The next CopyTalk is a timely one: how to manage copyright when everything is suddenly “only digital” for libraries, schools, colleges, and universities that are closed due to the global pandemic. The webinar will include information on Section 108 (the… Read More ›
Intellectual Freedom
COVID-19 School Librarianship – Part 1
[Note: This is the first in a series.] MASL Leads As rumors of school closures and transition to remote learning began to circulate in Maine, my Voxer chat started blowing up with voice and text messages from my fellow MASL… Read More ›
Distance Read-Alouds
Note: This post was updated to reflect US Copyright Law. Many students are now learning at home due to COVID-19. For my elementary school students, story time is an important and exciting part of the day. How will students hear… Read More ›
American Dirt: To Read or Not to Read?
Is That the Question? Last month, I was scrolling through Twitter and found Oprah promoting American Dirt. A thriller about immigration that hooked her on the first page? I’m in. I immediately ordered it on Amazon and went back to… Read More ›
Themes in School Librarianship, Part 2: Storytelling (But Not Like You Think!)
Organically Arising Themes Not long ago, I attended the School Library Journal’s Leadership Summit 2019. There were so many interesting speakers, great workshops, and amazing colleagues to learn from and grow with! But I noticed that there were several themes… Read More ›
That’s just the way it is
Recently I heard the song “The Way It” Is by Bruce Hornsby and the Range and I started thinking about the words: “Said hey, little boy, you can’t go where the others go ‘Cause you don’t look like they do… Read More ›
Intellectual Freedom Was Alive and Well at Midwinter in Seattle
The American Library Association (ALA) held its Midwinter Meeting in Seattle from January 24-29, 2019. As a member of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (and a retired school librarian), I’m providing information on the work of the committee as well… Read More ›
Whose Rule?
One characteristic of teachers and librarians is our fondness for structure. There aren’t many of us who like chaos in our jobs or classrooms. When I think about structure and procedures and how I run the school library, I am… Read More ›
Rethinking School Library Fines
How does everyone feel about school library fines for late and lost books? Until recently, I’ve been mostly okay with the concept, especially in middle and high schools, but now I find myself questioning the effectiveness of library fines. Our… Read More ›
Code of Ethics: The Foundation of Our Work
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am in no way supporting the views of organizations that use hate speech or act in any way that is dangerous to others. Several things have happened recently that led me to this post: In the November/December… Read More ›