It's that time of year to make New Years Resolutions I hope to keep for the year of 2013. Right now, 2013 feels shrouded in mystery. I know that I will be graduating from SU in May with my library science degree but beyond that I have no idea what the future holds!
-I will be a devoted job hunter. I have already started working on some job applications for both academic and school library jobs and I vow to continue my pursuit in hopes of landing a library job-finally embarking on my dream career!
-I will read more books leisurely.This is a resolution every year. I am hoping once I graduate in May I can spend some time catching up on my leisure reading. I attempted to complete an end of year reading challenge but the death of my maternal grandmother has caused me to lose focus temporarily. I am currently reading John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.
-I will seek more professional development opportunities. I already plan on attending the NYLA SSL Conference and ALA Annual in Chicago but I hope to seek out more opportunities as the year progresses.
-I will finally learn how to code. I have been avoiding this goal since my HTML experience in IST511 but I must overcome my fear of coding.
I think this is a good start. What are some of your New Year's resolutions?
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Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
End of the semester
This semester was my busiest one yet-and possibly the least stressful. I realized the beauty of time management as I embarked on 2 separate internships concurrently (my school media secondary practica and an academic library internship in references and collection development) and took 2 online classes (Literacy in School Libraries and Library and Information Services for Students with Disabilities). To say I learned a great deal would be an understatement! For literacy in school libraries, I chapters for a class e-textbook about different literacies. I contributed to group chapters on literacy 2.0 and information literacy. We each also contributed 2 lesson plans and a unit plan. More details to follow on when the book gets published... I am excited to see the final product.
My students with disabilities class was a real eye opener for me. I had taken a teaching students with special needs course during my undergrad; but I found this class much more informative. I was able to learn about different kinds of disabilities and how they affect students. I also was able to experience what it might feel like as a student with a hearing impairment or physical disability. I took away many different ways I can make my library welcome to all students ranging from the library set up BLANK, print and electronic resources including assistive technologies, and services I can offer students as a school librarian.
I had a tremendous experience at the Penfield Library, the college library of SUNY Oswego. I really felt like part of the team there and it was very sad to leave last Thursday. I feel my training in reference services and collection development will help me wherever I end up but I honestly wouldn't mind working in an academic library. My supervisor offered me a position as an adjunct reference librarian for the night shifts after I get my degree. Honestly, even if I get a school media job, if I am still in the area, I would totally do a few nights at the desk too!
I have already reflected on my school media internship in previous posts. I received some news that my sponsor librarian from my secondary school media practica will be relocating back to her home state of Iowa concluding this school year. I am happy she gets to be closer to family again but I would be lying if I didn't say I was sad to see her leave.
I am excited to start my elementary practica a couple weeks from tomorrow. I see the light at the end of the tunnel! (Senioritis, please don't kick in!)
I also decided to try and read at least 3 books by the end of the year (13 days and counting) as part of the Last Reads of 2012 Readathon. I am starting by reading Skinny by Donna Cooper. I picked up the arc at ALA Annual and I am finally getting around to reading it.
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My students with disabilities class was a real eye opener for me. I had taken a teaching students with special needs course during my undergrad; but I found this class much more informative. I was able to learn about different kinds of disabilities and how they affect students. I also was able to experience what it might feel like as a student with a hearing impairment or physical disability. I took away many different ways I can make my library welcome to all students ranging from the library set up BLANK, print and electronic resources including assistive technologies, and services I can offer students as a school librarian.
I had a tremendous experience at the Penfield Library, the college library of SUNY Oswego. I really felt like part of the team there and it was very sad to leave last Thursday. I feel my training in reference services and collection development will help me wherever I end up but I honestly wouldn't mind working in an academic library. My supervisor offered me a position as an adjunct reference librarian for the night shifts after I get my degree. Honestly, even if I get a school media job, if I am still in the area, I would totally do a few nights at the desk too!
I have already reflected on my school media internship in previous posts. I received some news that my sponsor librarian from my secondary school media practica will be relocating back to her home state of Iowa concluding this school year. I am happy she gets to be closer to family again but I would be lying if I didn't say I was sad to see her leave.
I am excited to start my elementary practica a couple weeks from tomorrow. I see the light at the end of the tunnel! (Senioritis, please don't kick in!)
I also decided to try and read at least 3 books by the end of the year (13 days and counting) as part of the Last Reads of 2012 Readathon. I am starting by reading Skinny by Donna Cooper. I picked up the arc at ALA Annual and I am finally getting around to reading it.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Penfield Internship check-in
Yesterday I had a very successful "check in" teleconference with my three Penfield Library supervisors and Dr. Stripling. It was very refreshing to know I was doing well and hear some of the things they had to say. I was surprised to hear not many people seek out internships with a collection development component. I have vastly enjoyed learning how to deselect materials and replace the materials with new purchases.
We also discussed good qualities of an intern (which they thought I exhibited): willingness to try anything, ready to accept a challenge, responsive to constructive criticism, (I was surprised Deborah said this) learning from mistakes, and never making the same one twice, and not being afraid to ask questions.
Dr. Stripling noted that she would like me to observe a few instruction classes as well considering my previous experiences in teaching so I am going to try and find time to sit in on a few sessions. I am considering spending some time at the library next semester learning a bit more, I just am not sure what yet other than instruction!
All in all, I was pleased with the teleconference and I think I will be sad ending my internship December 13th.
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We also discussed good qualities of an intern (which they thought I exhibited): willingness to try anything, ready to accept a challenge, responsive to constructive criticism, (I was surprised Deborah said this) learning from mistakes, and never making the same one twice, and not being afraid to ask questions.
Dr. Stripling noted that she would like me to observe a few instruction classes as well considering my previous experiences in teaching so I am going to try and find time to sit in on a few sessions. I am considering spending some time at the library next semester learning a bit more, I just am not sure what yet other than instruction!
All in all, I was pleased with the teleconference and I think I will be sad ending my internship December 13th.
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Sunday, November 11, 2012
Secondary practicum completed
On Friday, I finished my secondary practicum at Fulton Junior High. Overall, it was a great experience. I learned a great deal and made some great friends and a colleague along the way. The following takeaways:
Takeaways from my secondary practica
-How to catalog books
-Setting up a reading incentive program is a multifaceted process; requires promotion, staff support, include student input when possible
-Great idea: Hold mini contests to attract students to library (book fair promotion, 3 Apples Award vote, etc.)
-Collaborate wherever! Halls, copy room, email... Know your staff and what works for them
-Try to integrate technology through lessons; students extremely engaged!
-Make suggestions to teachers for technology integration
-Whenever you host a collaborative project, look at students' finished products. Evaluate the skills you taught, take notes, and report back to teacher. Make some comments on students' overall projects too.
-Folders are great organizational tools!
-Library helpers can be a great program to implement: tasks like dusting, shelve-reading, shelving graphic novels and fiction, decorating, special projects
-Separate processing orders and check off books as they come in. Make sure the secretary or office need a copy when order is completed.
-Try to save a bit of your budget for student book requests
-Create engaging lesson hooks!
-Classroom Management- something I need to try to focus on more when teaching
-Display library expectations and consequences for those who do not follow them
-Allow past issues of magazines to be checked out by students
-Use Magazine check out envelopes- create a temporary record in the system
-Use Bibliography sheets for students to collect citation information
-Set up displays for special occasions, events, and holidays: Halloween, research projects
-Email everything to a superior first and always spell check your emails
-Keep things short and sweet in emails, announcements, etc. Easier for everyone to read
I had such a great experience and I cannot wait to start my elementary practicum in January.
I also took the Library Media CST yesterday. I met some new people including someone from my alma mater, SUNY Potsdam; I also ran into a couple classmates from SU: Amanda B. and Erin B. As for the test itself, some of the questions were challenging but I still think I passed the test, which is what matters.
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Takeaways from my secondary practica
-How to catalog books
-Setting up a reading incentive program is a multifaceted process; requires promotion, staff support, include student input when possible
-Great idea: Hold mini contests to attract students to library (book fair promotion, 3 Apples Award vote, etc.)
-Collaborate wherever! Halls, copy room, email... Know your staff and what works for them
-Try to integrate technology through lessons; students extremely engaged!
-Make suggestions to teachers for technology integration
-Whenever you host a collaborative project, look at students' finished products. Evaluate the skills you taught, take notes, and report back to teacher. Make some comments on students' overall projects too.
-Folders are great organizational tools!
-Library helpers can be a great program to implement: tasks like dusting, shelve-reading, shelving graphic novels and fiction, decorating, special projects
-Separate processing orders and check off books as they come in. Make sure the secretary or office need a copy when order is completed.
-Try to save a bit of your budget for student book requests
-Create engaging lesson hooks!
-Classroom Management- something I need to try to focus on more when teaching
-Display library expectations and consequences for those who do not follow them
-Allow past issues of magazines to be checked out by students
-Use Magazine check out envelopes- create a temporary record in the system
-Use Bibliography sheets for students to collect citation information
-Set up displays for special occasions, events, and holidays: Halloween, research projects
-Email everything to a superior first and always spell check your emails
-Keep things short and sweet in emails, announcements, etc. Easier for everyone to read
I had such a great experience and I cannot wait to start my elementary practicum in January.
I also took the Library Media CST yesterday. I met some new people including someone from my alma mater, SUNY Potsdam; I also ran into a couple classmates from SU: Amanda B. and Erin B. As for the test itself, some of the questions were challenging but I still think I passed the test, which is what matters.
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Monday, October 22, 2012
Semester update
Officially in the ninth week of the semester, I find an update is needed.
Both of my internships are going incredibly well. In my school media internship, I have completed a variety of projects. I set up a reading incentive program/contest. I created the reading logs and collaborated with my librarian on coming up with a name, benchmarks, and prizes (posters, bookmarks, books, a combo mp3/ DVD player, team pizza party, and "pie throwing privileges). I thought this was a nice combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. While I know and agree that intrinsic motivation rules and works best, these are teenagers so they need some extrinsic motivation as well. I am excited to see the results of data collection for the first month's minute tallies. Some students are very excited. We are also introducing conferences with students to discuss their reading progress and address the accountability issue. Students have to conference with library staff six times (at least once a month) to qualify for prizes.
I have also taught library skills lessons. Last week, I collaborated with the social studies teachers to discuss valuable research strategies for students to use while exploring immigration trends of the 20th century from a specific immigrant group. We also showcased a Microsoft Word citation tool for inputting students' works cited. Next week, I will be working with an art teacher in supporting artist research. We'll be discussing the elements of a citation and again creating citations using the Microsoft Word tool.
In my college library internship, I have been learning many valuable skills as well. I have vastly improved my reference interview skills with more room for improvement. The students find me easily approachable and I enjoy hoping students over hat reference as well.
I recently finished weeding the Teacher Resource Center, a collection made of textbooks, guides, and more for educators. I weeded all materials pre-dating 2000 and there were quite a few! Now, I will be evaluating new materials for the collection. The library recently hired a new education librarian who I am excited to work with.
Needless to say, I am enjoying both of my internships immensely!
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Both of my internships are going incredibly well. In my school media internship, I have completed a variety of projects. I set up a reading incentive program/contest. I created the reading logs and collaborated with my librarian on coming up with a name, benchmarks, and prizes (posters, bookmarks, books, a combo mp3/ DVD player, team pizza party, and "pie throwing privileges). I thought this was a nice combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. While I know and agree that intrinsic motivation rules and works best, these are teenagers so they need some extrinsic motivation as well. I am excited to see the results of data collection for the first month's minute tallies. Some students are very excited. We are also introducing conferences with students to discuss their reading progress and address the accountability issue. Students have to conference with library staff six times (at least once a month) to qualify for prizes.
I have also taught library skills lessons. Last week, I collaborated with the social studies teachers to discuss valuable research strategies for students to use while exploring immigration trends of the 20th century from a specific immigrant group. We also showcased a Microsoft Word citation tool for inputting students' works cited. Next week, I will be working with an art teacher in supporting artist research. We'll be discussing the elements of a citation and again creating citations using the Microsoft Word tool.
In my college library internship, I have been learning many valuable skills as well. I have vastly improved my reference interview skills with more room for improvement. The students find me easily approachable and I enjoy hoping students over hat reference as well.
I recently finished weeding the Teacher Resource Center, a collection made of textbooks, guides, and more for educators. I weeded all materials pre-dating 2000 and there were quite a few! Now, I will be evaluating new materials for the collection. The library recently hired a new education librarian who I am excited to work with.
Needless to say, I am enjoying both of my internships immensely!
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#engchat discussion
I attended an intriguing and thought provoking English (educators) chat on Twitter tonight which discussed the future of school librarians. I enjoyed the lively conversations and made some great new colleagues. Here's an introduction from the moderators from engchat.org:
Join with ELA teachers and others in #engchat to consider provocative questions about the future of school libraries. Library services and librarians are being cut from school budgets all over the United States. Some school libraries are closed for some parts of the day or week. What key questions should we consider about the future of libraries - beyond financial ones?
Is the book dead? Is the school library a place of the past? Is the role of librarian obsolete? These questions challenge us to consider how contemporary tools and connectivity are impacting the school library as we have known it. What do users - students and teachers- value as library services? What needs to change?
These questions help us begin to answer a grand challenge for the future: How do we create and design school library services that serve contemporary learners and educators well?
There was such a great mix of educators and librarians. We discussed the role of the school librarian and how the school library has to change from its original paradigm. The stereotypical "shusher" librarian was mentioned where I argued for a multifunctional library with quiet spaces and collaborative spaces. How do librarians foster literacy? By whatever means necessary to get kids reading! Tweets also discussed what the three most important roles of a school librarian are, library design, and the ebook vs. paperback debate. I think we should focus on what kids are reading; not how they are reading it. We need to focus on what works best for them.
Overall, the chat was very engaging. I was happy to see some familiar faces from my classes (Marie and Shannon) were on chat too. Thanks to Barb Stripling for posting this announcement to her classes!
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Join with ELA teachers and others in #engchat to consider provocative questions about the future of school libraries. Library services and librarians are being cut from school budgets all over the United States. Some school libraries are closed for some parts of the day or week. What key questions should we consider about the future of libraries - beyond financial ones?
Is the book dead? Is the school library a place of the past? Is the role of librarian obsolete? These questions challenge us to consider how contemporary tools and connectivity are impacting the school library as we have known it. What do users - students and teachers- value as library services? What needs to change?
These questions help us begin to answer a grand challenge for the future: How do we create and design school library services that serve contemporary learners and educators well?
There was such a great mix of educators and librarians. We discussed the role of the school librarian and how the school library has to change from its original paradigm. The stereotypical "shusher" librarian was mentioned where I argued for a multifunctional library with quiet spaces and collaborative spaces. How do librarians foster literacy? By whatever means necessary to get kids reading! Tweets also discussed what the three most important roles of a school librarian are, library design, and the ebook vs. paperback debate. I think we should focus on what kids are reading; not how they are reading it. We need to focus on what works best for them.
Overall, the chat was very engaging. I was happy to see some familiar faces from my classes (Marie and Shannon) were on chat too. Thanks to Barb Stripling for posting this announcement to her classes!
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Internships
So far all is well with the semester and both of my internships.
This week is library orientation at the junior high school I am interning at. I watched my librarian teach the lesson as students helped set the expectations of the library by visiting stations and writing an idea for an expectation using the school's new iPads. The lesson got better and better each time she taught it. On Wednesday, I will be conducting the lesson with 8th graders.
Last Thursday, I spent 5 hours in the college library gaining an introduction to reference. I learned about the reference procedures, the technology used to conduct reference and record transactions. We use a system called Gimlet to communicate important reference queries and keep track of what kinds of questions we receive. We use Pidigin chat reference and also offer reference over email and phone.
Today I think I will also be starting my collection development project which will be interesting. Overall, it's been a great start to the semester; I am either ahead or on track with all of my assignments. I hope the entire semester stays this way!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This week is library orientation at the junior high school I am interning at. I watched my librarian teach the lesson as students helped set the expectations of the library by visiting stations and writing an idea for an expectation using the school's new iPads. The lesson got better and better each time she taught it. On Wednesday, I will be conducting the lesson with 8th graders.
Last Thursday, I spent 5 hours in the college library gaining an introduction to reference. I learned about the reference procedures, the technology used to conduct reference and record transactions. We use a system called Gimlet to communicate important reference queries and keep track of what kinds of questions we receive. We use Pidigin chat reference and also offer reference over email and phone.
Today I think I will also be starting my collection development project which will be interesting. Overall, it's been a great start to the semester; I am either ahead or on track with all of my assignments. I hope the entire semester stays this way!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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