COLLECT + CONNECT

On April 20, South Dakota-based TIE (Technology and Innovation in Education) offered a virtual conference in lieu of their face-to-face conference held each year. I not only learned a lot thanks to the keynote speakers and the well-rounded sessions, but I was also able to present on a very library-based topic. DIGITAL CURATION Sometimes You’re the Subject. Sometimes You’re the Direct Object. Curation isn't just a trendy word in education. It's a core competency for participation in our digital world. Humans have been curating for centuries and continue to do so on a broad scale and with modern tools. Learn the basics of digital curation and how the process can be used to enhance our lives - both professionally and personally. Access all of my session resources. Bonus #1! TIE is making all of the speaker/presenters session resources available! You're sure to find loads of good stuff for yourself or to share with your staff. Bonus #2! You can earn CEU h

How can you be of continued service to your school and local community during this pandemic? You've been training for this type of adventure, right? You're a leader.  You're a well of knowledge. You know how to transfer your skills to support your teachers in ways that you might not have been able to before due to time restraints. Now's the time to really showcase your talents. And, don't be shy, make sure your administration knows about all in the ways in which you do this. Advocate for yourself and your library! Image by  Ronny Overhate  from  Pixabay   The following is a list (not exhaustive at all!) I hope is helpful and inspiring to you.  This list is also posted on at libguides.library.sd.gov/services/schoollibraries-covid19 . SUPPORTING STAFF Offer Zoom “office hours” for teachers and offer HELP hours, teach the teacher mini-lessons, or highlight resources. Support curriculum by curating resource lists especially for teachers. Suppo

Harrisburg Libraries are still celebrating National Library Week! Eve Langerock, high school librarian at Harrisburg High School, worked with other librarians and the district's communication director to run a fun reading program in the form of a contest. Students can participate by sending a photo of themselves reading from anywhere to the school's Facebook page. They can also simply email a photo - widening the way in which students can participate. The prize? A donated Scooter's Coffee gift card. Kids of all ages love choosing their own hot or col drink-on-the go, right? The librarians will also post quotes throughout the week and invite students to fill out this goals graphic organizer .

April 19-25, 2020 is  National Library Week ! The week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our libraries and librarians. It’s also a time to promote how each library serves the needs of its own community. These needs are reflected in their unique collections, in their unique spaces, and in their unique programming and events. Specific Nat'l Library Week celebrations include: Monday, April 20 the annual State of America's Libraries Report and the Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2 019 are released. The Top Ten is always an interesting list and one that you can tie in with Banned Books Week in late September. Tuesday, April 21 is National Library Workers Day . Thank ALL library workers from the custodial staff to the library director. From the security officer to the clerk and the library board. Everyone matters. Wednesday, April 22 is National Bookmobile Day . Fun fact: There are four bookmobiles in South Dakota! Thursday, April

The South Dakota State Library offers 50+ databases and digital resources for FREE to all South Dakotans anytime, anywhere. Simply visit library.sd.gov to access! library.sd.gov To accommodate younger users and assist educators and parents, we've sorted our K-12 related databases into age groups to easier access. Check out this post for linkable URL's that can be used on library websites and newsletters. For today's post, we're noted K-12 related databases with ebook options: Book Flix Talking fiction books paired with videos. Includes lesson plans, activities, games, and more. For grade PreK to 3rd or so. True Flix Non-fiction social studies and science books paired with videos. Includes lesson plans, activities and more! For grades 3rd to 8th or so. Gale Virtual Reference Library Sets of specialized (high dollar!) reference books. For grades 6+ to adult. SIRS Discoverer Non-fiction eBooks for elementar

It's April in the year 2020 and it's kind of strange times, right? CORONAVIRUS. COVID-19. Says it all. But even with this pandemic, it's still April, it's still spring, and it's still  School Library Month . School libraries around the nation take advanatge of the entire month of April to celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in teaching, learning, and fostering the well-being of children. Our libraries celebrate by hosting community events, providing special services, collaborating with classroom teachers, promoting in the physical library (if still open! 😉) and through the virtual library, and teaching thematic lessons using School Library Standards.   Check out the resources on this page to help you come up with ideas to celebrate digitally and from afar. Public and other types of libraries can buoy school libraries through promotion and partnerships. No matter type of library, libraries ensure tha