School Library Program Technology and Insights

 Welcome to part three of a four part series on how practicing school librarians implement the  AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries . This series will delve into four of the   standards for school librarians: Explore ,  Collaborate, Engage , and Inquire.   Shared Foundation: Engage (Standard 6)  “Ethical use,” “validity,” and “attribution” are just a few of the words within the AASL Standard's “engage” shared foundation for school librarians (American Association of School Librarians [AASL], 2018). Most elementary students would have no idea what those words mean and certainly not how they apply to information. However, a well-trained librarian, like elementary school librarian Betsy Long, understands both the vernacular and how to teach students to engage with information in a responsible and ethical way.  With so many resources a...

Welcome to part two of a four part series on how practicing school librarians implement the  AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries . This series will delve into four of the   standards for school librarians: Explore ,   Collaborate , Engage, and Inquire.   Shared Foundation: Collaborate (Standard 3)  Not only do school librarians foster collaborative relationships with teachers, they also show students how to effectively collaborate to make the most of their learning. Veteren elementary school librarian, Besty Long, uses partnerships with teachers to create meaningful collaborative experiences with students at her school. Through these collaborative experiences, she is able to both engage students and meet the AASL’s National School Library Standards in the “ collaborate” foundation (American Association of School Librarians [AASL], 2018). W...

Welcome to part one of a four part series on how practicing school librarians implement the  AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries . This series will delve into four of the   standards for school librarians: Explore, Collaborate, Engage, and Inquire.   Shared Foundation: Explore (Standard 5)  School librarians have a unique opportunity within a school to provide opportunities for students to explore learning in a cross-curricular and information-rich environment. Elementary school librarian Abby Spitzer enjoys using technology, makerspace activities, and STEM lessons to support the curriculum (A. Spitzer, personal communication, November 13, 2020). Through these activities, she is able to meet the AASL’s National School Library Standards in the “explore” foundation (American Association of School Librarians [AASL], 2018). Elementary school librarians typically...

          In deciding on entering into the Master’s in Library and Information Science program, I had major anxiety and worry about my ability to complete the program with a full-time job and a small child. However, my passion for literacy and being a support to other teachers outweighed my fears. I ultimately decided that by becoming a school librarian I would be able to have an impact on a wider audience than my classroom affords me. As I have been in the program for almost a year now, I have certainly learned a great deal about libraries and technology. However, this was the first class where I really saw the full potential of what a school librarian has to offer.           It is difficult to pinpoint one takeaway from the class as I have learned a great deal and tested my technology prowess in new ways. However, I feel that overall my greatest takeaway is that school librarians can have a great impact, advocate for their necessi...

             When you cannot physically go places, books allow you to mentally explore new worlds. As writer Katrina Mayer states “a book is a magical thing that lets you travel to far away places without ever leaving your chair.” With technology, there are now other modes for people to travel to far away places - some of which actually do require movement. Virtual reality or augmented reality are Image from Pixabay certainly no substitute for the experience books provide their readers, but they do allow participants a new and exciting way to learn and experience new content. School libraries are thus ideal places for students to not only travel through books, but also have new visually immersive experiences using virtual reality.  Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headsets - Where to Buy and What to Know          There are a plethora of virtual and augmented reality technology tools; some which are as simple as a smartp...

        Writer Dorothy Parker once said “the cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” In a time where cell phones, television screens, and video games take up a large portion of childrens’ time each day, many would say screens are the cure for boredom. However, as the current situation of quarantine amidst the Covid-19 pandemic shows, screens do not stave off boredom completely. One look at social media, will provide ample evidence that screens do not equate to an absence of boredom. Those who are living their best quarantine life are likely making and creating instead of passively sitting in front of screens. Image from Pixabay         Within the last few years, schools have been creating Makerspaces, not to necessarily keep students from being bored, but to show students how much fun CREATING can be! When one creates, curiosity blossoms and boredom withers. School libraries are at the forefront of the Makerspace movem...