Fresh news about school libraries each day....

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LongLiveLibraries4Lifelonglearning is a daily collation of tweets and google+ posts that relate to school libraries. 
I hope it saves you time by being all in one place.  It will be updated daily.

Neighbourly mentors instead of silencing book police

10 Changes to Expect from the Library of the Future | Online Universities | Diigo

Enterprising librarians know they can still bring literature to the masses by utilizing its lust for technology and most TLs I know are most enterprising!!

Most school libraries have developed such programs which  recommend visual schedules so kids know what’s coming up next, carpet tiles or cushions for sitting, and hands-on activities.

Many school libraries are  already focused on learning as a whole, rather than just literature." Libraries are all about education."

Do you see these ten changes being incorporated into many school libraries? Are there any handy tips or hints from readers out there to help teacher librarians implement these changes?

Most TLs I know are already neighbourly mentors NOT of silencing book police! Libraries should be inviting and a meeting place with provision for peaceful working areas. They should not resemble a football field but nor should they be solemn, silent places,

Love to hear your thoughts.

May and reading time!! May all of us read more!!

.

During National Year of Reading 


  get your school involved in this great event....

National Simultaneous Storytime

Register to join the National Simultaneous Storytime  - Be counted!! Be part of the fun!!


Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) announces for 2012: 

The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland 

held during Library Information Week (LIW)

ALIA also make available a great range of support resources:
Powerpoint and PDF versions of The Very Cranky Bear (Coming soon)
Podcast (Coming soon)
AUSLAN podcast (Coming soon)
Bear mask template (Coming soon)
The Very Cranky Bear paper doll template (ready)

and there's more

.So Get Caught Reading!! Read Write Think




enter the READ MORE IN MAY competition!    [ENTER HERE] 






National Family Reading Month Competition 
Terms and Conditions of Entry

Read More in May calendar

School Library's are vital. Stand tall!!

In his article: The Unsung Heroes in our Schools,  Brad Meltzer explains that  "school librarians transform lives through education and make it possible for students to thrive in a 21st century learning environment." 
Meltzer is concerned that much of the school librarian/teacher librarians' vital work is largely unrecognized." but he feels that "what is worse, it is being compromised, as local, state and federal funding for school libraries continues to shrink."


Librarians are experts. They don’t spend all their time re-­shelving books.  They help staff  with resources to support their curriculum programs, assist students with research tasks, manage the complex library resources, promote  a reading culture to increase literacy levels......

 Meltzer encourages the readers to fight for funding for school libraries: "As policymakers and school administrators struggle with tough decisions, we as a nation must voice our support and advocate for funding, so that all children have access to 21st century school library programs."





in the article Librarians role vital the former director-general of the National Library of Australia stated that "Libraries are just as important today as they were before the digital revolution." Books last for 300 years but the obsolescence of some digital devices reinforces the need for experts to manage various storage techniques.


Fullerton said that the great benefit of the digital revolution was that it had allowed libraries to make their collections more accessible than ever. “We use technology to do what libraries have always done, which is make it simple and easy for people all over Australia to find what they want, and to get what they want.”

                                       http://www.flickr.com/photos/librariesrock/4064275305/


Moreover, the role of the librarian is still relevant in the 21st century. “They’re mediators, they help people, they point out directions. Librarians are still critically important, and while the physical space might be less so, there’s always a need for someone to show the way, to tell people, to let them think in different ways.”

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ubclibrary/2701337749/

One really effective way to let everyone know how effective your school library is-show them.

KASL: Annual Report as Advocacy Tool

Further readings:


There are plenty of research results available at The Hub: Research
How Do PA School Libraries Measure Up? The Pennsylvania School Library Study
The 2011 PA School Library Study provides a benchmark for school libraries in Pennsylvania. Determine how your library measures up and what you can do to gain more support for your library program based on the recommendations from the study.


School librarians play critical role in helping kids make the grade

Effective School Library Programs Positively Impact Student Achievement.
View the findings from the NJASL-funded 
CISSL Study of New Jersey School Libraries Study overview


Libraries must be the future – for the good of democracy

Quality, digital kids reads for iPads.

Early in 2011 these Top Ten iPad Storybook Apps from Kirkus Reviews were posted.


Digital books have evolved so much in just a few short years! 
It is amazing to look back at what were the top in February 2011 compared with some of the e-books available now.
Look at today's top 10 pirate books from Digital Storytime
Top 10 Dog books    Top 10 Stars, Planets and Space


Digital storytime is a great place to start when checking for quality digital books. 
You must still preview any books before deciding to include them in your program..



I recommend you to watch out for this new series: "Lulu in..."
Lulu in Australia is the first in a series of books about Lulu's world travels.

 This story is about their first trip in the series ... to Australia.
Currently priced at  0.99c
Read a Lulu in Australia review at Digital Storytime. 

FEATURES:
6 different languages: English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and German
•Two modes of reading: “Listen and Play” or “Listen” (without the interactions)
•Reading with or without the “Karaoke” function
•Independent touch pronunciation of each word
•“Explain to me” which shows a word’s definition and its opposite to provide context for unfamiliar words
•“Show me” gives an illustration that represents a word
•Vowel display
•Indication of silent letters
•Syllable by syllable breakdown
•An animated cartoon which illustrates each page


Lulu in Polynesia


★ Charmingly illustrated in brilliant, vintage-feel colors by Stéphanie Bertault.
Sounds and music by David Herschel, former Radio France producer.
Written by Vanessa Pol, a world traveler who loves sharing her discoveries, in collaboration with David Herschel, coauthor of several children’s books.



15 illustrated and animated worlds
The explorer’s map. A practical tool the child can use to go directly to the page of his or her choice, or to a favorite game.

All pages are interactive
Two languages: English and French

Six mini-games


Sound can be muted at any time
.

Easy, intuitive interface


Reading time: 25 minutes
Universal app, runs on both iPhone on iPad


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I love this digital book for the variety available-both fiction & non-fiction all in 1 app
Scott's Submarine   Currently costs $4.49 

Embark with Scott, his cat Jazz and their friend Aiko and learn about 

sea life wonders and the mysteries of the deep blue sea.

An original story written for digital devices, rich of interactive content, with wonderful artwork by Matt Roussel, internationally acclaimed 3D illustrator. 

The story offers two levels of reading: one using simple words, for very young children and a second one with a more advanced vocabulary and a longer text.

Many great reviews support this e-book's inclusion in your digital library.

Most pages contain ambient sounds, music and interactive content. 

- 37 fully illustrated pages
- 17 sea animal facts with real life photos
- 2 age ratings: 2-3 and 4+
- 4 languages

                                                                        Screenshot

 If a marine animal is visible on a shot, facts about this animal are displayed, with educative text and a real-life photo!

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Join the Library Conference Day-Monday 16 July

Subject: Important date for Library SAOs – Primary & Secondary – All Regions

from DEC South West Sydney Region SASS Reference Group Library Committee:-Jennifer Dyer, Birrong Girls High School                        

Jennifer.Dyer@det.nsw.edu.au                       and                                       

Debbie Van der Meer, Cecil Hills High School

Deborah.Vandermeer@det.nsw.edu.au

Would Teacher Librarians please pass this information on to their Library staff:-

Make a note in your diary now - advance notice! 

Monday 16^th July 2012 (Term 3, School Development Day) is the DEC SWS RSRG Library Conference Day to be held at the BreakFree International Hotel, Chapel Road, Bankstown, Sydney.

Debbie and I are organising the program and to give you a taste of what is to come, we have the NSW Ambassador for the 2012 National Year of Reading, Suzanne Gervay OAM, as one of our presenters.  Check out her new release of “Ships in the Field” – a children’s picture book that many of our migrant families will love.  We will also hear, see and discuss her other treasured publications covering all ages and interests.

 Ships in the field "crosses boundaries in a universal recognition that children are part of the journey of war, migration, loss and healing. Through warmth, humour, pathos and story within story, it breaks the silence engaging children, families and community."

http://www.sgervay.com/books/ships-in-the-field.php

 Related links:

• Ships in the Field Reading Notes
• Ships in the Field – A Writer's & Illustrator's Journey
• Ships in the Field media release
• 
  

As our first conference last year was a great success, we are expanding our intake and inviting all SASS from outside our region and beyond to come and join us!  The Hotel has plenty of parking underneath, is close to transport and shops and has accommodation for those who would like to come from a distance, so start making enquiries at your school if they would be willing to subsidise your attendance?  (Program and costs are still to be determined – advance notice only at this stage.)

Watch this space for more information as it comes to hand - this is just a taste of what’s to come!  We plan to make it really worth your while attending.

2012 Shortlist is announced

Children's Book Council of Australia has announced the 2012 Shortlist (print friendly)


I'm delighted because Flood by Jackie French made it in the Picture book section.
 TEACHER NOTES FOR FLOOD. Published by Scholastic Press, 2011
 "This is a story that shows how devastating floods can be to homes and livelihoods. Whilst it is inspired by the 2011 Queensland floods, it could be about any of the disasters that strike our land, events that turn everyday Australians into heroes. FLOOD shows water mercilessly ripping through Queensland towns and then receding, leaving destruction and devastation in its wake. Told from the perspective of a cattle dog separated from its family, FLOOD helps children to understand the effects of a traumatic natural disaster without being too confronting, while the story of the little tugboat that pushes a boardwalk out to sea, staving off further disaster, gives children a hero they can relate to. FLOOD is a beautiful and timely expression of the strength of the Australian spirit during times of adversity."   available for $16.99 at Dymocks


I am also most delighted that  Rudie Nudie by Emma Quay made the  early childhood list.


SEE THE ILLUSTRATIONS IN PROGRESS – click here
WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK – click here for ABC Shop
On the CBCA  Merchandise page I discovered that "PDF or eBook versions of the Shortlist and Notable Books will avaiable for the first time this year."

Claiming the week!! Celebrate Library and Information Week

LIBRARIES! 

              Library and Information Week (LIW) will be held from 20 - 26 May 2012. 

THIS IS YOUR WEEK TO SHOW HOW YOU 

'THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOK'!

This 'THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOK'! theme lends itself for you to personalise!

Tell your clients and users what you do that is 'outside the book'. 

Tell them about all the things you do that are about more than just books.

• Genealogy
• Music, DVD's and toys.
• Research
• IT support
• Education and training
• Preservation
• The list is long...
• This year's theme highlights that libraries are far more than just the books they contain and opens the door to give the community a chance to discover all the things you can offer.

Visit Australian Library Information Association to discover more about LIW and how you can celebrate.

The events below always work well at our school and I also hold a bookfair during this time to get our school community in to visit our library so they can see first hand the learning space and the learning tools available to their children.

Wednesday 23 May	National Simultaneous Storytime	http://www.alia.org.au/storytime/

Throughout the month of May

Information Awareness Month

http://www.informationawarenessmonth .com.au/index.cfm

Connecting Information and People

The purpose of Information Awareness Month (IAM) is to increase public awareness of the breadth of the information industry through a series of events all through the month of May. Showing the importance of properly maintaining good records and information as it relates to everyone from global Corporations through to small business and even the homemaker - to "connect information and people".

CBCA Shortlist announcement imminent.

Which of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) notable books are going to be on the 2012 short list ?

Stay tuned for the 2012 Short list announcement 
at 12.00pm today and then

CBCA Book of the Year

Winners Announcement

 Friday 17 August Noon

Visit the Children's Book Council of Australia site for plenty of ideas and support for engaging the community with literature for young Australians.

Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)

Key Messages

The key messages of the Children's Book Council of Australia are:

• to promote quality literature to young Australians
• to support Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books
• to promote the role of library and literature professionals in bringing children and books together
• to celebrate outstanding contributions to Australian children’s literature through the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards 
• to promote greater equity of access to reading through community projects

Notable Books - 2012

The list should be read with the judges' comments, recommendations and reservations as published in Notable Australian Children's Books 2012

CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers Notables ( 22 titles)

CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers Notables (24 titles)

CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood Notables (23 titles)

CBCA Book of the Year: Picture Book of the Year Notables (27 titles)

CBCA Book of the Year: The Eve Pownall Award for Information Books Notables (15 titles)

Keep your local members aware of the importance and value of school libraries.

Posted on behalf of Georgia Phillips and ASLANSW

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Dear Colleagues,

Three members of the School Library Association of NSW visited local MP and Minister for Women, Pru Goward last Friday 23 March to let her know their feelings that Local Schools, Local Decisions is a policy which does not improve student outcomes and results in the loss of specialist teachers, such as teacher librarians.  They were President, Bill Sommerville; Committee member, Georgia Phillips; and member and ISLA president, Di Ridley.

School autonomy has now been shown to increase social polarisation, competition and disadvantage. It transfers responsibility for staffing and funding from governments to principals, and increases their workload.  It will compromise the state-wide transfer system to the disadvantage of rural schools.

Other states which have brought in this policy have rationalized school staffing under decreasing budgets. 

• Since bringing in school based management (SBM) in the nineties, Tasmania has only 23% of K-10 schools with qualified teacher librarians (TLs).
•  In Victoria, since Kennett’s version of SBM was introduced in 1993, only 13% of primary schools now have TLs.
• In the ACT, SBM began about 1997 and now only 50% of primary schools have qualified TLs.
• WA is now beginning to lose TLs in secondary schools under their Independent Public Schools program.

• In NSW, the Minister of Education has announced pursuit of the policy of autonomous schools. Already teacher librarians are not being replaced upon retirement and positions are being lost under National Partnership Agreements which allow flexible staffing.

While there is no research evidence which demonstrates improvement to student achievement from globalized funding and staffing, there are over 60 studies which demonstrate the value of well staffed and well funded school libraries to literacy and learning.*

Recent Australian research shows the link to higher NAPLAN literacy scores. (Softlink, 2011).

In this National Year of Reading, we ask you to visit your local member, if possible with a P&C member, to present the case against government school based management and for continued core staffing of teacher librarians and dedicated funding to school libraries, especially in areas of social and economic disadvantage.  The full background briefing paper is available from gphillip@bigpond.net.au which can be left with your MP or MLC, along with a copy of the professional standards and the URL of the Report of the Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians with questions which arise for state governments. State parliament sits next week Mon to Wed. then is in recess until Tues 1 May, an ideal time for you to meet your member in these school holidays.

Please let us know how you go. NSW schools thank you.

Georgia Phillips, SLANSW Advocacy Committee

* A comprehensive summary of the research from 1993 to 2008 is contained in the Scholastic Research Foundation paper School libraries work!: updated 2008, at http://listbuilder.scholastic.com/content/stores/LibraryStore/pages/images/SLW3.pdf .

The literature survey by Australian academic Dr Michelle Lonsdale, gives a summary of the research 1990 to 2003. See http://www.asla.org.au/research/Australia-review.htm for the full report.

A third comprehensive summary of the US and Canadian research has been done by students of Mansfield University (2011).  It can be found at http://libweb.mansfield.edu/upload/kachel/ImpactStudy.pdf