The Colorado State Library announced today that 71 public library sites across the state will receive statewide summer reading program mini-grants. Each participating library site will receive $200 to put toward purchasing books related to the 2011 themes: “One World, Many Stories” (children) and “You Are Here” (teens).
View the complete list of recipients
Tip #7 – Become an Online Presence
“Librarians must teach everywhere, in and outside of the library” – Joyce Valenza. More computer access means less physical presence in our libraries. If you don’t know how to design a web page, be brave and collaborate. Is there a tech-savvy teacher, student, or district person who can help you? A web presence is a non-negotiable for all school librarians.
See some examples of good school library websites at a webinar “7 Tips for an Essential School Library Program” hosted by the Colorado State Library next Wednesday, March 30 @ 3:30. Stay tuned for more details.
Tip # 6 – Stay Relevant and Current
Today’s parents want good teachers who have the ability to meaningfully teach technology. Helping our students become “post-graduate and workforce ready” as 21st century learners is a national initiative that we must embrace. Still on a learning curve with technology? Try the mini-tutorials at “Colorado Libraries 2.0”. Set realistic goals and commit to learning and using something new each month.
In cooperation with the Library Support Staff Certification Program, the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) is pleased to announce that they were able to offer nine full scholarships to participants in the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) program. CLiC funded half of the $350 program registration fee and has obtained matching funding from the national LSSC program for the remaining amount.
The LSSC Program offers library employees the opportunity to achieve recognition for their experience, enhance library service, and increase skills and knowledge in areas like the foundations of librarianship, technology, and communication. The LSSC Program is sponsored by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association.
Continue reading ‘CLiC Awards Scholarships’
Tip #5 – Recruit Non-Library Advocates
Who are your top 2 teacher advocates, or a parent or principal advocate? Make sure that parents, parent groups, teachers, businesses, social groups (for example, school board, elected leaders, etc.) understand what you do, as a school librarian, to foster student growth and achievement.
Be on the lookout for some upcoming sample templates of parent (or other non-advocates) “letters to the editor” on the school libraries section of the Colorado State Library website.
Tip #4 – Embrace Instructional Leadership
“If you can’t list the top three things that your supervisor worries about, your job may be vulnerable” (Doug Johnson).
What are your school’s goals? What initiatives does your principal want to implement in your building? Sample ideas: Develop a curriculum map for your school. Help your principal co-teach on a school initiative, such as differentiation or RTI. Make sure your principal knows of your efforts!
Tip #3 – Become a Power Library
Learn about the new Power Library Program Rubric and state-wide opt-in for any school library in Colorado. Use the soon-to-be released “Colorado Highly Effective School Library Program” rubric with your principal to evaluate your program and help you set goals for a highly effective library program. Also, gain access to high-quality lesson plans as well as training opportunities for you to help improve your program.
Visit the Power Libraries Program website in April to access the rubric.
Want to juice up your library storytime? Make your storytimes better-than-ever? Attend a FREE all-day interactive and hands-on workshop using the 6 skills and techniques of Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) in your library storytimes.
Participants will walk away with a better understanding of the importance of age appropriate materials, early literacy research, connecting with parents, and dialogic reading, and will see a demonstration of a literacy-enhanced storytime by an expert.
Experienced trainer Carol Wagstaff (Douglas County Libraries) and Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) will review ECRR resources and coach you through how you can use ECRR techniques and plan a literacy-enhanced storytime.
The workshop will be limited to 20 participants and priority will be given to Western Slope libraries.
Location: Durango Public Library
Date & Time: Friday, April 15, 8:30am-3pm
Questions: Patricia Froehlich, CDE – State Library, 303-866-6908
REGISTER NOW! (at least 1 week in advance)
View flyer (PDF)
Tip #2 – Identify 21st Century Skills
It’s not just “technology.” Collaboration, critical thinking, self-direction, invention and information literacy are the five major components of 21st century learners. As librarians, we have a unique opportunity to help both our staff and students use these skills in a meaningful, connected way with the new Colorado Academic Standards. Access these new standards and look on the right-hand under “21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies.”
The State Library will provide more detail at our upcoming webinar on these tips on March 30th.
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