LAUSD Librarian

Professional Development Saturday

2010-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Normally for teachers, the weekend is not a normal work day. We use the weekend to rejuvenate ourselves and prepare for the next challenging week. Well today is Saturday and we will be using this day to educate ourselves in several professional development workshops offered by our school. If you are reading this, you have decided to attend my workshop on technology. Today we will explore Google Docs and Educational Networks' School Website Program. The workshop span 1 1/2 hours.

Banning High Website Powerpoint

View more presentations from Kamilah Jackson.

Google Docs Prezi Presentation

Google Docs: An introduction on Prezi

Google Docs in Plain English from Common Craft

Google Docs Introduction

CSLA 2009 Presentation-Virtual Learning Commons

2009-12-10T10:14:00.001-08:00

Using Web 2.0 Tools to create a Virtual Learning Commons

View more presentations from Kamilah Jackson.

Using iGoogle to create a Virtual Learning Commons

View more presentations from Kamilah Jackson.

Google Tips and Google Wave soon

2009-10-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

100 Google Tricks- I foud a great article todaygiven to me by a Twitter friend about Google tricks that will save you time in school. Of the 100 listed, my favorite is Google Talk and the consolidation tool that allows me to use gmail to consolidate my numerous email accounts.
1-I have been using Google Talk since the hands free law came into place. I simply yell into my phone any information I need and wait for it to pop up on my iPhone screen. Just yesterday, I needed directions and I spoke into the phone using the G-Talk app and up comes directions to my destination and a listed set of phone numbers in case I get lost.
2-This past summer, I set up a gmail account because LAUSD email sucks. There is very limited space..I believe we get about 100 MB of space before it all goes awry- and you cant send or receive. With gmail I can keep my district email empty and save any deleted copies in my gmail account. I also don't have to worry about checking multiple sites for email updates...I'll be glad when Google Wave is up and running!

SLIS Annual Review Feature

2009-10-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the San Jose State University SLIS Website. I made it into the SLIS Annual Review on Page 9. I am highlighted as a recipient of the LFT-Librarians for Tomorrow Grant.

Reception at the Getty House-9/25

2009-09-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

To ring in the school year, Mayor Villaraigosa invited parents and staff at Partnership schools to the Getty house to recap last years failures and successes and welcome a new and improved school year. With an alarming low confidence vote from teachers at partnership schools, the Mayor pledged his allegiance to improving communication amongst the school community and raising academic achievement amongst students.

Comcast Center-Largest Screen

2009-09-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I visited Philadelphia and visited the Comcast center which boasts to have the largest projector screen in the nation. Not sure of its true, but the security guard there was sure of it! It was a beautiful showing. Watching the screen made me feel as if it were real!

Do 'Normal' People visit libraries while on vacation?

2009-08-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

While on vacation this summer I got lost in the Philadelphia Free Library, Eastern State Penitentary and NYC Library. I tried to site see at other places but I kept finding myself back at the library.

Meet Me on the SJSU SLIS Web Page!

2009-03-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! My first interview captured on the San Jose State University SLIS-School of Library and Information Science Homepage. Check me out and while you are there explore the SLIS pages. There is some great stuff hiding under the links.

I am at CUE'09!

2009-03-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

I am at the CUE conference this weekend and loving it. This is my 4th year at CUE and I always learn something new. A few days ago I was introduces to a new tool that I must share with you. I also shared this with my Literature Circle last week. They seemed really excited so we are The site is www.xtranormal.com.

It is a text to movie site that allows you to type a script and avatars are set into motion with your words. My lit circle is working on scene reenactments for the "Always Running" by Luis Rodriguez, one of my fav books.

I plan to share more resources after today...Stay Tuned!

iGoogle Presentation for Libraries w/ Speaker's Notes

2009-02-10T10:36:00.001-08:00

I am currently taking 3 courses at SJSU this semester. Two of which with Dr. Loertscher. Our first assignment was to create a presentation that allows for collaboration between Teacher Librarians and Teachers using iGoogle and Blogger.

In the Workplace...

2008-12-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

Schmoop It!

2008-11-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

I wish I had more time to write and really tell you about this site. An evaluative piece will have to come later. What I do want to say is that this website is so convenient and easy that I plan to brush up on my history at least once a week now. I have never been good at remembering dates and historical facts so this came in handy. Cal Libbers are talking about it and it seems to be a quick way to get information. When I first visited the site http://www.shmoop.com I thought of wikipedia and all its information. But this website is much different because its not a wiki therefore the information is more reliable. According to the App Scout article of October 31, 2008, “Developed by students and faculty at some of the country's top universities"…..Shmoop is revolutionizing the way readers interact with literature. The service is designed to provide students, teachers, and everyday readers with a resource to help them get engaged. Shmoop also aids in finding audio and video resources, and in finding study tips and paper ideas.” My middle schoolers are not ready to utilize this resource but I can bet several teachers need it to enhance their lessons. The "Brain Snacks" will go along way. Since I was an ELA teacher I prefer the Literature section. The best links were "Did you Know?" Section with the following categories: Brain Snacks, Sex Rating, and Shout Outs. A Raisin the the Sun was given a PG rating because "Beneatha goes on dates and Ruth is pregnant. That’s about as sexy as things get". LOL, I like this site!

Supporting the Curriculum ELA -Research and Expository Unit Options

2008-11-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

After our last Teacher Librarian Proffessional Development, I tried to think of more ways to support Teachers, State Standards and the Curriculum Guide Lessons. So, last Tuesday I hosted a Gallery Walk in the Library. I asked teachers to give students a mini lesson about Primary and Secondary Resources prior to their visit. On each table I displayed various sources, labeling them with a general description such as "Biography", "Photograph" or "Newspaper" and a corresponding number. As students (classes) walked in I handed them a "cheat sheet" with the definitions of both Primary and Secondary Sources and an assignment. As they walked about the library they were asked to write down whether the source was a primary or secondary. For the first time (at Markham), I heard kids debating with one another...Accountable Talk. They were into this lesson. I believe this Gallery Walk was successful because students had the liberty to walk around the library, discuss their answers with each other, and converse with others as they proceeded to each table. They were independent learners during this task. Our teachers here at Markham were appreciative and so was I. Here is a website I found useful: http://www.primarysourcelearning.org/
My Lessons Learned: -Make sure teachers who have signed up know that a Sub should not bring in their classes. -Make sure teachers know the definitions of Primary and Secondary Sources before they give the lesson. A handout or brief info will do. -Schedule no more than 2 classes per period -Meet and greet each class at the door and convey expectation and review library rules

Obama wins the "Race"

2008-11-05T13:32:00.001-08:00

A great man was elected to office yesterday. It was surreal. My friends and family were confident of the results so we all met at .99 cent Taco Tuesday At El Torito to celebrate. Screams and shouts erupted when CNN announced the news. I told my six and three year old son that Obama had won and they jumped around with excitement. I know that they were emulating what they'd seen from our family and friends, but their bit of excitement gave me even more "Hope". Once home, I put my sons to bed and listened to Obama's speech. I watched Obama speak of his victory as a victory for America. I watched teary eyed with happiness. I eventually pulled myself out of it and made a couple crank calls to my McCain supporting friends. In the long fight for Civil Rights and Equality, I knew that this was the beginning for some, the middle of the race for others, and the end for others...a realization of a dream come true.
I cant wait for January 20th-The Inauguration in Washington D.C.

Back To School Partnering

2008-10-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Back To School Night at Markham Middle School and parents turned out in large numbers. I am very excited about the turnout and the patronage of the Book Fair in the library. After eloquent words from our principal about Markham's commitment to student achievemnet, I was inspired and motivated for yet another day of the Markham Partnership. I am confident that our students will achieve new heights under this partnership and excited about transforming the way our students view themselves and the way others perceive our students.

Obama Calculator Works and Makes Sense

2008-10-25T19:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am an Obama supporter and if there is anyone out there having thoughts based on the "joe the Plumber" analogy, I suggest you use this calculator and find out the truth about Obama's planned tax cuts.

WiiMote Smartboard

2008-10-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

New inexpensive teacher tools using the Wii Remote. You Tube, "Johnny Lee demos his amazing Wii Remote hacks, which transform the $40 game piece into a digital whiteboard, a touchscreen and a head-mounted 3-D viewer". Wow! Here is a cool techy website. http://www.ted.com Check it out and subscribe to learn something new and high tech each day.

Markham Reads Commercial

2008-10-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

I recently created a commercial at my school site. Check it out!

4 Classes at SJSU: This is Me Now!

2008-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Since I began taking courses in the MLIS program at SJSU, it has become increasingly difficult to do anything I enjoy, like updating my blog. I am constantly reading or working or being a mom. I have no time for self or the things I enjoy. As I am writing this blog, I realize that it is a rant so to turn this into something fun I have decide to post a funny pic, I found while creating a commercial for my school library. By the way, I created the commercial using a website www.animoto.com great tool for educators, Free too! A teacher at my school would like to use it for a Back to School Night. I am contemplating this as well.

ALA Conference

2008-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I attended the ALA Conference in Anaheim, CA. Over 50,000 librarians attended this event. In addition to all the attendees were thousands of exhibitors and presenters from across the nation. I was overwhelmed by all the goodies offered by vendors 'phishing' for new consumers. My favorite gifts were from DEMCO, a new carry bag and FDIC two small piggy banks that I gave to my children. I was impressed by Alan Sitomer, a Lynwood HS teacher and the 2007 Teacher of the year. He led a session on how to get reluctant male readers reading. I took away some of his strategies and a few titles that I cannot wait to check out…Hoopster, Homeboyz and Hip Hop High School. I was also impressed by the winners and nominees of the Pura Belpre Award. Yuyi Morales was presented with the Best Illustrator award for her work featured in Los Gatos Black on Halloween. When she accepted her award she stated that the pictures were not her own but yet those recreated by the ghosts that haunted her as a child. She sang a beautiful song about “La Llorona”. I was taken aback by Yuyi’s many talents and her artistry. Other highlights of the conference were meeting Nikki Giovanni one of my favorite poets and Kadir Nelson, "the Best" Illustrator out there.

Locke High Graduation

2008-06-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

The End came too soon for Locke High, its' Students and Faculty. For many it was the end of a long tradition at Locke. The High School was built in the late 1960's (1967) and originally served a large African American population before community demographics changed. It was named after Alain Leroy Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar. He was a graduate of Harvard University and served as an educator, writer, philosopher and a "chief interpreter of the Harlem Renaissance". Locke High School was named after this great man, and out of this school came many other African Americans; including Patrice Rushen, Tyrese Gibson, Gerald Albright, Ozzie Smith, Cynthia Cooper, and Valerie Brisco-Hooks to name a few. Locke High was the home to many debates, both political and social that fueled change in the surrounding communities. It was the beginning of life for many because of its vast course offerings that gave hope and meaning to urban living. It was refuge before it was chaos (May 10, 2008). As I left Locke for the last time, I remembered the poorly reported great things that happened in the past year, such as an art exhibit mirrored after Graciela Iturbide's work by Locke Students and the student discussions with author, Luis Rodriguez at the Getty Museum, a fashion show complete with original fashion designs, and faculty and staff that persevered despite the ongoing obstacles. The 07-08 school year was filled with unreported greatness-it's students and faculty.

Locke will close its doors this year to transform into a Green Dot Charter School. Many will be observing Locke High School's progress to see if it's students will be better served by a newfound order. I am optimistic and am hoping that the legacy of Alain Leroy Locke will bless newcomers and torchbearers.

Locke High Prom

2008-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Friday night was filled with glamour as the Locke High Seniors walked the red carpet. Photographers snapped pictures and it was all in style at the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA. This place was beautiful. At first I couldn't imagine how students could have a prom at a museum, but it worked out great. The lowriders encircled the dance floor and the Treasures of the Vault exhibition was the best. If you ever have a day to visit a museum check out the Petersen's. I chaperoned and had a great time snapping pics of students I have come to know well. I was also to speak with teachers and administrators I rarely converse with due to time constraints. Great time at the Prom!

Who Moved My Cheese?

2008-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend a professional development meeting at Markham Middle School in Watts. This school is slated to become one of the 10 schools partnered with the City of Los Angeles led by Mayor Villaraigosa. In preparation for this change, a professional development was presented by a Local District 7 presenter based on the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson M.D. The presenter challenged us in a discussion that made us reflect on our own need for change. I rarely enjoy Profesional Development meetings, but this one was worth the time. I recommend the book for anyone stuck in the same ole' situation. It's time for Change!

UCLA Film and TV Archival Workshop

2008-05-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

I attended a workshop at UCLA recently that focused on the archival of film and television. Well this is the question I asked myself before attending…What is Archival Processing?
I met Julie and Mark of Arts Library Special Collections and they explained it all. The archive collection features over 225,000 films and television programs. “Among the Archive's motion-picture holdings are 35mm collections from 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner Bros., Sony/Columbia, Republic, Orion and the entire Hearst Metrotone News Library”…from UCLA film and television archive.
At this workshop, I learned how to search for archive holdings through UCLA’s Library Web-Based catalog. Request lists after viewing the catalog can be submitted to arsc@ucla.edu Onsite viewing can be arranged by ARSC staff in the Instructional Media Lab at Powell Library.
The workshop offered some great websites for finding archival or special collection materials: UCLA Library Catalog
The Online Archive of California
Young Research Library
The Arts Library
Other interesting things discussed were their News and Public Affairs database online which focuses on African American Public Affairs in Broadcasting. Here are two web resources: News and Public Affairs Database and Tony Brown's Journal , The Performing Arts Special Collection at the Charles Younfg Research Library by appt only
And finally UCLA has one of the largest LGBT collections with over 3,500 titles in addition to the Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.Public screenings are held weekly and tickets are only $7 for students.
Find out more: www.cinema.ucla.edu or Archive Research and Study Center (ARSC) at UCLA
Powell Library...After discussing all these items we talked about management. How does an archivist keep his/her head above water with all the new technology and the pucsh to convert these materials to digital form etc...Here is a paper that was a good read to help put things in perspective. More Product, Less Process:Pragmatically Revamping Processing Approaches to Deal with Late Traditional 20th Century Collections by Mark Greene

Visiting Burroughs MS

2008-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

For the last two days I have been able to work with the Teacher Librarian at John Burroughs Middle School. She invited me over to help with her Scholastic Book Fair that runs Monday 4/28- Friday 5/2. She scheduled classes in 15-20 minute interims. Closed for lunch periods; she allowed teachers to bring full classes of 35-40 students. I was fortunate to learn all the ins and outs of restocking and requesting additional materials from Scholastic. I helped students and parents find books and even bodyguarded the "trinket" section. The "trinket" section is filled with tons of School Supplies; yet they aren't the normal supplies because they are just so cute and the kids love to touch and pocket them. Working the cash register made me relive my Burger King employee days, only without the charbroiled scent. I am so thankful for the experience and really enjoyed my stay at Burroughs, the kids were so adorable and the staff was great! Thanks DJ for allowing me to post these pics!!!

UsBorne Read-A-Thon Reach For the Stars

2008-04-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

A fellow Librarian in Hayward lent this wonderful information as an alternative to Scholastic Book Fairs. He found the Scholastic book Fairs were "too much work for too little profit, poor selection of books, and no on-site support". He decided to go with Usborne Books. Usborne's read-a-thon's are called "Reach For the Stars". He says, "It is a very easy program". He found that "Since (his) school serves urban, low income students and their families (his) fund raising goals were to put a variety of interesting books at various levels in my students hands > that they chosen". Here is his plan of action for any TL looking to sponsor a Read-A-Thon:

-Call Usborne books
-Decide on 10 days for read-a-thon and put it on school calendar.
-Get PTA and staff to buy in. Set a fund raising goal.
-Advertise! Try school news letters, library news letters, classroom newletters, posters, banners, PTA meetings, local newspaper, etc.
-Make enough copies of the sponsor sheet, reading log, and parent letter. Stuff into manilla envelope of for each student to participate and pass out on day one. Some students will not fund raise and that's fine - it is a parent's decision. Students do however have to do their daily reading and turn in their reading log at the end of the 10 days. We found that making labels with student name and classroom number was quite helpful to be put on students envelope when they cam back.
-Advertise and cheer lead Daily!
-When the students come to the library teach students to read the Usborne book catalog and make their wish lists. I wrote a lesson plan for elem. students that I will share, just email me. Feel free to modify for middle and high school.
-After the 10 days of reading, student turn in all the paperwork and money; get PTA and/ or teachers to help count and verify money. (write the name of the student on the memo line of any checks in > case of any problems)
-Pull wish lists and use to order books for student and teachers.
-Usborne Books rep places book order and about a week later books arrive, get unpacked /sorted.
-Bags get filled with correct books fall those who raised funds.>
-Students who read but didn't fund raise get a certificate of participation.
-Teachers also get their book bags for the classroom libraries. For more info contact Mr. Walters at Ruus Elem. School Library Hayward, CA arpw@onlinepw.com

Week 9, Thing 23 Video

2008-04-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post I mentioned a program called Screenflow. Well this post will demonstrate my first project using the program. It is similar to a video podcast and can be viewed on an ipod. In the video a colleague and I discuss Web 2.0 features and how we have incorporated them into our professional development. We chose Google Groups and Blogger to use as our talking points. Although this blog is titled week 23, I am not yet finished with some of the other 23 things from School Library Learning 2.0. I will continue to comment on those things as I explore other technology.

Feria del Libro

2008-04-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

If you are in the LA area you will enjoy this event. Feria del Libro has many sponsors and encourages our children to become lifelong readers. I always like events like this because they are family oriented and make our jobs as teachers easier. http://www.feriadellibro.net/feria2008/

Is reading on a ‘death spiral’? « Recorded Books weblog

2008-04-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a Comment on this article.... Is reading on a ‘death spiral’? « Recorded Books weblog

Great Blog! http://recordedbooks.wordpress.com/
I have 2 comments..First, I like the idea Scieszka has created with GuysRead. I have included a link on my blog and hope to use this as a PR tool at my school site. Often times boys are the hardest to reach and this tool could be something that increases circulation and motivates students across grade levels.Secondly, I like the idea that students should read what they like. It is difficult to say no to students when they come into the library, especially when the school has implemented programs such as AR or RC (Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts). Students should be advised to balance their selections. Students should be told, “Yes, you should read what you like and yes, you should read what your teacher recommends as well”. I believe speaking to students about book selection will make the “death spiral” non-existent.

Guys Read- PR Tool for Boys

2008-04-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

I found a website that caters to our boys. http://www.guysread.com/ This site was created by a former teacher who wanted to "help boys find stuff they like to read". This animated website allows boys to search for their favorite author or just browse through the recommended titles for young middle and older guys. Jon Scieszka, the creator of this site, provides some stuff that will help you start your own Guys Read Program. TL's will find this to be a great PR for boys. This site provides posters and templates for bookmarks and stickers.

Still Loving Looky Book

2008-04-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

I visited LookyBook Again. I just can't stay away. Today I created my bookshelf on LookyBook and shared it with friends. I found one a book about one of my favorite painters, Jacob Lawrence.

Ode to Accent!

2008-04-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

After stretching my eyes over the Library Line
Carefully holding my last kleenex to dab the tear shine
Called ITD with no avail
Excel spreadsheets came with a magic spell
No more tears poor TL
Today we will make it all gel!
or
Automated
Crisis
Calling
Experts
Nightly
Toiling

Since Accent has been down, many TL's have posted their angst and frustration on our CLAS list serve. Because we have been advised by IMS not to use Accent in Offline mode because the information will not be updated to the system once it comes back up, many have created their own system. One in particular is using an Excel spreadsheet to scan in Student ID codes and Book barcodes. Once the system has been restored the TL can easily go back and enter the information from the excel document by scanning each into the system. However you must get the barcode download.
Here are a few sites...
http://www.squaregear.net/fonts/free3of9.shtml
http://www.idautomation.com/fonts/free/
http://www.barcodesinc.com/free-barcode-font/
http://www.bizfonts.com/free/IDAutomationCode39.zip
Once you have downloaded the barcode, you will need to:
1. Save attached font to computer desk top
2. Right click Start menu
3. Left click Explore
4. Open Windows folder/directory
5. Open Fonts folder
6. Drag font file from desktop into fonts directory
Some added tips from TL's at Vista and Virgil MS :
1. Enlarge the font to "20 pt
2. Do not format your spreadsheet with lines--the scanner will try to read the border lines as well as the bar code and will not be able to
3. You may not have to re-progam the scanner
4. When you create your Word or Excel document, change the font to IDAutomationHC39M (this is as opposed to Times New Roman , for example)
5. Use a different list for each day and adjust the Due dates processing each list at the end of the Accent Down time

A TL from Vista Middle School offered strategies to offset our crisis. She writes in a list serv email" "The other thing that I did last fall, besides preparing the spreadsheets and downloading the bar code font, was to print out all the student ID bar codes by homeroom. I alphabetized these by homeroom teacher name and put them in a well-labeled notebook which I stored right by the circ desk. When I got the news that Accent was going down, I was ready. I had my spreadsheets, I had my bar code font on the computer, and I had the complete list of patron ID bar codes".

Week 3: Thing #7 New Technology Software

2008-04-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today while visiting Markham (again) I heard about a new software program from a ITAF friend. The program is called Screenflow and it is the greatest tool for presentations I've ever seen. Better than powerpoint, I think!!! Screenflow allows you to capture activity on your computer screen and allow playback with audio and video. You could use this software to create a tutorial or even a presentation for an absent presenter. Cool! Check out the link and download the demo.

Week 3: Thing #5

2008-04-09T21:33:00.001-07:00

books books books
Originally uploaded by slight clutter

So I visited flickr and found this pic entitled "books books books". It was taken at Half Price Books in Houston, Texas by slight clutter. I like this pic because it is indicative of some of our school libraries. For example, I visited one school where space was an issue. The TL

made the best of it and yet it was still a place similar to the one in the pic where you have that urge to search for that "one" book. Just looking at this picture I'm wondering "what book would I find on that shelf?" and when I found a familiar book "what memories would it conjure up?" (I always associate books with a period of my life).

Visiting Markham

2008-04-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Markham and in doing so I collaborated with the TL there for our upcoming Professional Development on May1st. I am excited about getting together with other TL's to share any and everything.

Visiting Edison MS

2008-04-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a wonderful visit. The TL at Edison had so much to share with me. While in the midst of a Scholastic Book Fair and tons of students circulating books throughout the day, she managed to give me over 100 pointers on how to run a library. I came away with a booklet for Library Practice (lessons included). I came away with procedural documents: library overdue notices, cheating rules :) for AR, Library Practice Application (because we all have students who want a service job), "Where to Look for a Lost Book" worksheet, Deb Stanley info for research and lots more.
The TL added her pick to my Google group entitled "Empower the Librarian" and we created the video for our future iMovie which will promote her current book fair.
She invited me back to catalogue and repair books so I'll blog on that soon.

Week 3: New Technology

2008-04-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the comments made by librarymum, I have discovered http://www.lookybook.com/index.php. What a great website to use to preview books. I plan to use this site to promote the purchasing of picture books for our ELL, Sheltered, low-level readers. This is also a great site to use when promoting the collection for SLC, LLT (Library Leadership Team) and SSC meetings.

Visiting Bethune

2008-04-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Bethune. The TL shared with me some valuable advice she learned in library school. She said that as librarians we must do all the PR-Public Relations for our school. The faculty and staff does not know what our job entails so we much promote and encourage the use of thelibrary as much as we can. She shared with me a PR strategy she uses with her school...Each month she sends out a packet of information to the faculty and staff. Attached to the packet there is a note that says, "Attached is your March gift from the Media Center. I hope that it is something that will help make your day better...If you come across something wonderful that helps you in your class, why not share with the rest of us". She included a list of "Women Centered Movies" because it is Women's History Month. She also included information from the TL PD about Google Groups. I thought that this gesture was very kind. Sharing is Caring. By giving this packet to teachers they become cognizant of themes and may incoporate them into their lessons.

Pass the 40

2008-04-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

I can remember the characters Lesha and Chicago sharing a 40 oz. in the movie Poetic Justice (1993). I also remember seeing "The 40" (Old English Malt Liquor) stapled on billboards and bus benches throughout South Central LA. It was the popular alcoholic drink for that time period. It wasn't uncommon for me to see it in someones hand while playing outside or while on my way to the store. The effects of this drink (because whomever drank it, always drank all 40 ounces) weren't positive.
So while doing some research, I ran across this site http://www.search-institute.org/assets/ .
It discusses the 40 Developmental Assets every adolescent ages 12-18 need for a productive life. I thought to myself...what if these 40 assets were promoted and stapled on billboards and bus benches throughout our communities? What effects would it have on our communities? Would it become popular? Would everyone latch onto at least 2 assets? Hmmmmm...

Visiting Markham

2008-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Markham Middle School and learned a few things to help me on my librarian journey. When Accent is down, which is the program that we use in LAUSD, some librarians have resorted to using a word or excel file to save patron information. For example one Tl uses a word doc and draws three column tables to enter student name, id number and book barcode and title. Another TL uses an EXCEL spreadsheet to do the same functions. I thought it would be interesting to use that same concept only in a portable manner. For example, why not use a portable scanner and enter all the information into a palm or handheld for later download so that the TL is not stuck at the circulation desk each time a student needs to circulate materials. While at the middle school I also learned how to set up a Book Fair. Scholastic delivered all the materials, a teacher co-sponsored the event and students were proactive in the setting up of the products and book shelves for the event.

New Add to the List Serv

2008-03-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

One of the TL's I found a step-by-step guide that shows how to enroll onto the CLAS listserv. The district showed her how to join via a PD a few years ago. I clicked on this link and it gave me directions: https://mail.lausd.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://notebook.lausd.net/pls/ptl/docs/PAGE/CA_LAUSD/FLDR_LAUSD_NEWS/FLDR_ANNOUNCEMENTS_CLAS/CLASLISTSERV.PDF<http://notebook.lausd.net/pls/ptl/docs/PAGE/CA_LAUSD/FLDR_LAUSD_NEWS/FLDR_ANNOUNCEMENTS_CLAS/CLASLISTSERV.PDF
What a great help this was! Thanks

Week 2: My Blog

2008-03-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Of course I am a bit backwards on this one. When I saw the 23 things listed on the CSLA website http://schoollibrarylearning2.blogspot.com/, I got excited and created my blog. So here it is. The best thing about creating the blog was adding all the fun stuff; slide show and the Avatar. Funny how that Avatar looks nothing like me. But it is similar to how I'd like to look as a librarian in my future library. Can you imagine wearing 3 inch heels in a school library from 7am-4pm each day...OUCH! So here is my blog Enjoy and Ta Daaaaah!

Week 1: Lifelong Learning Habits

2008-03-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

After watching the 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, I found that Habit 2(Accept responsibility for your own learning) would be the easiest for me. I am responsible for my own learning. I am very disciplined in this sense. I've taken online courses, and am diligent about finishing any project I start. I am always motivated to attend professional development opportunities and trainings that will help me become a better TL. The habit hardest for me would be Habit 3:Viewing problems as challenges. Often times when faced with a difficult situation it isn't always easy to see that there is a learning experience that will evolve from it. This is a habit I will continue to work on throughout my lifelong learning experiences. I really enjoyed this tutorial...very inspirational.

My first Blog Post

2008-03-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I hope to use this blog as I partake upon my new chosen career as a Teacher Librarian. I hope to share everything that I learn along the way in an effort to be of assistance to another future librarian embarking upon this journey. I owe one of the outreach librarians at the local UC for introducing me to this new venue. To all of you who have logged onto my page...enjoy!