ALA American Library Association ala.org
Being a member of the American Library Association is imperative to staying abreast of current library trends, advocacy, legislation, and issues. Accessing the website gives me up to date conference information. The Tools, Publications & Resources tab gives information on standards, guidelines, ethics, challenge support, and current programming, exhibitions, and publications.
TXLA Texas Library Association txla.org
As a member of my state library association, I will be linked with library professionals throughout the state. I see this as a way to advocate for our state libraries as a whole. Professional development opportunities are offered which would fulfill the continuing education requirements in the current system I work in. Most importantly, TLA groups such as divisions, districts, round tables, and discussion groups offer the opportunity to meet with professionals representing the same type of library I work in. Through smaller group interaction issues can be addressed, ideas shared, and information given to better serve our individual communities.
ALSC Association for Library Services to Children ala.org/alsc/
In my pursuit of becoming a children’s librarian, I need resources, information, and support specifically tailored to library services to children. ALSC is a division of the American Library Association. The website offers extensive information on grants, how to reach out to the community, and resources for community organizations to understand how they can partner with a library to enhance children’s programming. I will use this resource to access webinars which will advance my knowledge of youth services.
edWeb home.edweb.net
edWeb is free to join. With over 1 million members the opportunity to connect with others in the learning community is profitable. The site offers numerous webinars with topics reaching across various professions and topics. From engaging parents in their child’s education, to math games, and developing STEM activites for preschoolers, the webinars will help me to enhance programming in the library.
Library Link of the Day https://www.tk421.net/librarylink/
Each day a link is sent to my email. A WebCrawler searches for the latest news, suggested reads, and resources to stay up to date on developments in the library profession. All links are free or may require a free subscription. It is a great way to access the latest news, without being overwhelmed.
The Horn Book Guide hornbookguide.com
This website offers an e-newsletter, blogs for various aspects of children’s literature, and a database of professional reviews of literature for children and teens. Interviews with current and past authors and illustrators are easily accessed. The Book Awards tab has an abundant list of books which received The Boston Globe Award, the ALA Youth Media Awards (Caldecott, Belpre, Siebert), as well as other less well known awards. Overall the this guide will give me books to use in programming, books to highly recommend, and books for award winning displays.
Kirkus Reviews kirkusreviews.com
A resource well known and highly respected among the literacy community is Kirkus Reviews. In an easy to search format using filters such as book type, subgenre, age, format category, and rating, I can quickly locate a review. A four to six word descriptor gives an instant idea of the book, while further reading gives an insightful plot summary along with the targeted age range. This resource is undeniably one of the most useful when considering book purchasing, recommendation, and reading for story times. The website also features news, winners of the Kirkus prize, resources and education, and services for authors.
In The Library With The Lead Pipe inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org
This is an open access journal reviewed openly by peers. Articles are written by librarians, educators, administrators, library support staff. and community members who represent a wide range of diverse perspectives. Many of the articles challenge the reader to think, analyze, and consider other perspectives. By reading articles regularly, I will be well informed of new ideas, controversial issues, and possible solutions to issues facing the library profession.
School Library Journal SLJ.com
The School Library Journal is a must for any librarian working with children or teens. A well respected journal among librarians, it features articles on literacy, technology, best practices, and industry news. The journal highlights continuing education opportunities with information about webinars and conferences. Book reviews are also included with links to authors and illustrators. This is one of the most informative all around resources. I will use it to stay abreast of the latest news as well as to better serve the parents and children who use our library.
Ryan Dowd homelesslibrary.com
Ryan Dowd has decades of experience working with homeless people in shelters. He provides training for thousands of libraries on how employees can deescalate or even prevent conflict. The trainings he provides are imperative as homelessness is evidenced nationwide. The libraries I have worked in have provided this training as part of continuing education credit.
Jbrary jbrary.com
Having been introduced to Jbrary several years ago, the blog has been my go to for book and song recommendations for babies and preschool children. A plethora of resources can be found for professional development, school age children, and storytime. Dana and Lindsey share their own ideas as well as those submitted by other library professionals. Each month the blog includes an annotated list of favorite storytime books. This blog is is exceptional.
OK Go Sandbox okgosandbox.org
With more and more library programming centered around STEAM concepts, this resource is indispensable. The makers created music video demonstrating various STEAM ideas. Links to educator guides are included for each lesson. The guide thoroughly discusses what the challenge (lesson) is about, topics covered, standards, directions, materials, vocabulary, and guiding questions. Children can access the sight again to re-watch the videos. I will use this for STEAM programs in the library as well as follow up resources and activities for children to do at home.