My mentor school librarian was energetic and caffeinated: each morning she brought a 12-cup thermos of coffee to work and proceeded to down the entire thing by the time the school day was over. One afternoon, she asked me what… Read More ›
Blog Topics
School Librarians: We Are Stronger Together
March 2020 seems like ages ago. It’s September, school has started for everyone–either virtually, in a hybrid model, or fully face to face. The coronavirus is still running rampant across the country and is increasing in some areas, while decreasing… Read More ›
Safe Ways to Reach Students and Teachers While Social Distancing
For most of us in school libraries, this year’s back-to-school season is unsettling. My administrators have designated our high school library as a special education testing center, a place for overflow classroom students, and a computer distribution site. In order… Read More ›
Critical Thinking through Conspiracies
The moon landing is fake. The earth is flat. 5G radio waves cause COVID-19 and suppress the immune system. What do these claims have in common? They are conspiracy theories. Renee Hobbs, Professor of Communication Studies, Director Media Education Lab, University… Read More ›
Don’t Just Join–Engage!
I have been a member of the Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA) since the beginning of my school library career (and even before that as I joined as a grad student). A few years later, a mentor of mine asked… Read More ›
Civic Engagement Is an Ongoing Activity
Where did summer go? Whether you find yourself teaching from home or returning to school in person, September means back to school. It also means election season. As teachers, school librarians play a unique role in connecting student learning to… Read More ›
Picture Books and Primary Sources: The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Lisa Anchin
Historically based picture books, while often having some type of connection to our own lives, may not always seem timely. That certainly wasn’t the case with Linda Elovitz Marshall’s new book, The Polio Pioneer. The book explores Dr. Salk’s life… Read More ›
Finding a Rhythm and Platform for Communication and Supporting Teachers
On March 13, our school community went home from school not knowing how long we would be gone. We (two high school librarians) knew we needed to dramatically (and quickly) shift how we supported students and teachers, but it took… Read More ›
Introduce Library Resources with a Challenge
Are you looking for a fun and efficient way to introduce library resources to your learning community? I have an idea for you. Challenge learners to design a squirrel-proof bird feeder. This task will inspire learners to explore bird feeders… Read More ›
When You Give a School Librarian an Empty Space
I walked into the new school library at Chatham Grove Elementary School for the first time in May 2020. There was so much space! It was incredible! We could host a square dance in between the eighteen double-sided rolling shelves,… Read More ›