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Wow...can't believe we are already sixteen (nearly seventeen) years into the 21st century!  Do you remember saying something in high school like, "When it's 2015 I'll be (fill in the blank) years old!" Education is changing to adapt, and so is the pedagogy.  And it's all because society and culture impact teens today so much more differently than every before.  With that in mind, I came up with a some things I believe a 21st century library should be aware of.

1. Teens are connected, and so are adults

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Walk down any hall of a high school and you'll see cell phones, laptops, tablets, headphones galore! Make sure libraries are connected as well.  This is now the standard norm, so libraries should not only be book drive, but device and peripheral driven too. 



2. Learning is done more through video than ever before

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Youtube, TedTalks, MOOCs...watching and learning are more accepted than ever before.  When most new web tools have intro videos, take advantage of it.  Create screencasts to "teach" students.  Being visible is now down in front a camera and libraries should put themselves in the spotlight.



3. Reading preferences guide people and libraries.

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Some like e-books, some like hardcopy.  Paperbacks, hard copy, newspapers, magazines.  Kindle, Nook, Overdrive, Follett, Netgalley, Edelweiss, and sites for fan fiction are diverse, but they have one thing in common - people who read use them for pleasure, and academic pursuits.  And make libraries re-think the concept of shelf space.




4. The virtual world is a lot larger than the physical one.

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 We don't live in a world where teens get home, eat a snack and do their homework.  Its now more like get home, eat something, binge watch Neflix, check Snapchat or Twitter, then do homework...at midnight.  Make sure the library can meet them there.  Create an online presence ASAP!




5. Handwriting is old school.  Keep that in mind when you're creating signage

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There are actually teens out there who only know how to write their name in cursive because of documents.  Sigh.... And if that's the case, you know they can't read it.  So make sure that if the library has displays, signage, or posters, that they use a font that isn't in cursive to reach all users.




6. Social media is the new telephone.  Texting more than talking. Emojis
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Personal landlines are passe.  Teens today may not understand how a pay phone works, much less a party line.  They communicate en masse with social media.  And when they "talk" to each other it's through text.  Calling someone? That's ancient! Leverage these for the library so teens can communicate their way, which will make it easier for them. 



7. There is significant relationship building happening online.


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 Just when you thought you knew it all, catfishing for teens has taken on a completely new meaning.  Relationships of all kinds begin online and then can become face-to-face.  From using Remind for classes or Groupme for people with similar interests, there are ways libraries can create an academic
relationship with students.




8. Teens have an entrepreneurial spirit.

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 Interesting fact: the founders of Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat's average age is TWENTY-TWO.  Don't underestimate the genius of teens.  They are changing our future.  Heck they even created a new language adults had to learn - emoji, which began in the late 1990's and now has over 800 characters used in countless devices.




9. Teaching is not about lecture, but a participatory culture

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It's one thing to talk to teens, but it completely morphs when teen talk, create, and group together to learn.  Make the library that place where teens are learning in all sorts of ways.  If we are worried about their interaction with people because of their obsession with devices, participatory culture MUST happen. 




10. Libraries should not just have books....they should have a whole lot more

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And I'm not talking about computers (although that would be nice!) Think about things that could be checked out to patrons that are out of the norm.  How about gardening tools?  Anyone love to bake? Crafters could always use knitting needs and crochet hooks.  Sports equipment doesn't always have to belong in the gym and budding artists can save money by checking out brushes. JACKPOT!

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It's the final countdown! Another school year in the books (well, nearly...). Why does it seem like the beginning and end of the year are the most frantic times? 100 million things to do, and not enough time. Here are ten things that can help you prioritize before you go out the doors and into summertime!!

  1. Advertise your library social media accounts. That way people can follow you or at least contact you if they need to. Today's new library doesn't ever close, even during summer. If you keep your social media accounts active, you'll have no problem helping people who may need it from a book recommendation or how to access a database.

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2. Summer and reading go together like ice cream and a spoon. Get out information on how to “check out” books for the summer.  Required reading or pleasure reading? Let staff and students know how to access the campus library e-books. Flyers, online or physical posters, email, social media, websites...whatever it takes, let people know they have access to the virtual library

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3. We can never escape from it....professional development. We all need it, we all have to have it. So make sure you go for the best.  Start looking at your favorite sites and places you know will have top-notch PD, including webinars. (and if you're in Texas, come to our NTX Libcamp! http://ntxlibcamp.weebly.com/ )

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4. Take your computer (or device you work with the most) home with you. It’ll save you gas money and headaches. I've often said, "Oh, I'll pick it up on the way..." famous last words! Make sure you can get to it quick. And if it's a desktop, welllllll...

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5. Write down those usernames and passwords. Yes, for your databases but also for ALL THE OTHER things you'll need to remember. Summertime seems to zap memories, especially to whatever you have in the library that needs one (this also includes combination locks too). Don't put yourself in the position of adding to your first week of school frenzy by forgetting them!

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6. Share your knowledge! It never hurts to have a presentation or two ready for those just in case moments when you may get a message asking if you can present to new teachers/other staff or be a part of summer professional development. And if not, then start creating a kickin' library orientation for the new kids coming to campus in the fall!

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7. Get a copy of next year’s calendar now. Find out when new teachers are coming in, when school actually starts for students, and when each six weeks starts. And you know you're going to get well-prepared teachers who want to reserve the library for next year.

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8. Make of list of your TBR (to be read) and let that be your summer goal. Or at least 3 of the best books on it (decisions decisions!)

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9. Meet with local public librarians and see how both of you can collaborate on programs for the summer and possibly for the next school year. Nothing feels better than connecting with your community!

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10. Make a list of your favorite librarifriends you’d love to spend the weekend with, find an Airbnb on a beach somewhere and send out those e-vites! And if that doesn't pan out, tell them you'll see them at conference for a night out!

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Awhile ago, I was on Twitter and tweeted:

Librarians,create 2 habits
1.step out from behind your desk
2.make eye contact
People are more important than a desk/screen #tlchat #txlchat

— Naomi Bates (@yabooksandmore) March 29, 2016

I usually put out about two tweets a day (unless you catch me in a Twitterchat) and that day, my phone was dinging with notifications.  Looks like this resonated not only with librarians but educators and administrators as well.  And so, it got me thinking....what are some other things that we, as librarians, could tweak just a little, to make a HUGE impact?  Here is my top five list of
habit-breakers for librarians.

1. Evaluate your signage.  Our signage is used to direct, help, and inform but most all, it's put up to capture the attention our the library users.  But is the attention they're getting positive or negative? Students see enough negative signs telling them not to do this, or don't do that.  Librarians shouldn't fall into that quagmire of "no"s and "nay"s.  We need to rise above it and create signage that makes people at the most, smile and at the least, pay attention without frowning.  With space being a premium in libraries, use it to make our students and users want to obey the signs, not rally against them.

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2. Share and share...and keep sharing. It's difficult to admit the truth, but I'm going to do it...I'm a hoarder.  If I have one cute notepad, I have a hundred.  And I don't use them because they're too cute and I'll find something to do with it later.  Then five years from now, it'll still be there unused and perfectly archived.  That's okay with paper but it ISN'T okay with technology.  What happens if someone breaks it? What happens if it's never returned? This cost a lot of money.  Librarians can become Gollums with technology and over time, it's hard to keep up with all of my preciouses. And then the unthinkable happens - the precious becomes obsolete! So don't hold back on what we've purchased because innately, we purchased them to be used.  Have parameters, but along with that, have faith in your campus.

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3.  Look at the role you play.  What does the word librarian mean to you?  What does a librarian say or do?  If you were walking into a library, what would you like to see in a librarian?  Who are you describing?  If you see yourself in the description of a good librarian, that's good.  I have traits of a good librarian, but not every single one of them.  Oh,to please the masses!  So tweak what needs to be tweaked and flaunt what you got! And always know you're like (fill in the blank with all SORTS of similes that could work from wine to technology, to a new sweater et al!)...with time it just keeps getting better. 

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4. Focus on those other non-librarian things.  It's the small thing they don't teach in library school that could have tremendous impact.  Can anyone say feng shui?  Nothing feels as good as stepping into a library that's pleasant to be in. Be intentional in placement.  Be aware of smells (for real!!). Look at patterns and use them to your advantage. Everyone has a creative side!  Try something new, like convo bubbles in book displays or using tabletops for makerspaces (and sit at these for awhile and see what happens!).  Oh, I know there are those out there shaking their heads, thinking they don't have a creative side.  That's okay.  One word to cure that remedy:  Pinterest!

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5. Do something impactful with everything you do in the library. If you read, do so with a goal in mind of what you're going to do with all those great reads.  If you're online looking at sites, think about how you'll incorporate that into a lesson or with students.  Start creating curated lists of EVERYTHING to whip out when the time is right!  When you're making purchases consider the impact they will have on the library and the patrons you serve.  Don't just be a librarian, BE a librarian!  There is a difference.

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1. We aren’t always reading. We do have a social life. How we conduct ourselves professionally isn’t always how we conduct ourselves personally, and don’t EVEN start stereotyping that right now! Nor do we catalog everything in our pantries, chest of drawers, or our mailbox. We go out, have fun, socialize outside of our library circles, and have some of the most amazing hobbies ever!!

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2. We enjoy answering questions. Even if it's the most obscure questions, we’ll find a way to get to the bottom of it. Want to make a librarian giddy? Ask us a hundred questions! But we may not know everything and yes, there will be times when we will Google what we need to know (gasp!)

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3. Silence isn’t our closest friend Believe it or not, libraries have areas where people can actually talk and work together. And no, we don’t mind it. Learning involves conversations, so the shushing has slowed its roll.

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4. Please don’t call us the book Nazi, the video Nazi…in fact, just leave that word out of anything that has to do with libraries! We actually enjoy sharing and bending rules a little

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5. We work in a library, a libratory, a makerspace, a learning commons space, and a safe haven. So that makes us librarians, libraritorians, makerspace-ites, learning commonistas, and a safe haven.

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6. We don’t like to be the lone wolf. In fact, we thrive better when we are working and collaborating with someone rather than winging it alone. We may be the only librarian on campus, but don’t put Baby in the corner!

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7. We want everyone to know the truth! Especially about the internet! Knowing how to distinguish between what’s fact and what’s fiction is important to know! Databases are only part of it…we can show you the bigger picture! I promise, I’m not shouting, I’m just enthusiastic!

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8. We are flexible. Not only can we walk into an English classroom with the confidence of a superhero, but we can do the same in a science, history or math classroom as well. And that doesn’t even include all the other subjects, which we can handle hands down. Now, THAT’S flexible!

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9. Librarians aren’t just about books anymore. We love..nay, we crave technology! We try to stay up with the latest trends, resources and implementation of technology to make sure you have the newest and best information out there. The hum of a computer hard drive accompanied by the tapping of fingers on touch screens are music to our ears!

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10. We are networking fools! Not only do we love to collaborate, we also love to learn and share too! Doesn’t matter…if you get two or more librarians in a room together, it’s the beginning of an audacious networking party!

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I did this project a couple of years ago and decided it's once again time to do bookfaces with newer titles.  So here they are (most of the are new..some are just classics)!

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We live it.  We love it.  We are passionate about it.  And just what exactly is "it?"  The library, of course!  But it's beyond that.  Beyond books, beyond technology, beyond the due date stamp.  When it comes to librarians and their passions, let's just say we can be a tough crowd to buy gifts for.  But FEAR NOT!  Here is a list of 10 websites YOU can use (or tell someone who needs to know this!) to warm the heart of the most curmedgeonly, geekiest, book nerdiest, and alphabetically obsessed librarians out there!:

1. Mental Floss: http://store.mentalfloss.com/new-arrivals/
Not only does it have some pretty cool t-shirts, but some very unusual books which can't be found on booklists librarians use.

2. Klear Gear: http://www.kleargear.com/
You can get a better clue about what type of person a librarian is just by looking at their desk.  Why not splurge on some very unique desk and office decor.  There are tons of other geek things we'd all love  to show off our love for all things nerdy!

3.   Paddywax: http://www.paddywax.com/Shop/Library
It isn't enough we want to work in a library, but we love the smell too!  Nothing beats the smell of an old dead author and this website offers them all!  Edgar Allan Poe?  How about Jane Austen?  My personal favorite is John Steinbeck. Who knew he could smell so amazing?!?

4. Cafe Press: http://www.cafepress.com/+library+clothing?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=40356349&utm_content=357822031&utm_term=kwd-9644233571-bb-c
If you've never visited Cafe Press and looked through their extreme collection of clothing for library lovers, well now's your chance.  Super librarian?  Check.  Library Humor? Check.  Quotes? Check!  Too many to choose from, and all what a librarian would love

5. Think Geek: http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/jewelry/
This site is great for the guybrarian you know as well as the girlbrarian too!  I chose this particular link because who else would carry a Death Star or Yoda charm to put on a Pandora bracelet?  Yeah, and this is just tapping into the geek waiting for you when you open this puppy up!

6. Demeter Fragrance: http://demeterfragrance.com/paperback.html#  (or try Amazon)
What exactly does an old paperback smell like?  Should we even go there?  Well, fear not!  For those who love the smell (not moldy book, no no!!) then go ahead a splurge!  You too, can smell like an old paperback book!!

7. Gone Reading: http://gonereading.com/group/book-shaped-plates-platters/
Some of us have said we eat, drink, and breathe books.  Well, here's a site that could help your gastronomic endeavors.  Just put food on these book plates and let the eating begin! (check the clearance link...they're on sale!)

8. Out of Print: http://www.outofprintclothing.com/collections/womens-tees
Cool tees for ALL librarians!  From picture books to classics and other things, these are by far the best looking tees of the  bunch! They have some pretty cool coasters too, of all things sacred to libraries!

9. Zazzle. http://www.zazzle.com/librarian+mugs
This collection happens to be mugs.  Why a hot beverage, you ask?  Because nothing says I love books more than a hot cuppa and a good book.  NOTHING.... And for those of us who can't quite grasp drinking and books because of spillage, they have travel mugs with lids too.

10. American Library Association Store: http://www.alastore.ala.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=164&gclid=Cj0KEQiAjpGyBRDgrtLqzbHayb8BEiQANZauh4dUi5SXlBNNDldnxqdW-Zt0Ys4yxFFJna67kW5NqksaAnHh8P8HAQ
You call yourself a librarian? Yeah, well you're not a true librarian (or someone related to a true librarian) if you didn't put this store on the list! 

Happy Holidays Everyone!  Let the e-shopping BEGIN!!  *and if you happen to need my address for shipping purposes, just shoot me an email :)

image link: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/NUC_Christmas_Tree_S_Calhoun.jpg

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Dylan Thomas had it right:
     "Do not go gentle into that good night...Rage, rage against the dying of the light."


Okay, maybe rage isn't the exact word I'd use for librarians.  But the theme of this poem is exactly what I'd use for librarians.  It's amazing how fast libraries and our profession has altered in the last 10 years.  I remember having a card catalog still available in the school where I started my first job as librarian. (and no, it wasn't in the sixties or seventies either...more like the late 90's).


What Thomas is conveying in the poem is to never give up, never stop fighting the good fight, always move forward and onward despite difficult times.  With this rushing tide of change we are part of, when it comes to libraries and our roles in them, this is a theme we must adopt.  But it doesn't always mean you have to be on the frontline taking it all in at once. 


Moving forward doesn't have a speed limit as long as it continues to go forward.  Some librarians have moved quickly and embraced change while others are more tentative, waiting to see how things work, what is going to happen and then act on it. Collectively, we become that tide with change following in our wake.

Last night I was in an exceptional Twitter chat with Angela Maiers where the topic was "#youmatter. When was the last time someone said that to you?  When was the last time you said that to someone? So, I'm here to say you DO matter!  Not only do you matter, but what you do matters too.  Librarians shouldn't be pigeon-holed to a stereotype that keeps perpetuating and the further our profession moves forward, the more we will be valued for what we are today.  There should be no excuses, no reasons to not want to be professionally fierce.

And not wanting to change are the difficulties we must rage against, and they are our most powerful enemy. It's time to fight AGAINST dark days and be a part of the battalion who want better than what once was.  It's about goals we can make and do our best to fulfill; making and committing to a change (small or large) to make yourself part of the fast-paced change our profession now demands.

Oh, I'm not saying anyone should spend their entire summer working, but we all know that educators take their work with them even when summer break is happening.  Asking the "what if..." question and then pursuing it can make all the difference (and that's another poem by Frost for another day :)

Here are a few ideas:

1. Look at your procedures and tweak them to allow more fluidity.  It's not about the "stuff" but about the positive relationships you can create.

2. Take a web tool you've never used before and teach yourself through Youtube videos, tutorials on the website, or by Googling how to use it.  Make a goal to incorporate this into your library or teach it to a class.

3. Network.  More than that, bring in a positive perspective and shy away from those who network and bring complaints.  Even if you don't like something, find that one thing that made it good.

4. Read books.  Lots and lots of books (or as many as you possibly can).  Now take them and share them with your campus however you'd like.

5. Create an orientation presentation for students or new teachers. Delete the facts from the slides (because you're going to tell them) and adapt it to capture attention, not be read.

6. Attend a workshop and make it your goal to accomplish it during the school year, not one you just attended for summer credit.

7. Let someone or more than one know they matter and why.

8. Volunteer to be part of staff development.  It can be a variety of ways from offering equipment, helping with information, presenting, creating ideas.  The more involved you are, the more you'll be seen as part of the team.

9. Look at the library spaces and see what could be a possibility to accommodate students or classes. Think about everyone's needs, not just a specific audience.  Kids aren't quiet by nature...how does this impact the library? How can it be changed?

10. Challenge yourself to be available.  Not just behind the circulation desk or your office, but on the floor, in the halls, at events and functions.

Now let's make some waves!~~

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So, I would say I'm a pretty connected librarian, and I definitely will say my professional Twitter account has really taught me a lot.  Not only have a learned SO MUCH, but it has also helped me connect with colleagues, authors, and libraries; be a voice for the librarian in a chat room full of teachers and administrators; and allows me to share my passions.

With that in mind, I'm dedicating this blog post to some of the best things I've tweeted, learned about, and connected with since January 2015.  This is just a sampling and if you like the taste of this tech piece of chocolate, you really should think about joining in :)


What I've learned from others (Jan 2015-present):

Does anyone have access to Word 2010? It has built in citation/bib generators.#TXLchat
— dlmackinney (@dlmackinney) January 14, 2015

Tie the principal to a chair & make him/her read this on improving your next faculty meeting http://t.co/tUC45F16Ze pic.twitter.com/ZdMOHP5sAq
— Blunt Educator (@BluntEducator) February 2, 2015

How to be a Presentation Ninja - the secret BONUS #SCASL15 preso yesterday! http://t.co/pa7CBeAbV0Thanks to all who dropped by!
— The Daring Librarian (@GwynethJones) March 13, 2015

@NancyJoLambert I love @Pocket I keep the great stuff I find on Twitter or the web to use at a later time #txlchat

— Becky Calzada (@becalzada) April 1, 2015

Things I've Shared (Jan 2015-present:

Infographic & article-a must read Code of Best Practices in Fair Use http://t.co/Sqfqs8vi2E #edchat #txeduchat #engchat #TXLchat #TL_Chat
— Naomi Bates (@yabooksandmore) January 3, 2015

MUST READ for all educators: Web Tools & Age Limits by @HCPSNC http://t.co/ZjogQXCIwT #tlchat #txlchat #edtech #edchat #engchat #nisdchat
— Naomi Bates (@yabooksandmore) February 19, 2015

Movie trailer site searched by genre, recent, popularity, studio et al! http://t.co/nbbQovU1z7#tlchat #txlchat #elemchat #engchat #edchat
— Naomi Bates (@yabooksandmore) March 12, 2015

11 Reasons a Librarians Are Better Superheroes Than the Avengers: http://t.co/AHG1nGRaJp #txla15 #tlchat #txlchat #txeduchat #txed #edchat
— Naomi Bates (@yabooksandmore) April 17, 2015

My three favorite Twitter chats:
#readYAlit (of course!) It happens once a month and is all about young adult literature.  Not just titles, but more meaty topics about YA lit.  Topics like sexual violence in YA lit to revamped dystopia/author chat to unreliable characters in YA lit are discussed.  And yes, there are tweet chat where it's all about readers'choice of excellent YA books too.  It really helps me keep updated on new books and really helps with my ordering list!

#eduality  happens every Monday night, and I wish that evening was free, but alas!  I can't always join this one.  But when I do, I LOVE IT.  This is a no holds barred chat about education...the good, the bad and everything in between.  The chats are also very thought provoking as well.  Questions like, "If you could put something from today's world of ed in a time capsule to make sure in 100 yrs it is valued, what would it be?" The other tweets this anonymous Twitterer writes are hilariously true!

#txeduchat is on Sundays weekly and if nothing else, I love to be involved and to learn from teachers and administrators from around the state and the different ways districts in Texas are doing innovative things.  There is nothing like "hometown" connections, and this chat, although not one specifically for librarians, is perfect for the teacher side of this librarian.

Lurking, tipping your toes in the water, or doing a freefall into Twitterdom...it's all good! Hope to see you on the flip side!

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It's finally here.  The last day is on me, and all I can say is, "WOW!  That went by fast!" Summer is here and a lot of educators reflect on this past year to see where they've come from.  Some go beyond reflection and begin to think about next year.
I'll admit, I'm already thinking of some things I'd like to accomplish next year.  But I have to rein myself in and really think hard about what I did this year and how it worked out for me.  Where to start?

Get a snapshot of the past year: it's easy now these days to click on a couple of buttons and whaa-la!  Instant report!  That's the beauty of circulation statistics.  This year, try to go a little deeper.  Think beyond those common statistics and build a snapshot worthy of the amazing things happening in your library.  If you have social media attached to the library, go back and do a review of what you posted, what was video'ed, pictures taken...the whole thing.  Use these as statistics of the wonderful job of creating relationships has done for the library.  Numbers are only that....there are no qualifiers of relationships in numbers.  But pictures and videos?  Comments on a post?  Yep, that's gold!  Quite by accident, I stumbled on the amount of books checked out by genre because of how I re-did the spine labels. It was quite interesting and something I can use for next year.  Report on community and public library partnerships as well as those virtual PLNs you're involved with.  Going beyond may take a little more work, but guaranteed to get someone's attention than numbers ever will.  Also snazz up your reports by changing the fo
rmat.  Why not try a screencast?  How about a Thinglink?  Not only are you showing off your report, you're showing off your tech savviness as well.

Look at your goals for this year: did you accomplish at least 50% of the goals you set out for yourself?  Remember, goals are NOT a to-do list, so doing all of them is not the idea behind it.  Success is the moment when I know I've done something beyond what I expected while reaching a goal.  What do I do with the others ones I didn't accomplish? I simply look at those and ask myself why I prioritized them/accomplished them in a certain way, see if they need to be modified, and either continue pursuing those goals or taking them off the list.  One thing I won't do is beat myself up over what I didn't do.  We all have to look at it as a glass  half full.  I don't know about you, but I'm a list person too.  My lists aren't my goals, more like things  needing attention.  But they can definitely play a role into my goals.  They're more like small reflections to trigger other ideas. Not all of them are completed, but it makes me hyper-aware of some things needing to be done.

Go learn something new! I don't know what other states are like, but here in Texas, we are required to have 12 professional development hours each summer.  That's two workshops, and to me, it's simply not enough!  I think part of being a teacher librarian is learning, but we get the double whammy because we aren't only teacher librarians, but techbrarians and bookbrarians as well.  Keep an open mind and eyes wide open because there are so many great PD out there to choose from!  Go to a library conference like ALA to not only get your PD hours, but fulfill your book, technology and teaching all at once.  Or try PD from a local or regional source.  Whatever it is you attend, the most important thing to bring back is an idea you can implement.  ONE idea will make a difference.  6 hours of a workshop goes by in a blur, so get your focus on and choose one, two or three ideas and work them over in your mind during the summer.  Trying to do it all never succeeds and can lead to overload quickly.

Advocate for school libraries! Not me! you say?  Hold on...yes you.  Sometimes we think of advocacy as talking, standing in front of an audience extolling the virtues of the importance of libraries.  Yes, there are some doing just that.  But there are others who advocate just as strongly with a quiet presence.  Librarians I love, know and admire make a difference on social media like Twitter by advocating with words and belonging to PLNs with administrator presence.  Other librarians advocate through technology and make their webpages be a visual advocacy piece hard to overlook.  Still other librarians go online and faithfully blog about the wonderful books (e-books and otherwise) coming out as well as integrating them into reading lists for summer programming.  You also have librarians who work well in a smaller setting and taking partnerships to another level.
What's the best thing about summertime?  ICE CREAM!!  Think of librarians as ice cream.  There are all sorts of flavors out there, even the specialty ones (my favorite is pecan pie ice cream).  And then come the toppings....Who would want to live in a world of only chocolate or vanilla ice cream?  It takes different types of librarians advocating different ways.  This build-up is what creates the power behind advocacy.  

So, enjoy your summer!  Read a book while your out there on a long trip.  Take a device on an airplane, put on headphones and listen to audio books while watering the back yard.  Even during the summer, a little bit of librarian always comes out along with the tan lines :)

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I was collaborating with a fellow librarian to come up with something with some humor in it to remind teachers about some of the things that are still going on with the library.  It prompted me to write this countdown:

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I still go back to where it all started – my hometown library – and see that while it has changed throughout time on the inside, it continues to be nostalgic and safe. Now, as part of the profession, I find myself looking into the future and cannot WAIT to see the changes, with the reassurance of a constant – relationships.  Change is scary but having a constant helps ease that fear.  SO glad I grew up the way I did and had those influences!  Now I get to go work at my passion every day and make the library and librarianshipjust as important as the classrooms on campus. 

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Yesterday, I was searching for a website I used last year to create an online button/logo and couldn't for the life of me remember what it was.  So I used the good ole standby website Delicious.  And I was virtually slapped in the face....

There used to be a time when I was excited about the newest and best out there, using the programs and huge creativity of people's minds to share web 2.0 content and how it could be utilized.  But then the inevitable happened - I began to focus on what could be used in the classroom and library and the edges got blurry.  No longer did I need to know more, I needed to use more of what I already knew!

And the pool of web content and tools for the classroom began to grow stagnant.  It was a slow and gradual process until I looked down one day and saw the green and realized I needed some chlorine....fast!  My Delicious pool is getting green!!

So, what are those websites I focused on to create that stagnancy?  You know them....Prezi, Animoto, Voicethread, Glogster, Wix, Weebly.  The bookends of excellent educational technology, as well they should be.  They've earned the right to be there.  But what do I have between those bookends that I can pull from and train, teach and expand student engagement and teacher knowledge? 

So I went  to get the best of the best for web tools, and here are some sites I'll be using that showcase those sites on the cusp of grandeur:

AASL Top Twenty Five Best Websites:
http://www.ala.org/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/bestwebsitestop25

Larry Ferlazzo's Best Web Apps in 2012:
http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2012/07/10/the-best-web-2-0-applications-for-education-in-2012-%E2%80%94-so-far/

Digital Goonies: Creative, outside of the box thinkers on web tools:
http://digitalgoonies.com/

I need to fill in the bookends with new ideas and technologies to pull, learn and teach the campus I work with so I don't have to sit and watch the millionth Animoto or the two millionth Prezi....know what I mean?

And thank you Kristin Fontinchiaro for reminding me:  It's about focus and balance, not about creativity and a project done.  Educational technology should showcase the learning, not the product.

Sites I'm really enjoying right now?  Tripline, Symbaloo, Jux, Haiku Deck....:)
And yeah, I'm reading some good YA novels too!! 

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Okay, so I took the summer off from everything except a few tweets here and there. This summer was just a time-out for me so get re-focused and enjoy bliss. Don't get me wrong, I love the library, librarianship, librarians...but I wanted to enjoy other things. I painted, swam, became a master at Tiny Wings, and cooked some savory and unsavory dishes. I vacationed, I slept, and I spent time planting trees and trying to keep them alive in this hellish heat.

But now, I'm back at work and there's something to be said about going back to work and getting back that professional focus. I want to be ON FIRE this year!! So, what do I have planned? Oh, so many things! First of all, this is the year I program! I've been saving emails, listening to what others have done, and will try to replicate these in the library. Here are a few ideas (not all my own ideas, so thanks virtual friends out there!)  We'll meet once a six weeks or monthly, depending on how good my group is :)

Blind Date a Book - wrap a book in brown paper wrapping and have them be checked out by my (hopefully) book club to read and swap.

Poetry Slam - So many ideas!  I'm following a thread right now about Blackout Poetry and Susan Smith has a wonderful idea dealing with words and pages.  I'm also going to try my hand at spine poetry as well

Book Club - I've heard many people talk about how hard it is to get a high school group going, but I'm still going to try.  I'll do it during lunches where there will be incentive (think food) as well as online through bookclubit

Book Bake-Off - I saw this last semester and loved the idea!  Read a book, bake something that's thematic or relevant to the book and display (tasting later!!)

Book Art - Who doesn't like a great craft now and then?  Who doesn't have weeded books they're getting rid of?  In comes book art for the book club.  It'll be all about cutting, shredding, pasting, and redesigning for library displays!

Book Techie - Let's get these kids involved!  I'll be setting up GoodReads and Shelfari with the students as well as getting each one to read an e-book from the collection.  I'll also try my hand at book trailers (of course!!)

I Dont Wanna Read Non-Fiction! - Get the club to choose and read non-fiction and create a web-based project about the book to be displayed on the library webpage

Booktalking by Genre - pick a favorite genre, read a book, booktalk it!

And so that's what I want to do this year besides the co-teaching with teachers, doing booktalks, helping with technology and databases and being involved on the state level.  You know, it may sound like a lot, but for high school librarians, it's something we can all handle and do, especially with capable help. 
Wish me luck in this endeavor!!!!!

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I'm not new to the whole social media network.  It's just that I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the redundancy that can potentially happen when you have so many different networks you're using.  Of course, Youtube and Schooltube hold exclusively video, so it just makes sense that's where I put my book trailers.  But then there's the ubiquitous task of what I put on my blog versus what I post on Twitter.  Right now all of my book reviews are on my blog, but should I also post links to my Twitter account?  And technology...most of the cool things I find online and share are found on my Twitter account, but do I post them on my blog?

This is the conundrum.  Finding two very distinct platforms, I feel like I should treat them like sisters - give each of them loving attention while understanding the different personalities they are.  They both have some of the same friends, but they also have different friends they play with (friends = followers).  I ask myself, "If I find the same information on Twitter, why should I follow on Blogger...or vice versa.  It's that ugly redundant head poking it's way into the twisted wires of technology.

 So, for now, I have decided to keep them separated.  I know how cramped it can be when sisters begin to share a room.  Believe me, I had to share with TWO! : )

So, if you want to follow my posts on  Twitter, please do!  I just posted two fabulously amazing sites a few minutes ago on twitter (@yabooksandmore).  And if you like what I post on Blogger, I sure do appreciate ya'll!!  Any every now and again, I'll have to just post the same thing on both.  I already do this in tandem with my book trailers.  So check it out and follow if you'd like.

 It could be too much YABAM (YABooksAndMore)  ....WOW!!  That sounds like a PERFECT onomatopoeia word!!  ie, I need a trailer/book review to put in a booktalk...YABAM!!!  hahahaha!!  Testing days make me giddy at the end of the day, forgive my punchiness :)
See you online!

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here are the rest of my genres I have in the library:
  link:  http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5187533/Novels_in_Verse



 link:  http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5187661/Real_Life_Reads


link:  http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5187705/Classic_and_Adult_Fiction

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First of all, I have to say that librarians are creative, forward-thinking, and imaginative.  This is the case for Sofia D'Arcy, a middle school librarian from  Houston ISD.  She created signage from old weeded books...so for those of us wanting signage but not wanting to spend a lot of cash, there is a solution thanks to brilliant minds in the library world!

And she also provided instructions as well:
• I traced the letters on the back of the book (hint: be sure to keep at least part of the binding intact as in the “o” and the “c”)


• I cut them out using a jigsaw, but I’ve since added a scroll saw to the mix. I used a drill to get to the middle sections. I sanded the rough edges. If you decide to use a Dremel or other rotary device be aware that since it spins really fast you can burn the edges if you aren’t careful. I used a Black and Decker Mouse.

• After I made the shelf from two pieces of pine, I placed the letters and marked where I wanted the braces to go. I screwed those in and glued the letters to the braces. I screwed three picture hanger things to it to hang. If you are interested in seeing the back, just let me know and I’ll take a picture to send to you.

• Two things to consider: thinner books are easier to cut and take a look at the book without the cover.

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It's just a link, but a great one.....
http://www.commoncraft.com/video/plagiarism

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This morning, I had the privilege to be interviewed by a college student for a project.  After asking all of the typical questions about libraries and my field, he asked me if the role of a librarian has changed because of technology.  Of course, you know the answer to that.  It's not about books anymore....

But it was the next question that made me really think.  He then asked, "Which do you feel is more important, books or technology?"  My immediate reply was both.  I was split between both because of the integration and integral pieces of both. 
It was after he left that I really REALLY started to think about it.  Books.....or technology?  Where does my heart truly lie?  It's like asking which came first, the chicken or the hen.  Back in 1996 when I was a teacher, I got my first taste of educational technology, but it was the books that sustained me.  Three years later and a full-fledged librarian, I became intrigued with technology, even creating my first ever blog (which I thought was a place to store bookmarks) with books surrounding me, still part of my landscape.  It was like having an older child and its youngest sibling, being able to predict one, still grappling with the behavior of the other.  

But I digress.  My love has always been books, from the first one I've read to the latest one I'm reading now.  It's the foundation, information and story they have that makes them individually valuable or worthless; time well spent or time spent on.  It was around during King Solomon's reign is still exists thousands of years later.  Books fill a need for me as a librarian.  It showcases my talents, my relationships with them and an individual or groups or readers, my abilities as that traditional librarian who knows her books.

But then there's the technology.  A sweeping change across the face of our field, transforming what people see everyday into something far more grand and beautiful.  It's transformed my booktalks and is meeting the needs of today's teens, who are all bound up in video and instantaneous virtual gratification.  It makes those paper projects dull in comparison to the shiny LCD screened in project only technology is capable of.  It puts books in the hands of those technophiles.  It's not about old school, it's about trending.

So, without a list and with still a lot of thinking, I still don't know which would outway the other.  I still have a lot of thinking to do.  And the interviewer, a former student who graduated from my school 2007?  He told me he was NEVER a reader until his senior year.  It was during a booktalk I did where I captured him with the trailer for Frank Beddor's The Looking Glass Wars that he flipped and become a true reader.  I made a difference using books and technology.  I wonder.... would it have been the same without technology?

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Took the plunge!!  The funeral wreath is from our floral class and it just fits perfectly : )  This is the supernatural section.   Working on fantasy next....

I know it's a little thing and lots of people are doing it, but it was WORK and I'm just so proud that I finally jumped tracks a little : )

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I'm using this as the intro video tomorrow and Tuesday for my booktalks! 

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Done all sorts of things over the weekend, and found this video...had to share it : )

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Even if you don't, you have to try this. A fellow librarian in my district shared this with our group.
Type into Google "Things Librarians Fancy" and be prepared!! Hilarious stuff!!!

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