As students mature into adults there are certain life skills that they will need to be successful. They are progressing from dependent child to independent member of the world. Some of the most important things I have learned as an… Read More ›
Intellectual Freedom
Book Challenges: Coming Soon to a School Near You?
Challenging Times If you or someone you know hasn’t yet had a book challenge, give it time. As you are undoubtedly aware, there is a rising tide of book challenges across the country. Targets include specific titles and particular topics;… Read More ›
Librarians, Let’s Confer about Who We Are
This short volume of a post stands between bookends: #AASL21, which just occurred last week, and the upcoming #VAASL conference, which takes place next week. The word “confer” has been around for over five hundred years; its first known use… Read More ›
A School Librarian’s Thoughts on Labeling Programs: Part 2
So, if there is no evidence that forcing kids to read in zones and on grade levels for their independent reading is best practice, why do some schools enforce this in the school library? I agree with a recent Facebook… Read More ›
Gearing up for the Challenge: Tips for Tackling Censorship
It’s not often that school librarians gravitate toward the gridiron for advice, but when it comes to combating censorship, iconic Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi had the perfect game plan: “Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder.” From January-September 2019,… Read More ›
A One-Page Site for Using and Sharing Creative Works
For many students, much of the 2020-2021 school year will consist of virtual classrooms, digital sources, and blended learning. Distance learning comes with many challenges but even more opportunities. There are opportunities for students to build knowledge as part of… Read More ›
Remote Learning Reboot
How are things going in your state and district? In North Carolina, we’ve been waiting–waiting to hear what the governor would say and then waiting to hear how districts would respond. Anticipating a need, the Friday Institute developed a course… Read More ›
School Libraries and UDL in the Time of Learning from Home
Universal Design for Learning I’ll be honest. I think a lot about Universal Design. I’ve been teaching an online class on the subject for the better part of 10 years and have served on our district Universal Design for Learning… Read More ›
Recognizing School Librarians in April and All Year Long
School Library Month April is one of my favorite months. My mom was born in April. April showers bring May flowers. Spring is in full swing and the winter blahs are being chased away by the promise of warmer weather,… Read More ›
Copyright Implications in the COVID-19 World
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 ›