I never could have dreamed that Friday, March 13, 2020, would be the end of “normal” for quite a while. As the school librarian I brainstormed ways to assist students and teachers in my middle school. How can I keep… Read More ›
pandemic resource
The Changing Role of the Elementary School Librarian
A Librarian without a Library Recently, I’ve attended many meetings about the possibility of starting school in September with only digital learning. As an elementary librarian, my heart breaks when I think of my library sitting empty, the books and materials… Read More ›
Finding Collaborative Points from a Distance
Turning learning on its head. As much as we all want to return to in-person learning, we are all preparing for a future of at least some distance learning. Many, many teachers still prefer some type of lecture, and this… 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 ›
The Massachusetts School Library Association Launches Virtual School Librarian Website to Help Educators during School Closures
On March 13, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that schools would be closed for three weeks beginning March 17. Immediately educators, including certified school librarians, realized the enormous loss of learning that could result from the school closures. Members of… Read More ›
Tools and Tips for Engaging Students with Asynchronous Discussions
I have been wondering something about everyone else since we have begun social distancing. Like many others, I am working from home. I have found that I am busier now than I was before the coronavirus. Is this true for… Read More ›
Updating Database Links Web Page
In this time of online learning, the importance of the library web page has increased. We have a library web page that students can access from home and school, but we always counted on the connecting piece of face-to-face learning… Read More ›
Tips for Recording Digital Book Talks
One of the most exciting annual events in my high school library is our March Book Madness Tournament. On Friday, March 13, after weeks spent composing this year’s bracket, I began circulating the room, giving book talks about the contenders…. Read More ›
Build Summer Reading Joy: Faculty Book Recommendations!
Summer Reading Inspiration In the spring of 2016, I received an e-mail from a friend and English teacher in my building. She invited the entire faculty to contribute to a slideshow she was creating. She encouraged every faculty member to… Read More ›
Third Snapshot Survey Reports Large Variation in Student Expectations and Outcomes
As AASL concludes its school library closure surveys we would like to thank the community of school librarians for supporting AASL and one another during this unprecedented time. Over the next couple of months AASL will apply the survey data… Read More ›