Organizations
The Public Library Association supports the community of public library professionals with educational opportunities and initiatives that support the trends and current events taking place in libraries. PLA is committed to ensuring that members have access to information about inclusion and diversity in the library field. They host an annual conference for members to network and scholarships for continued education in the library field. This resource is important for me as a new librarian to grow my network and knowledge within the field.
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) supports library services for children within the public library. ALSC assists members with creating education-based programming and connects members with industry leaders in children’s literature and librarians that are dedicated to enriching the lives of the children at our libraries. They offer over 60 committees for members to join with like-minded professionals to network and research trends happing in the LIS field. Youth Programming is my career track and this resource will ensure that I have a community to support my future as a Librarian.
https://www.readingrockets.org/
Reading Rockets is an early literacy-based organization that supports parents, teachers, and librarians to help children learn to read and develop a love of reading. They offer tips on how to support a child beginning to read including strategies, interventions, and a plethora of reading lists about different roadblocks that a child may face. Reading Rockets offers book list to support different levels of reading and diverse titles to ensure inclusivity within the library.
The Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) supports Virginia School Librarians through educational opportunities and networking among library professionals. I chose this resource to stay aware of what is happening in the public school library in case I decide to pursue a job within this field. VAASL advocates for school librarians to have access to the tools needed to support the growth of students in their school libraries. They offer professional developments by way of conferences and discussion forums on varying topics.
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Blogs
https://librarygirlandbookboy.com/
This blog is run by an English teacher and it is full of book reviews and recommendations for board books all the way through teen books. She includes graphic novels, diverse titles and characters, poetry and non-fiction for youth. I appreciate that she gives book lists and honest reviews for readers at different reading levels so I can recommended titles that are appropriate to their level. This is a great resource for librarians who are looking to recommend high quality books to the patrons at our libraries.
https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/
This blog discusses events and issues that librarians face daily whether it be weeding your collection, creating displays or looking for inspiration for programming, you can find it all here. Gwyneth Jones has created a space for honest feelings about our chosen job field in a fun and engaging way. She is also a keynote speaker who specializes in mobile media, makerspace ideas and using social media platforms like Twitter. I appreciate her honesty and unique point of view on how diverse our positions are and different ways we can serve our customers.
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Publications
The School Library Journal is an online publication with news and information about libraries. There are current events, book reviews and a job list for people seeking library based positions. School and public libraries can find information about programming resources and award winning books. This is a one-stop publication that I use frequently and I think every person working in libraries should have access too. I appreciate the diverse information and external links they offer to give us new outlets for information.
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Resources
The Jbrary website is run by two children’s librarians who love to share their experiences in storytime. They offer videos, have a very successful YouTube channel and recommend books that work for different ages in a library storytime setting. I am a youth programmer and hope to be a children’s librarian so this resource will help me to choose appropriate songs and give me ideas for what will work well in a library program.
https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/children.html
Webjunction offers continuing education for library staff who want to learn about programs and initiatives that support early literacy. Industry leaders offer webinars on topics that range from collection management to readers’ advisory and programming. It is important to stay current with trends happening in the library field so we can best support the patrons coming to our libraries.
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