Author Archives

Daniella Smith, PhD. is a former school and public librarian. She is currently the Hazel Harvey Peace Professor in Children's Library Services at the University of North Texas.

• Addressing Implicit Bias

  By Daniella Smith on 09/24/2020 • ( 2 )

  

  I must say that I have learned more about equity, diversity, bias, and inclusivity in the past year than I have during my entire adult education. Lately, students, faculty, and staff have been doing training sessions and reflective practice where… Read More ›

• Kristi Starr Discusses Volunteering for Leadership

  By Daniella Smith on 08/26/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  Introduction This month, I have the honor of sharing an interview that was done with Kristi Starr before the COVID virus. I have been saving it for months. Now is an excellent time to share it because we are at… Read More ›

• Using Voice Recordings to Support the National School Library Standards

  By Daniella Smith on 07/22/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  Recently I was reminded of a tool called Vocaroo that allows users to record and share their voices online. There is something more personable about leaving a message for your students, parents, and teachers that includes your voice. The best thing about… Read More ›

• Is That a Privilege?

  By Daniella Smith on 07/01/2020 • ( 2 )

  

  Last year I started a professional development journey to help me become a better ally to myself and my colleagues. I wanted to develop empathy, understand my shortcomings, and reconcile some of the feelings that I have experienced as a… Read More ›

• Tools and Tips for Engaging Students with Asynchronous Discussions

  By Daniella Smith on 05/29/2020 • ( 1 )

  

  I have been wondering something about everyone else since we have begun social distancing. Like many others, I am working from home. I have found that I am busier now than I was before the coronavirus. Is this true for… Read More ›

• Telecommuting Like a Boss

  By Daniella Smith on 04/24/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  Lately, I have been swapping stories with colleagues and students about how social distancing has changed our lives. I am thankful that I still have a job, and my heart goes out to those that do not. I anticipate that… Read More ›

• Free Online Books for Elementary Students

  By Daniella Smith on 03/24/2020 • ( 3 )

  

  I admit it. Initially, when I noticed the cases of the coronavirus growing around the world, I did not imagine that we would begin to shut down in the United States. After all, we have been through Severe Acute Respiratory… Read More ›

• What Is Leadership?

  By Daniella Smith on 02/26/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  I don’t think that school librarians take enough credit for what we do. Last month, I heard someone pose the question, “What is leadership?” My answer is that you are probably already engaging in leadership activities. Rather than provide a textbook… Read More ›

• Projects, Deadlines, and Stress, Oh My!

  By Daniella Smith on 01/29/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  I hope that you had a wonderful break. There is so much to get done during the holidays. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy it all. But taking care of the holidays is a demanding job. By the time New… Read More ›

• Tips for Starting a Makerspace Program and More

  By Daniella Smith on 01/07/2020 • ( 2 )

  

  Once upon a time, I started my own free after-school program for elementary and middle school children. I worked with a few neighborhood children in a donated space. After I arranged for the room, I talked with local parents to… Read More ›