Getting Better I have a bad back, and I have to exercise so my core muscles can compensate for it and keep me (mostly) pain-free. The problem is, I am consistently embarrassed by how few push-ups and planks I can… Read More ›
Blog Topics
3 Reasons to Love Self-Checkout in an Elementary Library
I know what you must be thinking: I am late to this party! If you complete a quick Internet search you find many, many posts from librarians who have been using self-checkout for years. I mean, years! So now I… Read More ›
Wrestling with Technology
I’m a minimalist at heart, and technology is truly perfect for minimalists! A single laptop or tablet meets my needs thoroughly! More often than not, though, I’m conflicted. I don’t always enjoy using technology like I know I should. While… Read More ›
Exploring Equity with Those Shoes
Making Connections As librarians implementing the AASL Standards, we often find inspiration in those who work around us and among us. We celebrate the work of other librarians and find joy in being part of an effective, innovative profession. Making… Read More ›
Save the Time of the Reader
Time to learn something new. This year in opening faculty meetings, I was given time to address the full faculty. I admitted that despite 20-years of experience and an excellent library science education, I somehow missed learning about the five… Read More ›
Embed Instagram Posts into Your Library Website
Instagram is a great way to advocate for your school library by posting images of library activities. It gives a great impression of your library as visitors can see actual photos of the events. If you have a library Instagram… Read More ›
2019 Best Books Lists: A Chance to Discover Titles You May Have Missed
One of the things I look forward to every December is the release of all the “best books” lists. Like all librarians, I try to keep up with newly published titles throughout the year by reading professional review journals,… Read More ›
Curating Manga Collections
If your library is anything like mine, manga accounts for a significant percentage of your circulation. The popularity and appeal of manga and anime only continues to grow and if they aren’t already, your students are likely to soon be… Read More ›
Tips for Starting a Makerspace Program and More
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 ›
Books of Our Roots: Part Two
A few months ago, I wrote about Books of Our Roots, an idea I came up with to celebrate diversity in my high school library and facilitate conversations among students. The goal was to survey students about their families’ backgrounds,… Read More ›