(@wildflower_bookcase, 2022)
AASL – American Association of School Librarians
Setting the standards for school libraries across the nation, the AASL is an essential resource for any school librarian. The AASL offers its members a wealth of engaging knowledge and a chance to collaborate with other school librarians. As a successful school librarian, I know I will need to visit and use the AASL, regularly.
VLA – Virginia Library Association
The VLA offers a wide variety of resources, useful for all types of libraries. They offer news, research, information, and articles, to help keep up with what is relevant and useful. They also have wonderful community building resources and offer a wealth of conferences and events. As a school librarian, it is easy and helpful to use the VLA’s information and cross over into school library practices.
Librarian By Day – Blog
This blog, authored by Bobbie Newman, is a superb resource for wellness and reflections of the library profession. She discusses her own burnout, issues with the profession, and useful tips. As a teacher who experienced severe burnout, I immediately followed her blog. I know a school librarian has much on their plate, and I found a wealth of tips and information on how to be as happy and content as possible, in this career.
Mrs. ReaderPants – Blog and Instagram
Leigh Collazo is the creator and author of Mrs. ReaderPants, an online blog and an Instagram account. She is a must follow for school librarians. She offers a wealth of lesson plans, ideas, book reviews, organized book lists, and more! My favorite part of this blog is her section specifically for new librarians. Her Instagram account can be found at @mrsreaderpants.
SLJ – School Library Journal
The SLJ is a fantastic publication for school librarians. In addition to book reviews, I have used their publication for important research topics and up to date resources. Their site also offers sections specific to book challenges, diversity, events, censorship, and much more. This is a valuable resource for any librarian, specifically a school librarian.
Epic!
Epic! is a fantastic resource I have used for years. It contains over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and videos that students love to explore. Epic! offers librarians and classroom teachers the ability to create their own student rosters. After you have created your roster, students log in and can begin using its resources. As the moderator, you are even able to assign specific resources, based on interest and reading level. It is free for all educators.
Booklist
Booklist, a journal of the ALA, has become my go-to book review resource. I have chosen books for assignments and pleasure, based on their reputable reviews. When curating a collection for a school library, it would be impossible to read every book before purchasing. By using sites and journal reviews such as Booklist, librarians can make informed and accurate decisions.
https://www.booklistonline.com/Default.aspx
Knowledge Quest
Knowledge Quest is a fantastic resource, and it is the journal of the AASL. It’s website and publication offers amazing resources for practicing school librarians. I have been able to find excellent research articles and tips on new trends. It also offers professional development, advocacy, inclusion and diversity, and many more pertinent help topics that a school librarian would face.
https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/
Resources
Wildflower_bookcase [@wildflower_bookcase]. (2022, February 14). Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ8- UHXreAo/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=