AASL — National School Library Standards
The National School Library Standards are a key baseline to the profession. Developed by the American Association of School Librarians, the standards provide critical information for professional standards within the school library field, and a tool for communicating the values of the profession to the wider school profession. I can imagine using this resource in the form of a poster in the library work space, and as key talking points with other school staff members.
American Association for School Librarians. (2019, November 7). Home. Retrieved from https://standards.aasl.org/
ALSC
www.ala.org/alsc
ALSC just completed a multi-year strategic plan evaluation, and created a clear vision for transformation of the organization and ways to connect to their members. I plan to check in on their blog, and reference their resources, and peer connecting tools once I am active in the field.
Association for Library Service to Children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alsc/
Art Institute of Chicago
https://www.artic.edu/visit-us-virtually
AIC has expanded their reach with an online website called “Visit us Virtually”. Looking ahead to virtual field trips and teaching tools, I can imagine using the free images on their website to reference art, travel and history teaching themes in the library.
Visit Us Virtually. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.artic.edu/visit-us-virtually
Edutopia
Edutopia has been widely marketed and is well known. I’m impressed by the helpful content and broad accessibility of the website. The articles are thoughtful and rich in experience. I can imagine checking in occasionally to monitor current issues and to seek answers to challenges in the school library.
Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/
Hack Library School
https://hacklibraryschool.com/
Finding community with other MLIS students on the Hack Library School website is refreshing. There is good feedback and inquiry about the graduate student experience, and a thoughtfulness about the questions moving forward in the field. It’s a good website to check in on to gain perspective and to knock out any sense of isolation.
Behre, J., Murphy, et al. (2020, April 30). HLS. Retrieved from https://hacklibraryschool.com/
Horn Book Guide online
Hornbookguide.com
In preparing to be in the role of purchasing books and providing book suggestions, the Horn Book website is a solid source of youth literature reviews. Founded by Bertha Mahony Miller in 1924, the Horn Book company is one of the older resources for information about children’s literature. I plan to reference the website to look up book reviews and reference recent information on book award winners.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hornbookguide.com/site/
Intellectual Freedom Blog
The ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee manages the Intellectual Freedom Blog. This blog is a critical tool for staying current on issues including privacy, copyright, social media, and censorship. I plan to check the blog occasionally to stay current on intellectual issues and the pulse within the library professional community.
Lechtenberg, K., et al. Intellectual Freedom Round Table. (2020, May 1). The Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. Retrieved from https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/
Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/
The Kirkus Reviews website is a mainstay within the library community for book reviews for all ages. This website will be a key reference for researching literature and becoming informed about best books in each genre.
Our Take On This Week’s Bestsellers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Live Cams
Explore.org/livecams
A fun part of the school library experience is introducing students and teachers to resources that are unique and engaging experiences that are challenging to fit into classroom time. I can imagine checking in on this website to tie into animal units or for a student who has a personal interest in animals to recommend for their research.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://explore.org/livecams
OK Go Sandbox
Okgosandbox.org
Educators are using the music of OK GO to create STEAM-based projects. It’s a fun entrypoint and a great way to engage students in a new concept. I would reference this website for any project and curriculum research.
OK Go Sandbox. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://okgosandbox.org/
Skype a Scientist
Skypeascientist.org
Skype a Scientist is a fantastic way to engage students with working scientists. Interacting with men and women active in research and teaching is a great way to find answers, and to develop a curiousity and wonder about a topic. I would use this website for curriculum research, and to build library-based lessons that connect to a classroom lesson or to connect to a featured book.
SKYPE A SCIENTIST. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.skypeascientist.com/
Smithsonian Educator Resources
Referencing the vast Smithsonian object collection, Smithsonian Educator Resources provide a wide range of materials and artifact images to bring into the library and classroom. This website brings together educator resources from all 14 Smithsonian museums. Whenever there is a need for extending a lesson or layering into a book experience, there is guaranteed to be a connection of some kind with the Smithsonian collection.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.si.edu/educators
VA Library Association
The Virginia Library Association provides a vital local connection to other librarians within the Commonwealth. Advocating for professional work of the library community and supporting librarians in their individual endeavors, the VLA is a strong source of support and information. VLA also provides conferences, committees, and professional work opportunities. Professional connecting is key and VLA will be an important group to be a part of.
Admin, M. C. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vla.org/
VAASL
VAASL holds regional conferences which are an excellent way to network with other local school librarians, and to learn about other inspiring approaches to the school library. I plan to attend future VAASL regional conferences and to participate in committees.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vaasl.org/
Virginia Department of Education — SOLs
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml
The Virginia Department of Education manages and oversees all of the Standards of Learning implemented in the schools. This website is the source for all SOL information for each of the grade levels. This website is an easy way to reference the SOLs when building on classroom lessons and making recommendations of books and resources based on the standards.
Virginia Department of Education. (n.d.). Standards of Learning (SOL) & Testing. Retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml