"New and Improved" - Selling your databases

I was asked to speak to VSB teacher-librarians at their September start-up. (Thanks for the invite, Moira!) The goal was to refresh their understanding of what databases we can offer to our teachers and students. Of course, the challenge is always a question of how to present, (and re-present), what may seem like "tired information" that everyone already knows.

In conversation with teachers, I realize that it's a question or readiness. Even if we've talked about databases and online reference multiple times, it will only "click" when the timing is right for that teacher!

My presentation to the VSB TLs focused on how we can bring a "New & Improved" vibe to Worldbook online and EBSCO magazines. (I also mentioned a handful of other resources.)

My slideshow with links is here.

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Laptop Café

Norma, Rosamar and I visited a number of secondary schools in June to share some strategies and resources for using the freshly issued teacher laptops in class. Here is a link to the notes from our session.

We talked about some basic principles of using tech in the classroom; ("There are new ways of doing old things, as well as brand new ways to deliver content and engage students.") we looked at the range of online resources available through the district; ("Check your school library catalog for links to databases, ebooks, etc.) and we shared some projects that teachers have done use some of the new tech tools. ("Digital storytelling on personal choice topics.")


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Curation 2.0

This session (another BCTLA webinar) is a quick introduction I presented via Elluminate on the notion of curation in school libraries. One of the ways that we can help our teachers and students is by selecting, annotating and sharing really useful resources that we find. We already do this for our physical collection; why can't we do this for digital resources? I suggest some places to find useful links, talk about how to collect them and finally give some ideas on how to serve them up. (Here's a link to the slide show; here's a link to the archived webinar.)

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Promoting digital resources

Recently, I had the pleasure of using Elluminate (Blackboard) to deliver a presentation for the BCTLA webinar series. My focus was on how TLs can promote the use of the databases they have access to as part of the ERAC bundle. I've found that if I can show teachers a useful "tip or trick" that they can put into practice right away, they are more likely to come back to the resources for other lessons. During my presentation, I looked at some of the little known features in "the Encyclopedia of BC", World Book and EBSCO host. I also showed them a couple of features in the Gale Virtual Reference Library. My notes from the presentation are here. (Later, I'll add the link to the Elluminate archived version.)

eResources and DRC

As I do throughout the year, I have been meeting with school staff, specialists and student teachers to share with them the range of materials we have here in the district. In an hour and a half, I do a quick over view of the eResources we have available (Worldbook, EBSCO, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and more), explain how to search for and reserve material from our online DRC catalog, and then lead the participants through a tour of the physical resources. I am always gratified to hear the feedback: "Wow! We have so much great stuff here!" The other spin-off is that the attendees get to meet the DRC staff. (Click the "eResources" link to access the presentation.)

The 21st Century Librarian - take two

The Learning Commons, and more

In this session,we spent time unpacking the concept of the "Learning Commons" with a look at what this idea could bring to school libraries (both Elementary and High School). While the original concept is an import from the University/College context, it provides a way of rethinking the role of school libraries to make them more relevant to teachers and students. I provided some links to readings and interviews to deepen our understanding of this notion. An important "take-away" from the session was that it is not so much a place, as an idea, and even if the physical location can't be reworked substantially, changes in attitude and communication can still accomplish some of the goals of the LC.

We also spent some time considering the future of non-fiction reference (databases, encyclopedias, eReference texts), custom searches (build your own), eBooks (Orca, EBSCO, Follett), and enhanced 856 tags.

http://goo.gl/r1UNz

Primary Immersion Streaming Resource

At a workshop Diane J and I presented at DRC, we focussed on some great AV resources Primary Immersion teachers can use in the classroom. Younger kids enjoy singing the same songs over and over, or hearing a funny story more than once. However, AV materials that are borrowed from the District Resource Centre often need to go back all too soon. The solution we presented was the mini-TFO series from Télé-Franco-Ontarienne. The show "Mini-TFO" was originally a weekly TV show that featured short clips of stories, games, songs, word-work and skills aimed at Pre-K and early Primary francophone students. Many of the clips are perfect for French language learners, and because they are available online, they can be watched anytime! Click HERE for notes and links to episodes on the site.

Digital Reading Resources

I've been going out to schools this past month and meeting teachers at lunch to talk about digital reading resources. While we have many great print materials in our schools, my hope is that teachers will begin to learn about the databases and other resources we make available. At the invitation of the TLs (who have been signing up via Doodle), I bring my laptop to their school library or lab. (All I need is a projector!) While staff eat their lunch, I spend 25 min or so demonstrating these resources and answering questions. I picked 3 to focus on this time 'round: 1) Orca Digital, 2) Tumblebooks and 3) Full-text PDF magazines available via EBSCO. Click here for the notes and links from my presentation.

URL Shortening Tip @ Smartboard Café

I went to the Smartboard Café today and met with a small but keen group. I had been asked to speak about URL shortening because I have been using goo.gl to abbreviate the link addresses of my presentations. Shorteners make it easier for participants (students, teachers, parents, etc) to make note of a URL. And the bonus with goo.gl, is that it also provides a QR code which offers another way to connect and communicate. Check this link to view my presentation notes: http://goo.gl/DLjyV  ...or use the QR code!

BCTLA 2011 - Swiss Army TL

I presented at the BCTLA 2011 conference recently. As I thought about my topic, I wanted to find some kind of metaphor that would sum up the value of the Teacher-Librarian to the school community. This got me thinking about an old Swiss Army knife a friend of mine used to carry everywhere. The tool he used the most often of course was the blade, but occasionally he would use the screwdriver, the awl, the clippers, nail file and even the corkscrew. In some ways teacher-librarianship works the same way. There are parts of our job that we do so often, skills that we put in to practice every day, that we may forget pull out some of those extras that might make the difference to a harried student or teacher.

While many of these resources and tools will be familiar, there might be a gem that you can take back to your school community. Click here to view my links and slideshow.