Mercury Research

Yesterday, and today, worked with 8th graders from Mercury. I introduced them to some of our databases like eLibrary, Grolier Online and WorldBook Online. Today, we tried one called netTrekker, which had alot of useful information. The student’s task, as assigned by their teacher, was to search for information on whales for their data sheets, for an upcoming whale watch trip and a whale poem they will write. Many students instinctively wanted to drift towards Google, with only limited or no attempt to try the databases, but their teacher and I urged them to stay with the databases. Google has become too much of a crutch for today’s young people, and I hope to help them to see that there are many more reliable sources of information.

Their teacher required them to have an online source (a database), as well as an encyclopedia and non-fiction book source. I felt these were excellent requirements, as it helped students to use these sources and help them to see that not everything they need is on Google. I helped students learn to use the index, table of contents and guidewords to help them find information, as well as showed them how to cite their information for their 3×5 index cards.

The class will return to the library for several more sessions to complete their task.

My article is published!

Whew! It took a LONG time, but my article on why I love libraries has finally been published on the ilovelibraries website.

I wrote it last year, but it still rings true today, and was the inspiration for the graduation speech I gave last week. Hope you enjoy it and are inspired.

Flipped

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen is written from the point of view of Bryce and Julie. They are next door neighbors, who’ve known each other since 2nd grade. During that time, Julie has been in love with Bryce, but Bryce will never give her the time of day. The author uses an interesting way to tell their stories: first we’ll get Bryce’s view of what happened, and the next chapter will tell Julie’s thoughts on the subject. I enjoyed getting a well rounded picture of everything.

Time has passed, and they are in 8th grade. Through various circumstances, Bryce realizes he really, really likes Julie. Too late. Julie has decided it’s time to give up on her 6 year crush on him. Read “Flipped” to find out how they handle this unique twist of fate.

Graduation Day

Today I graduated from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), and also gave a speech at the GSLIS ceremony.

It was a moving and emotional day, as 36 years ago I had told myself I would become a librarian. In those 36 years I spent 21 years as an elementary school teacher and  completed my Masters in Education. However, today, I have my brand new Master of Library Science (MLS) and am a full fledged librarian. Whoo hoo!!

Clarifications

Hmmm. Looks like I’ll have to do a little bit of clarification here. I saw a post that I had written put onto someone else’s blog. It was about cataloging some free books I’d received at the fall AASL conference. I’m guessing the person probably thought I meant I was cataloging ARC’s (Advanced Reading Copies.) No. That is a big no-no. I know that ARC’s should never be cataloged, and that they’re just for us librarians to get ideas for books to purchase in the future.

The free books were real books that book publishers were giving away for free. If you haven’t been to ALA or AASL, most of the vendors make a habit of giving out free books at a certain time on a certain day. You just have to be in the right place at the right time. Try it, you’ll like it.

The boy who owned the school

Gary Paulsen writes this book from the point of view of Jacob, a geeky kid with no self-confidence who is known for not being known. He slides through life making sure no one notices him. Whenever he is noticed, trouble follows, like being stuffed into trash cans and lockers by jocks, and having kids laugh at him. To make things worse, he has a beautiful older sister who gets all the things he can only dream about, including a car, and anything she wishes from their parents.

Jacob’s life changes when his English teacher insists he help backstage with the school play. He falls in love with the lead actress and, despite all that has happened to him, finds out that life is not what he thought.

Another week is done

There is much to do in preparation for the end of the year. We figured out how to use our Panther for inventory, and Mrs. Guiney has begun the process. It will be ongoing, and we plan to be done by mid June. Inventory allows me to find out what’s missing, lost, old in the collection so I can replace them with new material in my fall order.

Yesterday, spent a little time with Mrs. Papazian’s 6th graders in Gemini. They have a science project to work on during MCAS week and  I spent some time introducing them to nonfiction books, including how to use an index and table of contents. We also talked about how to take notes using note cards and key words, which they would later change into sentences to avoid plagiarizing. I briefly mentioned the Big 6, telling them they would get more information on it next year.

Today was another MCAS day. In between MCAS, I worked on locating books for next year that would match the teacher’s curriculum, as well as beef up existing collections in book, DVD and video format. I’ll work on reference books on another day.

Daughter

I’ve been trying to do some reading, and just finished “Daughter” by Ishbel Moore. Sylvie is a normal, every day kind of girl with a best friend named Marissa. Her parents are divorced, and Marissa is trying to deal with taking care of her younger brothers and sisters as well as a drunken mom.

Sylvie’s world turns upside down when her mom starts acting strangely. She dresses strangely, forgets things, doesn’t cook anymore and even forgets her own daughter’s name. Eventually Sylvie finds out her mom has Alzheimer’s, and refuses to believe that she can’t take care of her. As time goes on, she realizes she will have to let her mom go, and try to reconcile with her dad.

Library Introduction

Today, I worked with Mrs. Keizer’s 6th graders from Gemini. The students received a brief introduction on how to take out and return library books and spent some time learning how to use Destiny, our online catalog.

Usually this type of lesson is taught in September, but the library was closed until March and, with MCAS preparations, this was their first time coming to the library as a group. It was nice seeing them so excited, and they took to Destiny like a fish to water. I’m guessing it’s because it’s online, and they love using computers. It was also good seeing every single one of them find a book of their own choosing, and to hear comments like “this is a good book, I can’t wait to read this one, I like this one, this is going to be great,” etc.

Preparations are underway

Students are gearing up for their MCAS exams, which began today with the 5th grade. All students will test this Thursday, then again next Tuesday through Thursday, with Friday and Monday being reserved as make up days.

In between MCAS preparations, I worked with some Gemini 6th graders today as they learned how to use our brand new online catalog and to search for books of interest. They will return again tomorrow. I met with their teacher to introduce the Big 6 as a way to help them with their upcoming project on Rome. I also met with one of the 5th grade teachers, and we are planning upcoming research lessons for their Biography reports using the Big 6.

On my way home, I continued practicing my speech, as I graduate this Sat. from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and will be the guest speaker for my fellow graduates.