CEdu 572 - 12/15/10

1. Which selection tools do you like best?  Why?


I thought the School Library Journal was the most interesting.  I liked it's evaluative and objective opinions on selections.  Plus I liked the articles.  Catalogs didn't strike me as objective, as they are trying to sell me things.  That being said, I liked the catalogs' pretty pictures.


2.How are you doing on your web page?  It's due at our next class.  Questions?  Comments?  Be ready to present it to your class.


Heh, well as my blog entry is a little...erm...belated, this is an odd question to answer.  My web page is complete.  But as far as I can see, it won't ever truly be completed.  It was funny as I worked on it.  Every time I looked at it, I thought of something new I could do for it.  I also underestimated the usefulness of Google Sites.  Once I got ahold of someone to help walk me through a few things, I got the hang of it pretty quick (a friend and fellow teacher who uses it in his high school to have students make their own sites).  I'm eager to make another website for my other school now!


3. How are you doing on the Three-Year Plan?  Questions?


Slowly.  I'm having trouble with the surveys.  My school is a bit backward when it comes to technology, and I'm the resident expert.  I've all but been told, "I don't understand this online survey thing, and don't have the time for it."  My question is, can I just do pen and paper instead?


4. Describe 2 things that you would like to do to promote your library and its resources.


A)  I've been making "house calls."  So far this has come in the form of on-call computer/technical assistance.  We recently had everyone's Smartboards mounted, and the last time anyone thought about them was their inservice back at the beginning of September.  Ouch.  But I would like to get a mobile plan of bringing Library resources to teachers instead of the other way around.


B)  I'm also having the Library host as a student art gallery.  I've put out a call to students to both bring in their work, as well as make new work, and post it around the Library.  It's a new thing, so we'll see how it works.


5. (Louis Questions):  How has our class and this week's activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you've learned this week.


A) Everything will be fully processed.  No question.  No substitute.  I also learned that many of us end up using the same selection tools.  I thought to myself, "why not cut out the middle man and get everyone else's opinion on the matter, as they make their judgements based on the same material."  Plus, I just like talking to people better than combing through bulk text.  Call me crazy.  :)


B)  Two things.  I learned during the week off that it's MEGA important to actually take the week off.  My principal's standing order was to absolutely not thing about work during the break.  And boy was that good.  I'm looking forward to doing that again.  Sometimes I tend to worry too much, and the mental break was good.  Second thing I learned during the week off is how much I miss reading for pleasure.  Normally my day is go, go, go.  Even though I carry a book with me where ever I go, I rarely actually read.  And not heavy stuff either.  Cheap fiction.  And it felt good.  It reminded me of when I used to read for fun as a kid, and it rekindled the flame of that enjoyment.  It makes me think of how kids in my library can enjoy that potential as well.  It reminds me that the Library is also a place of relaxation and enjoyment.  And that's just as important as anything else.