Author Archives

Sedley Abercrombie is the district digital learning and library media programs specialist for Davidson County Schools in North Carolina, an NCSLMA executive board member, and an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University.
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Making a school library more accessible for students with special needs
In 31 of our 32 school libraries, we have have a certified school librarian (or certified teacher working on his or her degree) in place. In our district, we do have one particular school with some of the most dedicated… Read More ›
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Clean Up and Clean Out – Refresh Your School Library
Just about everyone would love a makeover in their school library, but budgets are tight. Here are some ways you can refresh your library without spending a dime: What’s on the walls? Do you have posters, pictures, or signage from… Read More ›
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Advocacy Works: Retired Librarian Remains a Champion for School Libraries
I had the pleasure of meeting Susan Yutzey, retired school librarian from Ohio, at ALA Annual in Chicago. Susan has had a varied career that led her to the school library world. After deciding that her passion was the school… Read More ›
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Advocate for your school library program with an annual report.
As school libraries are winding down at the end of the school year, collecting overdue books, weeding old equipment, and getting ready to shutter the doors for the summer, this is the perfect time for school librarians to think about… Read More ›
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Why Reading Aloud to Kids Is Important…
I once worked for an administrator that said to me, “reading aloud to kids and self-selected reading is a complete waste of time!” He wanted me to abandon a read-aloud project with some middle school ELA teachers and focus on… Read More ›
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April Is School Library Month
School Library Month has its humble beginnings in 1985 on the steps of Capitol Hill. Since then, each April school libraries across the country use this month to really shake the bushes and advocate for their school library programs. The… Read More ›
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School Libraries and Their Influence on School Culture
School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share. A positive school climate and school culture promote students’ ability to learn (ASCD, 2017). Students, staff, administration,… Read More ›
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Why you should get to know your public librarian…
I know. You are charged with maintaining a 21st-century learning environment while simultaneously wrangling students, shelving books, balancing a paltry budget, and occasionally hosting the odd baby shower or staff meeting. All this while trying to develop a collection of… Read More ›
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When disaster strikes…
When a disaster happens… Natural disasters (and even those that are man-made) happen all the time. Sure, many of us may prepare for the worst with extra batteries, bottled water, and insurance policies. But what about those events that have… Read More ›
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Teaching Digital Citizenship in the School Library
What is “digital citizenship”? Well, in broad terms, it’s the set of norms that define the appropriate and responsible use of technologies. As technology and social media constantly evolve, it is important that we, as school librarians, stay abreast of… Read More ›