Summer can be a time to relax. It is also a time to learn new tools that can enhance the school library’s services to staff and students. We recently purchased a fancy die-cutting machine that cuts fabric, wood, leather, vinyl,… Read More ›
makerspace
Creative Performers and Producers
“Educators can play important roles to enhance any components of students’ creativity” (Sak 2004). School librarians are no different. School libraries have the staff, resources, and space needed to foster creativity in students and teachers. There are many definitions and… Read More ›
Adventures in 3D Printing
As the makerspace craze continues to sweep across libraries nationwide, school libraries are trying to come up with ways to engage students in meaningful makerspace work. This year the majority of my time at the close of the semester has… Read More ›
Makerspace Made Easy
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of setting up a makerspace in your library. If you are an elementary librarian with a fixed schedule, you may think that you don’t have the time or the space for a makerspace. Creating… Read More ›
A Reflection on the School Library as a Quiet Place in a Noisy World
We all know the stereotype of a mean librarian. She (always a she, naturally) wears her hair in a severe bun, she never smiles, and she peers at noisy students over her horn-rimmed glasses. She probably hates kids, and she… Read More ›
Interview with a Future, Future Ready Librarian
May 2019 marks five years since I completed the practicum to earn a Master of Science degree in Library Media Education (LME) from Western Kentucky University. The LME Practicum requires 120 field hours—with 40 of these hours being completed in… Read More ›
Read Across America in the Middle School
Read Across America is an annual event that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. Most elementary schools celebrate in a variety of ways, including: Allowing students to… Read More ›
Libraries Welcome All Families: Makerspace Mondays!
The AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School and Public Library Cooperation is now focusing its work on equity, diversity, and inclusion projects that include library partnerships. This blog post is the first in this new series. By Carrie Sanders The YALSA… Read More ›
Fun and Facilitation
The wood piece falls from my hand. I pick it up, put it in the clamp, and saw away at the block until the blade slices through the remaining attached fibers and one piece becomes two. I have thirty minutes… Read More ›
The Monthly STEAM Challenge
One of the things I’ve struggled with as a high school librarian is makerspaces. At my large suburban high school, students have ample opportunities to take STEM/STEAM-related classes that allow them to create the types of projects they might make… Read More ›