A wealth of information, this website includes updated and timely communication about current trends and issues in Young Adult literature. There are free resources for librarians, parents, and students. The awards lists provide well-received titles to add to my collection. For librarians looking for continuing education, there are online courses and webinars available as well.
This association is primarily known in my state because of their Virginia Reader’s Choice program for elementary, middle, and high schools. These “top 10” lists provide an easy way for students to read top titles and then vote to see which book wins each the prize each year. The website has a wealth of resources for librarians, including virtual learning links, helpful websites, and links for various authors. They also include resources specifically for assisting with dyslexia.
I have frequently returned to this website since my early days as a librarian. Leigh Collazo is a certified librarian working at a school overseas and she shares so many resources on this bright and welcoming website. She keeps me up to date with weekly releases of new titles along with book reviews, a whole tab of information just for new librarians, and many lesson plan ideas for visiting classes. Her blog is a great way to hear the fun and sometimes challenging ways that make being a school librarian so special.
The Virginia Department of Education’s website includes specific information just for school librarians. Right at the top of the webpage are guidelines for developing best teaching practices in the school library. There are links for the Standards of Quality for both employees in the library and for parents and students. Convenient links for Board of Education Regulations are prominently displayed. Outside resources are also linked. Additional links give easy access to other content areas and their SOLs for cross-curriculum applications.
This website has become my “go to” while working to continuously update and diversify my school library collection. The WNDB organization was created in order to put books featuring diverse characters in kids’ hands. There are easily accessible pages for parents, students, and librarians. Many books are featured along with recommendations, book reviews, and award lists. A Resources page gives numerous links for librarians looking to diversify their collections.
McClintock Miller is a certified librarian whose award-winning website is full of resources for school librarians. Her linked Choice Boards are a favorite of elementary and middle school students. She routinely offers engaging lesson plans, book reviews, award lists, and Maker Space ideas and supply lists. Her blog has many pictures showing her students enjoying their library and innovative librarian! I enjoyed using her virtual lessons during online learning last year.
This website is an excellent choice when working with students on primary sources. Research guides are available for those just starting to use these resources. There are helpful links for educators and students for lesson ideas and research tips. Family research links are available along with online exhibitions that encompass many interests. Open access sources from the archives are available to all as well.
Discovery Education provides a wealth of resources that can used in the library for all types of lessons and activities. The videos on the site are perfect for stations or even a whole-class start to a project. The information is always current and very engaging for students. There are daily learning activities and virtual field trips available. The curated content such as videos, podcasts, and career spotlights, are always professional and high quality.
Booksource Banter Blog is a great resource for questions or concerns about integrating more authentic reading into your educational program. Librarians can use the search bar to find all sorts of posts of many current topics, included favorite new titles, book lists and recommendations, STEM, Summer reading, award winners, and working with administration. Professional development links are available as well as information on getting started in the library, such as creating book clubs.