans and wonderful hands on activities for students as well, and, it is all FREE!   So I started out with one thing in mind, wandered to plagiarism, and ended up exploring much more at Read Write Think.  You might want to take check it out at http://www.readwritethink.org/. By the way, if you don’t already subscribe to one of the eNewsletters available from School Library

Journal, you might want to do so at  https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/subscribe.asp?screen=pi8.

What was the topic I started out researching?  Check in next month and, maybe, I’ll go there.

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“Opportunity Knocks”

Feb 2nd, 2009 by

There is no doubt in my mind that during this Black History Month, many of you will have programs and activities at your school that will include information about President Barack Obama, our first African American president.  Many students may need biographical information. In addition to information about the president, some other interesting biographies to research may include:

 

  • First Lady Michelle Obama (Wife of President Obama)
  • Stanley Ann Dunham (Mother of President Obama)
  • Barack Obama, Sr. (Father of President Obama)
  • Madelyn Dunham (Grandmother of President Obama)
  • Stanley Dunham (Grandfather of President Obama)

 

You may even want to have the students research President Obama’s Kenyan grandparents. This is the perfect opportunity to allow students to hone their research skills.  Please take advantage of the opportunity to work with students while they are still excited and eager to learn about this charismatic and quite famous individual.

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Why “Dewey” Need to Keep Books in Order?

Feb 2nd, 2009 by

I know you have more to do than can possibly get done.  You are trying to find ways to just survive out there.  So why do we keep harping on keeping your library collection in proper Dewey order?  There are a number of reasons. Here are a couple of good ones stated directly from the goals listed in the School Library Information Center Handbook on page 1.1.0.  

  • Goal 1  “To select and provide an organized collection of current resources for classroom and individual use in sufficient quantity, quality, and variety to implement the instructional program.
  • Goal 2  “To develop a sequential instructional program for students in the independent use of resources.

It is important for us to teach our children to use the library independently.  If the library is not in proper order, it becomes impossible for them to do so.  Granted, we will always be needed to give some assistance. However, your students should be able to apply what they learn about using the school library to other libraries as well.  We are shortchanging our students if either the collection or the librarian does not encourage independent use of the resources found in the library.  Naturally, even with all your hard work, books will sometimes be misplaced, but it is possible to keep your collection orderly and functional.

 

Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Have your students use shelf markers.  This will require training your students on how to use them and your consistent insistence on proper use of the shelf markers. 
  • Periodically read your shelves and place books in order.  You might choose to work in one small section at a time.  Putting books in order once will not keep them in order.  It will require periodic checks.
  • Train parent or student assistants who help with shelving to make certain they understand Dewey order.

 

Remember, libraries are intended to be orderly places assuring easy access to materials.  Let’s make it our goal to do our best to see that that can be said of our libraries.

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New Year’s Resolution?

Jan 5th, 2009 by

I tell myself I have ceased making New Year’s resolutions.  The diets last only a few days, the exercise programs less, and the recognition of birthdays is sporadic at best.   However, I know what my resolution would be if I planned to make a New Year’s resolution for 2009. 

Here is the story leading up to what would be my resolution.  Last year as I began to think about books to read, I realized that I usually did a pretty good job of reading some of the new books for young adults and intermediate students, but read very few easy books.  I decided I would read more books being offered for younger students.  Easy books are so enjoyable and often give me food for thought.   I kept an eye on the easy books starred by School Library Journal.  I even did a bit of research and made a list of some of the older, more influential books for young children.  As the year flew by, I found myself reading a good number of the books geared toward the same age audience as always.  I read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine.  I even finally read the ever popular Twilight by Stephenie Meyer as well as a number of other books I truly enjoyed.

However, I realized I could count the easy books I had read that year on one hand.  I read I’m Bad!  by Kate McMullan.  It was a very colorful book telling the story of a tough little T. Rex, who started out thinking very highly of himself and his ability to fill his belly.  Kids would love the story of how this guy slowly moved from a cocky, self-assured predator to a hungry youngster who had lost heart in the hunt.   I also enjoyed reading the true story of the news making little polar bear Knut in Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World.  I was, indeed, captivated by the story of this small bear which stirred up quite an uproar as his keeper, Thomas Dorflein, attempted to keep him alive after he was rejected by his mother.  The photos in this book were marvelous and really helped to bring the story of the first little polar bear cub at the Berlin Zoo in more than thirty years, to life.  (By the way, Knut is still making world-wide news headlines.  I read a newly posted story just today related to Knut and his recently deceased keeper, Thomas Dorflein.)  A third treasure I discovered was one of Doreen Cronin’s creations, Diary of a Fly  (2007).  This book, full of wonderfully detailed illustrations, was amazing to me.  It was a fun-filled diary account of a young fly worried about her first day of school.  Cronin managed to seamlessly add fact to this entertaining tale.

I really enjoyed reading the few easy books that I did read.  These thin volumes held as many treasures as the other books I read.  But, again, I failed miserably last year in my attempt to read more of them.  So, if I were to make a resolution this year, it would be to read more easy books.  We’ll see how that goes.  I have an abundance of great choices!  Got one you would like to recommend?

Happy New Year to all!

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