Blog

Interview: Deborah Rinio on STEAM for elementary school learners

Posted by Admin Admin on 05/18/2020

"As usual," said Deborah Rinio during our interview, "librarians continue to inquire, include, collaborate, curate, explore and engage no matter what the circumstances." She was referring to the unprecedented circumstances in which librarians, educators, and students are in—with schools closed amidst widespread lockdowns, distance learning has quickly transitioned from educational supplement to daily reality.

Free PDF e-book—Library as Safe Haven: Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery

Posted by Admin Admin on 04/08/2020

During this time of uncertainty library workers are finding new ways to provide crucial information and services.

An interview with Jean Donham and Chelsea Sims about being a school library leader

Posted by Admin Admin on 03/09/2020

For the new fourth edition of Enhancing Teaching and Learning, original author Jean Donham is joined by new co-author Chelsea Sims, a junior high school librarian and 2018 AASL Social Media Superstar for Student Voice. Together they cover every aspect of the school system, paying special attention to what it takes to become a school library leader.

Interview: Hillary Dodge on food literacy programs, resources, and ideas

Posted by Admin Admin on 02/18/2020

In the view of author Hillary Dodge, with ties to information needs, social justice, and the maker movement, food literacy initiatives are a natural fit for libraries. Her new book Gather ‘Round the Table: Food Literacy Programs, Resources, and Ideas for Libraries doesn't just make that case, it also showcases a host of food literacy programs from libraries across the country.

Rachel Ivy Clarke on design thinking and libraries

Posted by Admin Admin on 02/05/2020

"I think taking a design thinking approach offers possibilities for empathy and creativity," says Rachel Ivy Clarke. In her volume of the Library Futures Series, she delves into the design thinking process model and demonstrates how the viewpoint is applicable to all library products and services.

An interview with Lori E. Donovan about effective implementation of AASL's Shared Foundation Inquire

Posted by Admin Admin on 01/21/2020

The K-12 Library Services Specialist for Chesterfield County Public Schools in Virginia as well as an active author, Lori E. Donovan was the perfect person to explore the nitty gritty of effective implementation of the Shared Foundation Inquire from the National School Library Standards.

Rainy day ready: an interview with Melanie Welch about financial literacy programs and tools

Posted by Admin Admin on 01/06/2020

Dealing with finances is stressful! In fact a survey from the American Psychological Association shows that money is a more frequent cause of worry than work, family, or health issues.

Pat R. Scales on teaching banned books: an interview

Posted by Admin Admin on 12/16/2019

Pat R. Scales has made it her mission to ensure that valued books which touch upon important topics are not quarantined from the readers for whom they were written. She is a former chair of ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and serves on the Board of Advisors of the National Coalition against Censorship. And she's also author of the new second edition of Teaching Banned Books: 32 Guides for Children and Teens.

An interview with Liz Deskins about AASL’s guide to content-area collaborations for secondary grades

Posted by Admin Admin on 12/06/2019

A school librarian for 30 years, Liz Deskins is an adjunct professor for Kent State University as well as a very active speaker and presenter. She's also written several books, including (with co-author Christina Dorr) 2018's best-selling LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens: Providing a Window for All.

An interview with Jo Bell Whitlatch and Beth S. Woodard on utilizing the RUSA Professional Competencies

Posted by Admin Admin on 11/21/2019

Reference and user services librarians need to be in charge of their own careers. A new book by Jo Bell Whitlatch and Beth S. Woodard aims to help these practitioners do just that, using the RUSA (Reference and User Services Association) Professional Competencies as a framework for reflecting on strengths as well as gaps in expertise.