Library Journey

I am quite excited to working no this project. It something I have been wanting to create since I started in the library. Making a database for resources and research links is time consuming and ongoing, but will be well worth it the long run. it is also an important resource in this digital age. Now that I am into the project I am finding some of the choices and roadblocks both expected and unexpected. My webpage The information that I am cataloguing will be for teachers, students and parents. I need to make a page for each group and then I need to delineate information using sub-categories between general skills, science, English, math, etc.   I also want to be sure the pages are ‘fun’ to look at, but that might be a long-term project. I have viewed a number of very attractive pages but don’t have the resources to create the same type. (I am wondering if I should work on administration to help pay for something more interesting to look at! ) I saw this one on one...

I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs and exploring links they have shared. I am always amazed at what is out there in the internet. . I moved from the idea of   creating a skookum website,  One of the websites I like is Cheryl's for Duchess Park in Prince George,   http://sd57.libguides.com/DPSS , to focusing on collaboration with teachers, (which I am starting to do an a larger scale already),   to creating a digital database.   I think that last one is what resonated with me because of all the wonderful links I am seeing on everyone's websites. It made me realize that I really want to compile a grouping of links that will be useful for students and staff, and make it as accessible as possible. I have thinking of titles and sections and how best to set it up. I have had this in mind for a while and am excited to get started. I know it will be a work in progress and one we need to update and care for regularly, just...

So how do you try to support the variety of teaching styles and disciplines with ICT that a school holds? Very thoughtfully. Aside from dealing with changing technology, a TL must also continually try to find ways to support the interested colleagues as well as the reluctant library venturers and technology integraters.(Yes, I made that last word up.) I have seen the library use go up by at least 100% so I am actively promoting new acquisition of computers that can be signed out by students and not only used at a station. I am also encouraging teachers to use the library for things other than research. For example, science fairs, displays,  meetings, speakers, demonstrations, etc. This is a small snapshot of the library and a science fair project. I have done a number of things to encourage use of the digital resources we have access to. Our Resource Center has a number of database and other subscriptions with ERAC and so I have been promoting the use of these as research t...

I had emailed WorldReader to ask if they went to areas other that Africa and this was the reply. It sounds like they are really moving along on their two big programs. I appreciated the response and am interested how this program will expand.     Dear Jennifer, Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in our programs, and apologies for the delayed response. We are now mostly doubling down efforts on our existing programs in Kenya & Ghana, where we have a physical presence.  We recently rolled out our e-reading program to all 61 of Kenya's public libraries, which you may find interesting; more here:  https://www.worldreader.org/blog/kenya-libraries-go-digital/ .  We have not yet expanded to Latin America, but are looking forward to starting a project in Mexico soon:  https://www.worldreader.org/blog/too-many-mexican-youth-dont-read/ , with the hope that countries in South America will follow.    The good news ...

 This is Safe Haven Library / TYIN Tegnestue, in 2009. The concrete base of the library is cast on a bed of large rocks gathered on-site. Walls made of plastered concrete blocks cools the building during the day, while the open bamboo facade gives a good ventilation. Iron wood makes up the solid frame construction and serves as comfortable floor for the children to play on. Go to the website you can see inside the structure. www.archdaily.com/30764/safe-haven-library-tyin-tegnestue/ Wow! Thinking about libraries around the world, here is a unique one. It may seem way out there, but it is really trying to best utilize the environment and climate to creating a pleasant and useful space. I also remember meeting a woman at the airport. She was refugee from Somalia and she had been a librarian at an academic facility. People had to ask for books to be retrieved and could not browse shelves. It was also one of the first places destroyed. From the resear...

This week’s topic is to explore how you can continue to develop your own skills, pedagogy and professional development on your own, back in your own library/classroom and environment. What strategies, tools, resources and networks can you implement to maintain your explorations and development? What are some of the ways that educators and professionals are connecting and sharing their learning? What can you do during this class and after it is over to maintain your connections and networks, to further develop your knowledge, experience and skills? This topic is not an easy one for me as I never really consider what my tools, networks and resources are as a whole, I use them when I need them and add to them when I need to. So, as an exercise this has been a a great gathering for me. I started with webinars and access to people. 1)  The first one was a free webinar series on Learning Commons offered through the Calgary   Regional Consortium crcpd.ab.ca/ 2...

I have purposely titled my blog with Big Guns due to something that happened today which directly connects with this weeks topic. We are supposed to consider what we can do to bring in our community whatever for it takes. I have been working at this for a few years and am still eagerly looking ideas so am looking forward to the other blog posts. When I started in the library I immediately asked that the staff meetings be held in the space. It was a good move as it brings everyone in at least once a month. They have been able to see the changes and some have even given commentary and ideas! I have encouraged teachers to hold their science fairs and project reviews in the library which has gone over well and they see how versatile the space is. I have also had other meetings in the space including union meetings after school, and community clubs. On school parent nights I put out yearbooks and encourage parents to come in with the kids to find themselves or see what the school and st...