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Last updated May 7, 2008
New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries, Janet Martin Welch, has announced that she will retire this Spring.
Mrs. Welch is the first woman to serve as New York State Librarian. Her achievements as State Librarian include a major renovation of the Research Library, enhancement of the Talking Book and Braille Library, and important additions to the State Library's Manuscripts and Special Collections.
During her tenure, a series of grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation brought substantial funding to aid public-access computing in public libraries statewide, and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services contributed to the recruitment of a new and diverse generation of librarians. Participation in the Statewide Summer Reading Program soared to more than 1.25 million, and 35 public library districts were created, extending local public library service to more than 300,000 New Yorkers who previously had none.
With her leadership, the legislative approved new funding for public library construction grants, increased aid for the library systems, and a small but important increase in school library materials aid.
Mrs. Welch worked with the Regents Commission on Library Services on implementing their plan to improve library services statewide. The Commission's plan provided the roadmap for efforts resulting in $34 million in new funding for libraries and led to the creation of NOVELNY, the pilot project for New York's Statewide Internet Library.
Her leadership built on the Commission's plan to shape the New York Library Initiative, the Regents Legislative and Budget Initiative to improve support for public library construction, literacy programs, and libraries and library systems of all types and to provide permanent funding for the Statewide Internet Library.
Plans to begin a search to fill the position of New York State Librarian will
be announced by the State Education Department.
Public Forums on the New York Learning Standards sponsored by the Board of Regents are being convened in April and May throughout the State to focus on the Standards related to English language arts (ELA) and English as a second language (ESL).
Each forum will include a general overview on the Standards initiative
with the majority of the session devoted to small group discussions
that
are designed to elicit your feedback on three key issues:
1. ELA/ESL Standards Content and Substance. Considering the content and substance
of the Standards and Performance Indicators, what do you
recommend be kept? What do you recommend be dropped? What do you feel is missing?
What needs to be updated and/or revised?
2. Organization and Format of the ELA/ESL Standards. Is the organization/format of the current Standards and Performance Indicators easy to understand by teachers and others? Does the current format and organization promote engagement by teachers and does this format make the Standards easily "usable" by teachers? What organization and format would you recommend be considered?
3. Are the ELA/ESL Standards Measurable? How do you feel about the current ability of these Standards and Performance Indicators to be properly measured? Can student understanding or proficiency be measured through multiple assessment approaches? Also, the measurability of the Standards through local assessment measures, State assessments and classroom methods (observation, portfolio evaluation, etc.) will be addressed.
Please note that participant comments will be recorded and shared with the Regents.
The New York Learning Standards are the basis and building blocks for curriculum and instruction, and they will form the framework for statewide assessments as new tests are developed and aligned with the revised Standards. Since this first review area is in ELA and ESL, it is important that English teachers, English as a second language teachers, bilingual teachers, and special education teachers participate in the forums to ensure that affected practitioners are well represented.
FORUMS ON THE NEW YORK LEARNING STANDARDS
May 8, 2008, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.: United Federation of Teachers
Headquarters, 52 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York City.
Pre-registration: Jerrill Adams (718-722-2784 / jadams@mail.nysed.gov)
May 9, 2008, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Adirondack Community College Gymnasium
[The Gymnasium is the first building on the right on entering the
campus’ south entrance on Bay Road. Parking is immediately to the
right after the Gymnasium.], 640 Bay Road, Queensbury. Participants
are
invited to bring lunch, if they so wish. Food and beverages will be
available for purchase.
Pre-registration: Janice Keller (518-746-3310 / e-mail: jkeller@wswheboces.org)
May 13, 2008, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Nottingham High School, Cafeteria,
3100
E. Genesee St., Syracuse.
Pre-registration: Kathy Southwell (315-433-2602 / e-mail: ksouthwe@ocmboces.org)
May 21, 2008, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.: Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES,
School Services Building, West Conference Room, 200 BOCES Drive,
Yorktown Heights.
Pre-registration: Marla Gardner (914-248-2330 / e-mail: mgardner@pnwboces.org)
More detailed information on the Standards review process and the forums is available on the Curriculum and Instructional Services website - http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/cis.
Come and hear the answer to this question! Join the Southern Westchester BOCES School Library System and Gale, Cengage Learning as we present a workshop on May 6, 2008 at Southern Westchester BOCES, 2 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the 21st century delivery of reference content called eBooks. In this session we will review your existing NOVELNY eBook collection and discuss ways to build your electronic library by choosing titles that are relevant to your curriculum needs. We will also provide details on a limited exclusive offer that will provide the opportunity for each high school and middle school to buy into a package which leverages your buying power and gives access to a greater number of books at a much more cost effective price range.
This is an excellent and cost effective way to bring your library into the new millennium.
Please contact Janet Jamal, School Library System office, 345-8500, ext. 122, e-mail, jjamal@swboces.org regarding your attendance.
Betsy Drennan from Discovery Education will conduct two sessions on Unitedstreaming's new Science products for elementary and middle school students on May 15, 2008 at Southern Westchester BOCES, 2 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY, 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon OR 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Each session will cover both products.
Discovery Education Science for Elementary: Engage students with science while reinforcing important literacy and mathematics skills. Addresses multiple learning styles by organizing resources like virtual labs, eBooks, an interactive glossary and more into: "Learn, Explore, Demonstrate, and Extend."
Discovery Education Science for Middle Schools: Lets students explore like real life scientists. Covering Earth and Space Science, Life Science and Physical Science, it allows students to "Interact, Watch, and Read" in order to expand their knowledge about science concepts and the scientific process.
In addition, Ms. Drennan will discuss a special New York Media Pack that enhances Discovery Education's streaming video library. The 1,200 titles include AIMS and PLANET EARTH, Discovery's landmark natural history series that lets you see the world as never before.
Free trial information will be provided for these products.
Please contact Janet Jamal, School Library System office, 345-8500, ext. 122,
e-mail, jjamal@swboces.org regarding
your attendance.
The New York State Library is pleased to announce that online training sessions (“webinars”) for the EBSCO Publishing content included in NOVELny, a pilot project for the Statewide Internet Library, will be offered at no charge to all library types. These 45 minute sessions will be conducted by EBSCO Publishing.
Webinars are scheduled for May 28th (Wednesday) at 3:30 PM, and June 20th (Friday) at 1:30 PM.
These webinars offer librarians and library staff the opportunity to learn about databases and database interfaces available for children, young adults and adults as part of the NOVELny pilot project.
These sessions will preview the new EBSCOhost 2.0 features which will debut this summer, which will be incorporated in the EBSCOhost databases included in NOVELny.
Also highlighted will be NOVELny promotional materials available from the NOVELny web site (http://www.novelnewyork.org) and free training and support resources available from the EBSCOhost support site (http://support.epnet.com), including resources specific to EBSCOhost 2.0.
Online registration for the webinars is available at: http://www.novelnewyork.org/training.php
For more information about this webinar, contact David Fiske at the State Library,
Division of Library Development by calling 518-486-4857 or by email at dfiske@mail.nysed.gov.
New Members Round Table (NMRT) will be hosting several events at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim (June 26-July 2). These are excellent opportunities to network and meet other new librarians, get tips on how to make the most of your time at the conference, develop a relationship with your conference mentor (yes, there is a program linking you to a more experienced member of NMRT), learn about the goals and activities of NMRT, learn how to become more comfortable and active in ALA, and just have fun. To see the schedule of NMRT events at ALA Annual, please go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/conferencesmeetings/anaheimannual2008/annual2008.cfm
For information about the NMRT Resume Review program, which is year-round, as well as during the conference, please see http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/comm/conference.cfm
To find out more about NMRT, please see http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/nmrt.cfm
The best way to find out about NMRT activities as well as have the opportunity to communicate with other NMRT members on important topics of interest is to subscribe to the NMRT-L list. To subscribe, please see http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/nmrtmailinglists.cfm for directions. You will also see how to access posts that have been archived (see http://lists.ala.org/wws/arc/nmrt-l).
Experience the art, ecology and history of the Garrison, New York, area. Participants will walk the preserved roads from colonial times, stand at the redoubts constructed to thwart the British during the American Revolution, hear the stories of the Hudson Highlands, and see the art that glorified a river.
9:00 Old Road Society: Eric Wagner, Bird and Bottle Inn, 1751 Route 9
Following a talk about the efforts to preserve and maintain the roads of the colonial era, there will be a walk on the old dirt roads that once were the post roads and where many people live to this very day.
11:00 North and South Redoubts: Jim Johnson, Marist College
Led by former West Point Colonel and American Revolution historian, participants will walk to the redoubts which were constructed during the American Revolution to prevent the British from moving north.
1:00 Lunch: The Garrison Terrace Grill
2:00 Lower Hudson Symposium at the Hamilton Fish Library
The speakers will review the ecology, history, and stories of Hudson River Highlands.
"Cultural Encounters in Colonial Times: The Legacy," Laurence Hauptman,
SUNY New Paltz
"The Hudson River," Fran Dunwell, NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation
"Stories of the Highlands," Jonathan Kruk, storyteller
This program can be combined with other IHARE programs for teachers who need additional contact hours for submission to the school district.
To register, go to http://www.ihare.org/programs_teacher2008thewar.html
**************************************************************************
Dr. Peter Feinman
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
914-933-0440
feinmanp@ihare.org
www.ihare.org
Date: July 27 - July 28, 2008
Location: The Lodge at Woodcliff, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Rochester, NY
Event URL: http://tinyurl.com/6eogw4
Registration deadline: May 31, 2008
Theme:
"The Big6 Skills Approach: Putting Curriculum and Information Technology Together" - Instruction, Technology, Collaboration, and Information Literacy
Presenters:
Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz, Co-creators of the Original Big6 Skills
Michael B. Eisenberg (PhD, Syracuse University, MLS, State University of New York at Albany) is Dean Emeritus of the Information School at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Robert E. Berkowitz is School Library Media Specialist, K-12 Advisor for Library Programs, Wayne Central School District, Ontario Center, NY.
Both presenters are "nationally known for innovative approaches to problem-solving and critical thinking/information and technology skills development: the Big6 Skills."
What is Big6?
The Big6 is the most widely known and widely used approach to teaching information
and technology skills in the world. Big6 Overview: http://www.big6.com
New Big6 Academy Themes
Who should attend?
Questions and Registration:
Phone Gina: 585-249-4804 / Email: Gina Luke, gluke@rochester.rr.com
Rates: $795. individual; $675. per person in a group of 4 or more from one district/organization.
Purchase Orders and checks accepted.
IMPORTANT - REGISTER BY: May 31, 2008 to reserve your space.
For complete details about times, location, content, hotel discounts, visit
the Big6 Academy 2008 web site: http://tinyurl.com/6eogw4
This year's SLMS/NYLA leadership retreat scheduled for Sunday evening, August 3, 2008 through Tuesday morning, August 5, 2008 at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY features Barbara Stripling and Gail Dickinson presenting the new AASL Standards.
Please visit the SLMS Continuing Education page http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1157 for the leadership retreat brochure. The brochure includes registration information.
Lucretia McClure, Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, has announced that applications are now available for the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award, which recognizes the achievements of small, medium and large libraries and library consortia of New York State.
The Award was first established as part of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries 1994-95 centennial observance, and it is named after Joseph F. Shubert, former New York State Librarian. The Chair of the 2008 Award Committee is Mr. Samuel L. Simon.
The Award will recognize a library or library consortium that has taken significant steps to improve the quality of library service to its users. This year, the award is co-sponsored by EBSCO Information Services and funded by that organization in the amount of $1,000.
The 2007 the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award went to Galway Public Library in Galway, New York, for their project entitled “Story Quilt.” As explained in their application by Project Director Mary Cuffe-Perez, the Story Quilt is a “one-of-a-kind literary, social history project of the Galway Public Library to gather stories from the community and turn them into one-page narrative poems that capture the images, people and times of the town of Galway, New York. Each poem represents a 'patch' of the Story Quilt.”
Projects nominated for the Award should document measurable progress in identifying user needs, taking steps to meet those needs and evaluating the results. Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply, and previous winners of the Award may re-apply after three years. The deadline for submission is June 1, 2008. The application can be found at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/award/jfsapply.htm or http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/award/jfsapply.pdf
For more information, you can visit the website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/award/index.html#information or you can contact:
Mary Woodward
Regents Advisory Council on Libraries
Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award
New York State Library
10D45 Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
E-mail: mwoodwar@mail.nysed.gov
Phone: (518) 473-8362
Greetings! This will serve as notification of funding and an invitation to school library media specialists in our respective BOCES to participate in training.
1) The Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES (DCMO) School Library System has just been awarded a $15,000.00 grant to provide training and financial opportunities to our member librarians in the use of Primary Sources from the Library of Congress.
2) After speaking with the grantor, an invitation has been extended to school library media specialists (SLMS) associated with other New York State BOCES School Library Systems to attend a two-day training in the use of the Library of Congress Primary Sources, May 21 and 22 at Waynesburg University, Pennsylvania. http://tps.waynesburg.edu/TPS_2008_Eastern_Regional_Conference/index.htm
In addition, the funding agency has also offered these librarians $500.00 travel-assistance stipends. These awards will be provided after you attend the training in Pennsylvania.
3) Please register at: http://iqweb.waynesburg.edu/aam/2008_Eastern_Regional_Conference_Reg.html
Answer the two questions on the online form and note that you are associated with a NYS BOCES. The actual conference is free to participants; the $500.00 is just to offset your travel expenses.
4) Waynesburg is in Western Pennsylvania. Once participants have registered for the event, you should consider coordinating carpooling.
5) This is a great opportunity to receive grant funding for travel to and from
a professional development seminar. Check with your principal before you register
due to the fact that you will likely need a travel day on either end of the
training session.
The Ann Gibson Scholarship Award was established in 1991 by the Youth Services Section of New York Library Association (NYLA) to honor the memory of a dynamic and dedicated children's librarian and storyteller in recognition of her contribution to the field of youth services librarianship.
This $1,000 scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals currently enrolled in an MLS and planning a career in youth services librarianship either in a public or school library.
Requirement information and application forms may be obtained through http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1325.
Funding for this scholarship is raised in part through the Storytellers Event at the Annual NYLA conference. This year's Storytellers will be focusing on themes of Friendship, Working Together, and Sharing to correspond with 2008 NYLA's theme of Connecting, Cooperating, Collaborating.
Application deadline: May 31, 2008
World Book, Inc. and the American Library Association (ALA) have announced the creation of the World Book/ALA Information Literacy Goal Award, which will provide a combined $10,000 annually to a promising public library and a promising school library literacy program. Two recipient programs will be designated annually: one public library or public library system program and one school library program. Each will receive a $5,000 honorarium. The first World Book/ALA Information Literacy Goal Award will be presented at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference. Nominations will be taken from June 1 through Dec. 1, 2008. The form will be available on the ALA Awards Web site, http://www.ala.org/ala/awardsbucket/worldbookaward/worldbookaward.htm.
The entire press release can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/february2008/wb08.htm.
This summer, Project Look Sharp is offering its 10th annual Media Literacy Institute. The 5-day intensive workshop includes both the theory of media literacy and hands-on practice with digital/computer technology (Mac-based). Project Look Sharp staff coach participants in developing and implementing individual media literacy integration plans intended to be used in their academic environments. This course may be taken for 3.1 continuing education units or 2-3 graduate credit units (in which case the course extends 2 weeks beyond the institute and includes an online component). The institute takes place on the campus of Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, and inexpensive on-campus housing is available. Limit of 18 participants. Dates are July 14-18, 2008. If you would like to see a 3-minute video from last year's institute, read comments from last year's participants, or get more information about cost and housing please visit their website at http://www.ithaca.edu/looksharp/services_summer.php.
For more information download the PDF at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/Si2008flyer.pdf, contact Victoria Jordan, 607-274-3471, or e-mail at looksharp@ithaca.edu.
The New York State Library is pleased to announce that it has renewed and enhanced its license agreements with Gale Cengage Learning (formerly Thomson/Gale) for NOVELNY databases in the areas of health, business and newspapers (see below for the list of specific databases). The agreements with Gale Cengage Learning will continue through March 31, 2009.
The Gale URL addresses for individual library accounts will not change. To obtain MARC records, any library can go to the http://www.gale.cengage.com web site, click on MARC Records in the left-hand column (third option), and then on the sub heading "eBook MARC records." Call the NOVELNY Help Desk if additional help is needed.
In renewing the Gale Cengage Learning contracts, New York State Librarian Janet M. Welch accepted the recommendation of NECAT (NOVELNY Electronic Collections Advisory Team). NECAT is the working group appointed by the NOVELNY Steering Committee and charged with recommending NOVELNY-supported electronic collections.
From previous feedback it has been determined that databases in the subject areas of health, business and newspapers are desirable for NOVELNY. The best option at this time was to renew the contracts for the products offered by Gale Cengage Learning in those 3 areas. In addition to the primary databases offered by Gale Cengage Learning in each of those subject areas, the agreements include content attached to the primary license agreements by the vendor. The additional content is not always in the same subject as the primary database. In the list below, primary content is typed in all capital letters and attached additional content is typed using lower case letters. New titles/databases are denoted with an asterisk (*). The agreements include the following:
Health:
Business:
Footwear through the Ages (2004)
Newspapers:
If you have any questions on the resources described above, please send them to nyslnovel@mail.nysed.gov. The NOVELNY Help Desk is available from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday thru Friday by calling 877-277-0250.
NOVELNY is a pilot project for the Statewide Internet Library. It is a powerful virtual library that gives New Yorkers full computer access to thousands of national and international newspapers and magazines, health and medical magazines and resources, valuable business and investment information, and fun and educational material for adults and youngsters - all free via their local library. It connects New Yorkers in every community to state-of-the-art information without regard to economic, geographic, or physical barriers. The NOVELNY pilot opened a new era in library service, thanks to support from the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) program and the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Over 5,000 libraries across the state have become subscribers.
The link is www.childrenslit.com. Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
Information about the 2008 Statewide Summer Reading Program, Catch the Reading Bug@Your Library is now available online. Librarians, teachers, and other educators planning for the 2008 program can go to www.summerreadingnys.org for ideas, links and activities.
Schools, libraries and library systems are invited to link directly to this site where library users can find games and other related links.
Educational studies show that kids who enjoy leisure time reading over the summer perform at higher academic levels when school resumes than those with no summer reading. The Statewide Summer Reading Program keeps kids learning and reading while school is out of session. Participation in the 2007 Statewide Summer Reading Program was 1.35 million - up from 1.2 million in 2006. The goal is to have 1.5 million youngsters participating in the 2008 program.
Printer-friendly fliers in multiple languages encouraging parents to enroll their youngsters in the program are now available on the New York State Library's web site. Go to www.nysl.nysed.gov and click on "Statewide Summer Reading."
Watch for more information about the Statewide Summer Reading Program website in May when more games, activities and other resources for planners will become available.
On March 10 the Academy of American Poets announced the launch of a mobile poetry archive which provides free and direct access to the entire collection of over 2,500 poems on Poets.org, as well as hundreds of biographies and essays, all in the palm of a hand.
On the web at: www.poets.org/mobile
No Computers, No Books, No Wires
Designed using Web 2.0 Internet Standards and Apple's Developers Guidelines, the site is optimized for the iPhone, and formatted for effortless access on most mobile devices. Now, for the first time, mobile users have unlimited access to the rich resources of Poets.org, one of the largest poetry destinations on the web, a site which has steadily expanded and evolved since it was first launched over a decade ago.
Poems can be browsed by author, title, occasion, or form, and searched easily by keyword. Visitors can read a poem, anytime, anywhere-whether to fill a spare moment, find solace, or recite a few immortal lines-verse is now at your fingertips.
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To reach the mobile site, simply go to www.poets.org/m on any mobile device
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About the Academy of American Poets
The Academy of American Poets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1934 to foster appreciation for contemporary poetry and to support American poets at all stages of their careers. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world.
www.poets.org is the official website of Academy of American Poets, offering hundreds of essays and interviews about poetry, biographies of more than 550 poets, over 2,500 poems, and hundreds of audio recordings.
The NYSED Curriculum, Instruction & Instructional Technology (CI&IT) Team's March 28, 2008 E-Blast is now available at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/EBlasts/eblast.html. It is also available on the NYSED CI&IT homepage, http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/, by clicking on the bold text, "CI&IT E-Blast."
Instructions for Accessing SLSA of NYS AP Images Trial Account (expires June 15, 2008)
Go to the web site at http://apimages.ap.org/unsecured/logip.aspx. Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
Instructions for Accessing SLSA of NYS AP Images Trial Account (expires
June 15, 2008)
1. Go to the web site at http://apimages.ap.org/unsecured/logip.aspx
2. Enter the username and password (Please contact Janet Jamal at the School
Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org
for the login information.)
3. You’re in and free to start exploring.
The following message is from State Librarian Janet Welch -
After much deliberation and reflection, I have decided to retire from my position as State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries this spring.
I will depart with a great sense of satisfaction over the progress and achievements of the State Library and New York’s library community during my tenure. None of these would have been possible without the cooperation and collaboration of many individuals and groups, including the Regents, our loyal friends of libraries in the legislature, my colleagues in the Education Department, State Library staff and library leaders and organizations throughout the state.
Here at the State Library, we have undergone a major renovation of the Research Library; enhanced the Talking Book and Braille Library, which performs such an important function for the disabled; and added important historical materials to Manuscripts and Special Collections.
A series of grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has brought more than $20 million to aid public-access computing in public libraries statewide and train staff and users in technology skills. New York’s libraries received E-rate discounts of over $18.4 million in 2007, the highest annual amount awarded in the 10 years of the program.
A substantial grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services has contributed to the recruitment of a new generation of librarians who represent and are equipped to serve their diverse communities. Participation in the Statewide Summer Reading Program has soared to more than 1.3 million children. Since 1999, 35 public library districts have been created, and local public library service has been extended more than 300,000 New Yorkers who previously had none.
Successful advocacy efforts of individuals and groups across the state have helped to obtain legislative approval for new funding for public library construction grants, increased aid for the library systems, and a small but important increase in school library materials aid.
This progress is built on the visionary work of the Regents Commission on Library Services, led by Abby Milstein and Frank Macchiarola; the commitment of Commissioner Richard Mills; and the tireless efforts of Regent Jim Dawson.
I do leave with important objectives not yet met, including state funding for the Statewide Internet Library, building on the successful NOVELNY pilot project, and Saturday hours for the public at the Research Library. I also see an ongoing need to increase ethnic diversity and bring an infusion of younger staff members to the State Library.
My library career has been rich and varied. It started during my undergraduate years at Bucknell University, when I helped with library surveys that my father, Lowell Martin, was conducting across the country and around the world. It later included corporate research library, school library, public library, and academic library work, and then Director of the Rochester Regional Library Council. It has been a privilege to serve in leadership positions in the New York Library Association and the American Library Association.
I feel a great sense of satisfaction in being the first woman to serve as New York State Librarian. Although I haven’t succeeded in meeting all my goals for New York’s libraries, my grandchild in Virginia provides a strong incentive to leave my position this year. Hayden Robert Hart is nearly one year old, and I’ve seen very little of him so far. My family has always been a three-generation one, and closeness between grandparents and grandchildren has been an important part of growing up. My husband and I will settle in Virginia near our daughter and her family.
Thank you to all who have made my time as State Librarian an immensely rewarding and worthwhile experience. I extend my very best wishes to you for the continued success of libraries in New York State.
Many school library media programs celebrate the month of April as School Library Media Month in conjunction with, and sharing the same theme as, National Library Week (April 13-19, 2008). This year's theme is Join the Circle of Knowledge @ your library®
School Library Media Month and National Library Week are wonderful opportunities to participate in the Campaign for America's Libraries and its School Library Campaign component. Ideas and examples of how libraries are successfully using the @ your library brand can be found at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.
More information about Library Media Month can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasladvocacy/schoollibrary.cfm.
Author Night will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Post Road School, 175 West Post Road in White Plains. This year about 40 authors/illustrators will be visiting Post Road School to autograph books. Books will also be available for sale. Books will be on sale from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with book autographing from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to chat with these talented authors and illustrators and/or get books signed for birthday, holiday or graduation gifts. The Author Night flyer can be found at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/Author_Flyer_2008.pdf.
The New York Library Association (NYLA) has unveiled a report that concludes current state aid is not keeping up with the cost of books causing the unacceptable aging of our public school library collections.
The average age of books in school libraries ranges from 21 to 25 years old across the six regions of the state surveyed, with the average book year being 1986. Meanwhile, the average price of an elementary school book is $20.82 and $23.38 for secondary school books, while state aid per pupil is only $6.25 – a mere 27-30 percent the average cost of a single new book per student.
“The average age of our public school library books is astonishing and unacceptable,” said Michael J. Borges, NYLA Executive Director. “The problem is state aid has not kept up with the growing costs of school books which undermines the learning potential of our children.”
You can read the entire press release at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1520 on the New York Library Association's website. For further press coverage by New York newspapers on the topic of outdated books in our public school libraries, go to http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1521.
Noting that public library use increases during tough economic times, the New York Library Association (NYLA) has called upon the State Legislature and new Governor to reach an agreement to restore $5 million in Library Aid, so libraries can continue to offer the services and reading materials to the neediest in our communities.
“When the public’s buying power shrinks and household expenses grow, people tend to rely more on their public libraries for free reading materials and services, like literacy programs and computer training,” said Michael Borges, NYLA’s Executive Director. “That’s why restoring the critical state Library Aid is so important this year.”
You can read the entire press release at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1525 on the New York Library Association's website.
On March 6, Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Anne-Imelda Radice released results of InterConnections: A National Study of Users and Potential Users of Online Information at the 9th annual WebWise Conference on Libraries and Museums in the Digital World in Miami. This new report offers insight into the ways people search for information in the online age and how this impacts the ways they interact with libraries and museums, both online and in person.
“Museums and libraries are alive and well in the digital world!” Radice said. “The InterConnections report shows how people currently search for information and makes the case that the libraries and museums must provide service both online and in person.”
IMLS sponsored this national study through a cooperative agreement with a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill research team led by José-Marie Griffiths and Donald W. King, recognized leaders in information research. Their findings are based on five surveys of 1,000 to 1,600 adults each that were conducted during 2006. The study found that:
The explosive growth of information available in the “Information Age” actually whets Americans’ appetite for more information. People search for information in many places and since the use of one source leads to others, museums, public libraries, and the Internet complement each other in this information-rich environment.
The Internet is not replacing in-person visits to libraries and museums and may actually increase onsite use of libraries and museums. There is a positive relationship between Internet use and in-person visits to museums and libraries.
The InterConnections report provides evidence that public libraries and museums are thriving in the Internet Age as trusted providers of information to people of all ages.
To view the report, please go to http://interconnectionsreport.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
Libraries, library systems, and other organizations are urged to remove from their web sites direct links to the web sites for NEW CENTURY LIBRARIES and the NEW YORK KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE. Both sites are now offline and have been replaced by the NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE.
The NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE web site provides estimates of proposed aid, fact sheets, links to research on libraries, links to other library organizations, and other information and tools. Libraries, systems, and others can download a direct link to the NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE web site by going to www.nysl.nysed.gov/fundingproposals, clicking on “Link to this site,” and following the directions.
The NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE is the Regents legislative and budget initiative for libraries for 2008-2009. The total request for libraries from the Board of Regents is $57.3 million, which includes the NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE and an item in the STATE AID TO SCHOOLS Proposal.
The NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE proposes:
* $10 million annually to fund a permanent Statewide Internet
Library.
* $11 million annually for library systems, including the continuation of the
$8 million in 2007 - 2008 library systems aid.
* $20 million annually for public library construction.
* $7.55 million for Growing Readers @ the Library: Raising Academic Outcomes.
This includes $5 million annually for cooperative early literacy programs; $1
million annually for summer reading programs in libraries; $800,000 annually
for library materials and services for New Yorkers with disabilities; $750,000
annually to open the State Library and State Archives to the public on Saturdays.
The STATE AID TO SCHOOLS proposal includes an item to increase School Library Materials Aid from the current $6.25 per pupil to $10 per pupil.
For more information on the NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE or the Regents Proposal for Libraries, contact Janet M. Welch via email at jwelch2@mail.nysed.gov or via phone at 518/474-5930.
Questions or comments on the NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE web site can be directed to Valerie Chevrette at the New York State Library at 518/474-5961 or via email at vchevret@mail.nysed.gov.
"Winning the War, Winning the Peace" examines how America won the war for independence and survived the international tempest which followed. Participants will hear from the experts at the United States Military Academy as well as from the British side. The field trips cover the historic sites in the Hudson Valley area and provide an opportunity to meet the education curators of the museums and historic sites, hear from other teachers, and enjoy the river experience.
6/27 Friday: West Point (9:00-9:00)
Morning: "Winning the War I: Brooklyn, Saratoga and the Strategic Significance
of the Hudson Valley: British and American Perspectives: West Point faculty
Afternoon: "Winning the War" II: Reassessing Yorktown and the Southern Insurgency: British and American Perspectives: West Point faculty
The British Perspectives will be provided by Ray Raymond, former political officer, British Consulate and adjunct, USMA
3:30 West Point Grounds and Fort Putnam walking and bus tour
5:00 Teaching the American Revolution: West Point faculty
6:15 Dinner: Thayer Hotel
7:30 "Winning the Peace through Diplomacy"
6/28 Saturday: Newburgh (9:00-9:00)
9:00 "The Newburgh Conspiracy," Ray Raymond
10:00 New Windsor Cantonment
11:00 Knox's Headquarters
1:00 Washington's Headquarters
5:30 South Dock, West Point to Constitution Island
7:00 Sunset Cruise: dinner, The Ride of Sybil Ludington: Vin Dacquino, author
and middle school teacher
6/29 Sunday: Andre and Arnold (9:00-9:00; schedule subject to change)
9:00 Walking Tour Tappan
10:45 Washington's Headquarters Tappan
12:00 Lunch: 76 House
1:15 Andre Bus trip: Andre Hill Monument
1:45 Stony Point
3:15 Beverly Robinson House, Flight of Benedict Arnold, Hudson River Vista
7:00 King's Ferry Verplanck
8:00 Monument Park, Tarrytown
6/30 Monday (9:00-9:00)
9:00 West Point Museum
2:00 Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo and Fort Clinton
4:00 Fort Montgomery
7:00 "Keeping the Peace: Diplomatic Challenges for the Early Republic,"
West Point faculty and Ray Raymond
7/1 Tuesday: Fort Montgomery (9:00-2:30)
9:00 Tom Paine and the American Revolution: John Wright, The Thomas Paine House
10:00 Chris Dipasquale, middle school teacher and author of An Object of Great
Importance: The Hudson River During the American War for Independence
11:00 Stories of the American Revolution: Jonathan Kruk, storyteller
12:30 Cruise (from South Dock, West Point)
To register go to: http://www.ihare.org/programs_teacher2008.html
**************************************************************************
Dr. Peter Feinman
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
914-933-0440
feinmanp@ihare.org
www.ihare.org
Experience the ecology and history of the Cold Spring, New York, area. Participants will canoe the marshes of Constitution Island and go seining in the Hudson River at Little Stony Point in accordance with the flow of the tides. The history of the region encompasses the American Revolution including a Tory presence, manufacturing weaponry for 19th century wars, the home of a 19th-century book-writing powerhouse, archaeology excavations to uncover this past, and walk in a village seeking to maintain its identity in a world of globalization, box stores and the internet.
8:30 Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Canoe the marsh in the morning when the tide permits and observe the flora and fauna struggling to survive amidst environmental change. Step back in time and imagine what the river life was long when people first began to settle here.
10:15 Boscobel: Tour the house and gardens by the river of a former Loyalist: house
12:15 Lunch: Meet with the education curator and review the Boscobel curriculum materials
1:30 "The Tories of the Hudson Valley: A British Perspective," Ray Raymond, SUNY, USMA
2:30 Foundry School Museum: The West Point Foundry originated as a canon manufacturer for the American army and later the Union Army during the Civil War. An archaeology excavation is uncovering the material remains of this important part of American history and the artifacts are on display in the Museum. Meet with the education curator and review Foundry curriculum materials.
3:30 Seining, Little Stony Point
4:30 Constitution Island: Tour the American Revolution site that provided one end for the chain across the Hudson River to West Point. Tour the Victorian era home of authors Susan and Anna Warner, popular writers of the 19th century.
This program can be combined with other IHARE programs for teachers who need additional professional development hours before submission to the school district.
For the registration form, go to: http://www.ihare.org/programs_teacher2008coldspring.html.
**************************************************************************
Dr. Peter Feinman
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
914-933-0440
feinmanp@ihare.org
www.ihare.org
The New York State Educational Media/Technology Association provides an annual Media/Technology development grant in the amount of $1,000 for certified teachers in New York State who are working with K-12 students on media literacy. Media Literacy is defined as the ability to comprehend, design, and produce media. It includes critical thinking skills used to evaluate and analyze information in a variety of formats. Media Literacy is essential to be able to distinguish between fact and fiction.
The purposes of the grant are to:
* Support educators who provide resources and services that
correlate to state and national learning standards for instructional excellence
promoting media literacy.
* To provide funds for research projects or demonstration projects that can
be replicated in other areas across the state and nation.
Examples include:
- A film literacy course held after school
- Integrating visual materials into student work
- How to use video effectively in your lesson plans
The conference for 2009 will be held Sept 23rd to the 25th, 2009. For more information, go to http://edmediatech.org/node/28 where you can download the EMTA Grant Application (PDF Format) which can also be found at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/2008_Media_Literacy_Project_Grant.pdf.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes seeks nominations for its 2008 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,000 to support their service work or higher education. Nomination deadline is April 30. For more information and to nominate, visit http://www.barronprize.org/.
Additionally, the Barron Prize is excited to offer educators a comprehensive set of heroes materials, including a brand new documentary film, Dream Big, and a corresponding Young Heroes Activity Guide. For more information, visit http://www.tabarron.com.
Schools are invited to apply for a podcasting grant from Tool Factory and Olympus. Win podcasting software, Olympus digital voice recorders plus all the digital media accessories you need to start a podcasting program. K-12 and special education schools in the US, its territories and Canada are eligible to apply, including private, public and charter schools. Ten grants worth $3,000 each will be awarded each year and there are three chances to win. You must resubmit after every deadline to reapply.
The one-page application is simple and requires only a detailed description of the podcasting project for which the grant’s resources will be used. The grants will be judged upon creativity, relevance to curriculum and the amount of student involvement in the project.
For more information, including the application: http://www.toolfactory.com/olympus_contest/olympus_podcasting.htm.
Deadline: April 30, 2008
The Ann Gibson Scholarship Award was established in 1991 by the Youth Services Section of NYLA to honor the memory of a dynamic and dedicated children's librarian and storyteller in recognition of her contribution to the field of youth services librarianship.
This $1,000 scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals currently enrolled in an MLS and planning a career in youth services librarianship either in a public or school library.
Requirement information and application forms may be obtained through http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1325.
Funding for this scholarship is raised in part through the Storytellers Event at the Annual NYLA conference. This year's Storytellers will be focusing on themes of Friendship, Working Together, and Sharing to correspond with 2008 NYLA's theme of Connecting, Cooperating, Collaborating.
Application deadline: May 31, 2008
World Book, Inc. and the American Library Association (ALA) have announced the creation of the World Book/ALA Information Literacy Goal Award, which will provide a combined $10,000 annually to a promising public library and a promising school library literacy program. Two recipient programs will be designated annually: one public library or public library system program and one school library program. Each will receive a $5,000 honorarium. The first World Book/ALA Information Literacy Goal Award will be presented at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference. Nominations will be taken from June 1 through Dec. 1, 2008. The form will be available on the ALA Awards Web site, http://www.ala.org/ala/awardsbucket/worldbookaward/worldbookaward.htm.
The entire press release can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/february2008/wb08.htm.
This summer, Project Look Sharp is offering its 10th annual Media Literacy Institute. The 5-day intensive workshop includes both the theory of media literacy and hands-on practice with digital/computer technology (Mac-based). Project Look Sharp staff coach participants in developing and implementing individual media literacy integration plans intended to be used in their academic environments. This course may be taken for 3.1 continuing education units or 2-3 graduate credit units (in which case the course extends 2 weeks beyond the institute and includes an online component). The institute takes place on the campus of Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, and inexpensive on-campus housing is available. Limit of 18 participants. Dates are July 14-18, 2008. If you would like to see a 3-minute video from last year's institute, read comments from last year's participants, or get more information about cost and housing please visit our website at http://www.ithaca.edu/looksharp/services_summer.php.
For more information download the PDF at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/Si2008flyer.pdf, contact Victoria Jordan, 607-274-3471, or e-mail at looksharp@ithaca.edu.
BookFlix is offering a free trial period which expires on April 30, 2008. Go to http://bookflix.scholastic.com/freetrial to take advantage of this website trial. Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
Vocational Biographies is offering a free trial period. Go to http://www.vocbiosonline.com/confirm.php?action=confirm&instID=909 to take advantage of this website trial. Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
You have probably heard of Questia.com, the world's largest online library. Now there is a new offering from Questia that is designed specifically for high school students and faculty called Questia School. (www.questiaschool.com)
Questia School is a different kind of database!
Students have individual user names and passwords to access Questia School. When students log in they automatically enter their own personal library complete with a personalized workspace where they can create project folders, place items on a bookshelf, highlight in six colors, take notes on any page of any book, and create automatic citations and bibliographies.
Students and teachers have separate interfaces. Teachers have access to 350 national and state standard-aligned lesson plans and the ability to make assignments directly to students through Questia School. The student interface includes an inbox where they retrieve assignments from their teachers.
Go to http://www.questiaschool.com/demo/questiaschoolUserDemo.html
for a 10 minute demonstration of Questia School:
(from the student's interface)
Here is what Questia School includes:
* Nearly 25,000 full-text, copyrighted books digitized from
cover to cover, and ranked by Lexile level.
* Over 2 million journal, newspaper, magazine and encyclopedia articles.
* American Heritage Dictionary, Colombia Encyclopedia, and Roget's Thesaurus.
* Individual user name and password access to provide each user with a personal
workspace.
* Each user has 24x7 access to the complete online library collection from any
computer with an Internet connection.
* Research tools for note-taking, highlighting in six colors, automatic citations
and bibliographies, and advanced searching.
* A separate library collection just for educators with 4,000 books from top
publishers for professional development.
For a free preview account to Questia School or an online demonstration please
contact:
Katherine Pike at kpike@questia.com
888-950-2580 x 2643
713-358-2643 (direct)
To Login to the Free Trial: Go to: http://trial.ebscohost.com
COIN (Career Guidance System): http://community.coin3.com. Here is a link of a short 5-minute tutorial that might be helpful, http://support.epnet.com/training/flash_videos/COINBasicTutorial.html.
ABC-CLIO: http://www.socialstudies.abc-clio.com/
Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
Recently, EBSCO Publishing announced the release of GreenFILE, a bibliographic database of information about environmental concerns. This database is being made freely available at www.greeninfoonline.com.
GreenFILE indexes scholarly and general interest titles, as well as government documents and reports. This resource offers a unique perspective on the positive and negative ways humans affect the environment. Drawing on the connection between the environment and disciplines such as agriculture, education, law, health and technology, GreenFILE serves as an informative resource for anyone concerned about the issues facing our planet. The database contains nearly 300,000 records, full text for selected titles and searchable cited references for more than 200 titles as well.
Current EBSCOhost customers can elect to add GreenFILE to their profile. If you need assistance, please contact our technical support at eptech@ebscohost.com or visit our support site at http://support.ebscohost.com.
Instructions for Accessing SLSA of NYS AP Images Trial Account (expires June 15, 2008)
1. Go to the web site at http://apimages.ap.org/unsecured/logip.aspx. Please contact Janet Jamal at the School Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org for the login information.
Instructions for Accessing SLSA of NYS AP Images Trial Account (expires
June 15, 2008)
1. Go to the web site at http://apimages.ap.org/unsecured/logip.aspx
2. Enter the username and password (Please contact Janet Jamal at the School
Library System at (914) 345-8500 ext. 122 or e-mail at jjamal@swboces.org
for the login information.)
3. You’re in and free to start exploring.
New York State schools with certified librarians have higher scores on average on the fourth grade English Language Arts (ELA) test than those who don’t, according to the findings of researchers at Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool).
Preliminary findings of research conducted by Professor Ruth Small and graduate students in the Center for Digital Literacy (CDL) show a statistically significant increase—with an almost 10 point difference—in the ELA test scores among fourth-grade students whose schools had certified librarians over students in schools without certified librarians.
“We believe these findings are important to consider, not only because of the higher ELA test scores,” says Small, who directs the school library media program at the iSchool. “These certified librarians are having a larger impact on students’ overall learning as well. Although we’re still analyzing the data, our preliminary results show that certified librarians are also more likely to provide students with materials that present more diverse points of view and that better support the curriculum than non-certified librarians.”
Certified school library media specialists are currently not mandated at the elementary level in New York State, but they are at the secondary level (grades 7-12). There are currently 568,924 students in K-12 schools who do not have access to a certified school library media specialist.
“This preliminary report reaffirms what nineteen other state studies have shown, that school libraries staffed by certified librarians and equipped with current books and technology can have a positive impact on student academic achievement”, said Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the New York Library Association.
The research, which is being funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Studies, included survey responses from 1,612 schools, proportionately representing New York City; large Upstate cities such as Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester; other high-needs schools from urban and rural districts; average need schools; and low-need schools. Even when the need levels of schools were taken into consideration, there was still a 2.2 point difference in average test scores.
“These initial findings supports our efforts to require school library media specialists in grades K-6, especially in those school districts that are not meeting state and federal standards,” said Alan Lubin, Executive Vice President, New York State United Teachers.
The researchers are now currently analyzing more in-depth information gathered from surveys and focus groups involving school library media specialists, students, principals, and teachers from 48 elementary, middle, and high schools across New York State. They will analyze these various groups’ perceptions of school library specialists and their effect on education.
“The NYS Assembly values libraries and believes they are an important part of our educational system. This preliminary report reinforces the need to continue to invest in our schools, especially those lacking a quality school library program,” stated Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Libraries and Educational Technology Committee.
Small hopes to better understand the impact these trained library media specialists have on motivating students to learn, influencing the adoption and use of technology, and servicing students with disabilities and special needs.
“Our preliminary results support what school librarians already knew,” Small says. “Best intentions only go so far. We need people educated in school librararianship and dedicated to motivating students to read and learn in our schools.”
The New York Library Association is supporting an increase in Library Materials Aid from $6.25 per pupil to $10 per pupil as recommended by the NYS Board of Regents. Library Materials Aid is used by schools to purchase books and other reading materials for their libraries. NYLA is also asking the Governor and the Legislature to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to allow the extra funds that high need school districts receive to be spent on hiring school library media specialists and equipping libraries with up to date books and technology.
“This study confirms the direct impact of certified school librarians on the educational success of our children. That is why I am sponsoring legislation (S.1686) to ensure that every school in the state has a library and a school librarian. In recent years, the Senate has successfully proposed record increases in state aid to public libraries, and I will continue to promote support for school libraries," said State Senator HughT. Farley, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries.
The Governor in his proposed 2008-09 Executive Budget removed $5 million in funding for libraries and held School Library Materials Aid at $6.25 per pupil despite proposing a $1.4 billion increase in school aid.
A copy of the preliminary report can be found by going to http://www.nyla.org/content/user_1/Preliminary_Report_Small.pdf or by visiting www.ischool.syr.edu.
Not your grandma's librarian...
As workstations replace dust-covered shelves in your district libraries, a new breed of librarian—the library media specialist (LMS)—has become an essential part of a school’s faculty. These are the people who will integrate the digital world into today’s classroom and throughout the curriculum. Specially trained and knowledgeable in the use of information technology, library media specialists have become one of the most important instructional partners, working with teachers and administrators to change what is possible in the classroom.
“Library media specialists empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information,” says Sara Kelly Johns, president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), one of the 11 divisions of the Chicago-based American Library Association...
To read the whole article on the Scholastic Administrators website, go to http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748779.
$5 million in Library Aid was cut in the Governor's proposed 2008-09 Executive Budget. These funds were added by the Legislature last year as a result of the advocacy efforts undertaken by NYLA and the library community. These advocacy efforts included meetings with legislators in district offices, writing and faxing letters in support of NYLA's Budget Priorities to legislators, attendance at Library Lobby Day, recognizing legislators support through displaying the READ posters, in library newsletters and press releases, and financial contributions from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries PAC to key legislators.
The cumulative impact of all these advocacy efforts resulted in the $5 million increase last year, the second consecutive annual increase in Library Aid in over 10 years. We must now continue these advocacy efforts again this year to restore the $5 million in Library Aid.
Here is how you can participate:
Attend Lobby Day on March 11th in Albany and/or send a fax to your NY State Legislators in support of libraries.
1. Go to NYLA's Homepage at http://www.nyla.org/.
2. Scroll over Advocacy on the menu across the top of the page and click on
Contact Your Elected Official.
3. Click on Take Action under Contact Legislators to restore $5 million.
4. Enter you zip code and fill in other information if necessary.
5. Click Send Message.
You can also add your own message. Some points to emphasize:
**Why the $5 million in supplemental aid is of utmost importance for the support
of school library systems.
**How is the school library system important to the job you do?
**What would an increase in school library materials aid from $6.25 to $10 per
student mean to your school library?
Let your voice be heard with hundreds of school librarians
across the state!!!
Encourage your students to do the same of write their own letters!!
Listed below is timeline for Legislative actions related to the adoption of the State Budget.
Feb. 26th - Senate and Assembly release their revenue projections
for 2008-09.
Feb. 29th - Consensus must be reached on revenue projections or State Comptroller
estimates are used.
March 12th - Senate and Assembly vote on their budget bills/resolutions setting
out their priorities.
March 13th - Legislative Joint Budget Committees start meeting to resolve differences
between their budget versions.
March 26th - Legislative Joint Budget Committees recommendations to be completed.
At the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting, AASL launched the second year of its longitudinal survey, "School Libraries Count!" All K-12 schools - public and private - are invited to participate.
The study gathers basic data about the status of school library media programs across the country, which AASL will use to develop advocacy tools to support school libraries at the local, state, and national levels.
This year's survey has an additional question that solicits information about the role of social networking and other electronic tools used in instruction by library media specialists and their classroom teacher collaborators.
The success of this survey depends on your participation! Please fill out this brief survey and help us get the word out to your colleagues!
The survey will be open through March 15, 2008, at http://www.aaslsurvey.org.
It has been announced that WebFeat has been acquired by ProQuest, a Cambridge Information Group company. ProQuest plans to merge WebFeat with Serials Solutions, its Seattle-based business unit. As a result of this strategic alignment, the strengths of WebFeat's and Serials Solutions' federated search platforms will be combined to create a single, market-leading solution. This merger builds on WebFeat's strategic partnership with Serials Solutions dating back to January 2005.
The new platform will debut in early 2009, providing libraries with more power and efficiency in accessing their data pools. The current search platforms from both Serials Solutions and WebFeat will continue to be supported as this development proceeds. WebFeat staff will be aligned functionally within Serials Solutions' current organizational structure. While WebFeat staff will become part of Serials Solutions, its client support and all development activities will continue uninterrupted.
View the ProQuest press announcement at http://www.webfeat.org/releases/PressRelease_ProQuestAcquiresWF_021408.pdf.
The 3 Apples Book Award Committee is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of the Children's and Teen Choice Awards. The Children of New York State chose Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham as their favorite. The Teens chose Dave Pelzer's A Child Called "It":One Child's Courage to Survive as their favorite. The 3 Apples Book Award Committee's press release can be found at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/3_Apples_2008_winner_press_release.pdf. Visit their website, www.3applesbookaward.org, to view activity ideas for the winning titles and to find other promotional ideas.
Thank you to all who participated with your students, it was a fun and successful vote this year. Please continue to promote this award and the pleasure of independent reading with your students and get ready for the new timeline with the next round of nominations in the fall of 2008!
The 3 Apples Book Award was created to promote the joy of reading. It is the only book award in the nation that is completely child nominated and chosen. The 3 Apples Book Award Committee is made up of members of the School Library Media Section and the Youth Services Section of the New York Library Association.
This is an introduction to the literacy program, Reading Education Assistance Dogs®, for reading specialists, school teachers and administrators, and library administrators which is sponsored by the Hudson Valley Humane Society Visiting Pet Program, an affiliate of both Delta Society and R.E.A.D.
Saturday, March 8
10:00 am to 11:30 am
New City Library
220 Main Street
New City, NY
FREE Reading Education Assistance Dog® (R.E.A.D.®) Colloquium for reading specialists, school and library administrators and anyone interested in the R.E.A.D. program. Learn about R.E.A.D. and how this free literacy program can help students improve their reading skills and comprehension as well as their self-esteem.
R.E.A.D. is an international program with over 1,400 teams worldwide that work with children in schools and libraries to help children in grades K - 4 improve their reading skills. It is a free program that can have a tremendous impact on the children who are selected.
Attendees will meet R.E.A.D. teams, hear from librarians and school administrators using the program as well as mothers of children who have improved with the program.
A R.E.A.D. program in your school or library could be just the thing to reach those unmotivated students or those children whose lack of self-esteem prevents them from maximizing their learning potential.
To attend, send an e-mail to VPPHumaneEd@aol.com, or call Risa Hoag at 845-627-3000. You can also visit the sponsoring organization's website at www.HudsonValleyVisitingPets.com.
Join:
To register, learn more about the Celebration and sign up for additional e-blasts, go to http://www.thirteencelebration.org or http://www.wliwcelebration.org.
The Celebration is made possible in part through the support of Founding Sponsor JPMorgan Chase.
You are invited to join Frank Menchaca, Gale's executive vice president of publishing, for a one-hour interactive demonstration of Gale’s Sources in U.S. History for Schools.
Mr. Menchaca, who began his career at Gale in 1994, serves on the Friends Foundation of the Detroit Public Library and is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Electronic Publishing. He has contributed articles to scholarly journals in the field of digital information and libraries. He is also a frequent speaker and has given talks at the University of Oklahoma, the University of Michigan and the Committee for Institutional Cooperation. In addition to being a publishing executive, Mr. Menchaca is a published author and translator. He won the Thomas Wolfe Awards for Poetry in 1982 and 1983.
During his Sources in U.S. History for Schools presentation, Mr. Menchaca will cover how to use this database to research the American Revolution, the Civil War and slavery. Learn how these resources, comprised of more than 1000 primary source documents in an easy-to-search format, can be used to support curriculum requirements. See how these collections open a wealth of rare, formerly inaccessible historical content, allowing students to search across a broad range of materials as they appeared in their original printed editions.
To register, or for more information, simply click the link below:
March 10, 2008 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=4rs,xspt,2cnl,6thn,k8pd,c02j,3743&EMAIL_ADDRESS=fcostell@swboces.org&JDE=8324773&CONTACT+SEQ=1
To view their entire calendar of Web conferences, visit www.gale.com/webevents.
Gale is sponsoring a one hour interactive demonstration of Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center: Critical Thinking. The Critical Thinking version supplements the acclaimed Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center with additional content and features that are curriculum focused. Learn how you can easily integrate 21st Century Skills into your instruction with this proven approach to learning
The interactive features of OVRC: Critical Thinking engage students in learning and research while promoting the development of information literacy skills.
OVRC: Critical Thinking:
- Provides leveled materials that meet the differentiated needs of various learners
- Meets the needs of all students with various learning modalities and special
features, such as MP3 audio files
- Empowers students to self test with 750 short assessments on 250 topics.
- Curriculum tools for home schooled students.
To register, or for more information, simply click the link below:
March 12, 2008 4:00 -- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=4rs,xq9t,2cix,223y,3ym1,3g66,5mio
March 26, 2008 4:00 -- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=4rs,xq9t,2cix,gtg0,c4wj,3g66,5mio
To view their entire calendar of Web conferences, visit www.gale.com/webevents.
The Westchester Library Association (WLA) will present it's 2008 Performers Showcase on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2008 at the Ossining Public Library Theater, 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY. A copy of the flyer can be found at http://www2.lhric.org/libsys/news/WLASHOWCASEFYLER.pdf.
From the comfort of your own desk you can join this free Webinar to discuss and share free online resources that help your Library.
The following will be shared with you:
What are you using? Come and share what's in your toolbox!
URL submissions are welcome! Submit the URL of your free tool and a brief description to services@nylink.org, or include a link when you register! You will also be able to share during the session.
Registration is required. You can register at http://www.nylink.org/ or by contacting Deidre Dowling at dowlingd@nylink.org simply include your name, title, institution and email address. Please put "Brown Bag Lunch Registration" in the subject line.
The NYLA YSS Spring Conference will be held on April 11, 2008 at The Melville Marriot on Long Island, NY.
Keynote speakers will be picture book author and illustrator Monica Wellington and young adult author Alex Flinn.
Breakout sessions will include Weeding 101, Incorporating Babies into Your SRP, and Extreme Makeover: Teen Room Edition.
More information will be forthcoming on the YSS website at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=379 as the conference date gets closer.
This program can be combined with other IHARE programs for teachers who need additional contact hours to submit for professional development credit.
9:00 Welcome and Introductions
9:30 Somers Circus History
This session will focus on the evolution of the American circus in the area, the early menageries, and Somers' integral role in this. The history of the Elephant Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, will be discussed. We will explore various artifacts related to the history of the menageries and circus, and debunk some of the myths associated with Somers.
Materials: Somers Its People and Places circus chapter; Bandwagon article; True False Test
10:30 Tour Somers Historical Society Museum, Third Floor, Elephant Hotel 11:00 Somers Local History
This session will focus on the history of Somers, from its incorporation in 1788 through present, and the social and economic factors which influenced its evolution. We will explore use of historical resources.
Materials: Somers Its People and Place Overview, Somers Remembered; Somers, A Walking Tour; Scharf's History of Somers.
12:15 Lunch, travel to Wright Reis Homestead
1:30 Visit Wright Reis Homestead, tour house & grounds
This session will introduce the Wright family in Somers, and focus particularly on the life of Carolyn Wright Reis, an early 20th century design student, farm manager, collector and philanthropist.
Materials: The Wright Family Legacy workbook, Somers Confederates pamphlet
3:00 Visit Mt. Zion Methodist Church and Burial Ground, built 1794
This session will focus on Mt Zion Church, its history and significance in Somers, and the local community which thrived along Primrose Street until the New York city reservoirs effected its demise. We will touch on issues of preservation, diversity, interdependence, and community.
Materials: Mt. Zion and Rural Homesteads flyer
To register go to: http://www.ihare.org/programs_teacher2008.html
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Dr. Peter Feinman
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
914-933-0440
feinmanp@ihare.org
www.ihare.org
Experience the Hudson River from colonial times to the present. Meet the authors, scholars, and curators who preserve its legacy and tell its story. Learn about the Dutch, slavery, Washington Irving, Hudson River art, the Gilded Age, and the Rockefellers. See how the ecology changed over the centuries and learn about the plans and ideas for the future. Debate the challenges of the new construction. The program combines art, archaeology, ecology, history, literature and provides a testament to the efforts of small rivertowns to maintain their heritage and identity into the 21st century.
7/21 Hudson River History Symposium, Hastings-on-Hudson Library, Orr Room
(9:00-5:00)
10:00 "The Lenape," Ira Hauptman, SUNY New Paltz
11:00 "The Croton Aqueduct," Friends of the Croton Aqueduct
1:00 "The Hastings' Waterfront," Stuart Cadenhead, Friends of Hastings'
Historic Waterfront
2:00 "Hudson River Art," Ken Maddox, Newington-Cropsey House
3:00 "The African American Migration to North: A Case Study" Fred
Opie, Marist College
4:00 "The Rockefeller Legacy," the Rockefeller Archives
7/22 Tuesday, Hastings-on-Hudson and Dobbs Ferry (9:00-8:00)
9:00 Hastings-on-Hudson Historical Society
10:30 Newington-Cropsey House: house and gallery tour
12:00 Museum in the Street walk and lunch
1:30 The American Revolution: A Local Story
2:30 Croton Aqueduct: Overseer's Cottage and Guided Walk
7:00 "Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American Landscape"
Rob Yasinsac, author Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmarks of an American
Landscape
7/23 Wednesday, Tarrytown/Irvington (9:00-8:00)
9:00 Lyndhurst
1:00 Sunnyside
2:30 Irvington Historical Society and bus tour
6:00 Hudson River Cruise with the Riverkeeper (from Tarrytown)
7/24 Thursday, Sleepy Hollow (9:00-6:30)
9:00 Rockefeller Park Preserve: Guided Tour
10:30 Philipsburg Manor
3:30 Old Dutch Burial Ground
4:30 Old Dutch Burial Ground and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tour
5:30 Tarrytown Lighthouse and the General Motors Plant Site: River Communities
from the Industrial Age to the 21st Century
7/25 Friday: Rockefeller (10:00-5:30)
10:00 Kykuit
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Stone Barn
2:30 Rockefeller Archives
3:30 Union Church
4:30 Kendal-on-Hudson: Riverfront Life in the 21st Century
There many be some adjustments in the final program versus this schedule since they are trying to revise the program to include the participation of author Fran Dunwell, of the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation of her forthcoming book The Hudson.
No lodging has been provided for this program. Last summer some upstate teachers stayed at the Quality Inn in Hawthorne, the Brooklyn participants drove daily, and the Manhattan participants took the train from Grand Central since they often are meeting in very close proximity to the train stations.
To register go to: http://www.ihare.org/programs_teacher2008.html
**************************************************************************
Dr. Peter Feinman
Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education
PO Box 41
Purchase, NY 10577
914-933-0440
feinmanp@ihare.org
www.ihare.org
This annual award sponsored by Linworth Publishing, Inc. and Follett Software Company will be presented to two teams of a school librarian and collaborating teacher who have conducted an exemplary technology program extending beyond the library to meet the needs of classroom students and teachers. The purpose of this award is to identify, promote, and sustain excellence in collaborative and innovative technology-based projects driven by the school library media center in support of curricular and instructional needs in elementary and secondary schools.
Entry Information can be found at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Membership/SIGs/SIGMS_Media_Specialists_/TechnologyInnovationAward/Technology_Innovation_Award.htm
* The award will be presented to two teams of a school librarian
and a collaborating teacher—one elementary, or its equivalent, and one secondary,
or its equivalent—at ISTE’s annual NECC conference.
* Submission process opens officially on January 15, 2008. Deadline to submit
is March 15, 2008.
* Submission form and nomination statement can be found at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Membership/SIGs/SIGMS_Media_Specialists_/TechnologyInnovationAward/SIGMS_Nomination_Form_v03.pdf
Award:
Awardees will be notified in April and highlighted at the NECC conference. In addition, winners will receive:
* A one-year membership to ISTE (2 per team)
* Be featured in an article by Library Media Connection and Learning and Leading
with Technology magazines
* $1000.00 cash award payable to the school media center (1 per team)
* $500 NECC travel stipend, if attending NECC, for each team
* NECC registration for each team member, if attending NECC
* $1000.00 professional library from Linworth Publishing (1 per team)
* A one-year subscription to Library Media Connection magazine (1 per person)
* A plaque (one per team)
* Promotional opportunities
Criteria for Assessment:
Winners will be scored on a rubric that is assessed by a team of education professionals
* A 400 dpi photo of each nominee
* A completed submission form with resume and nomination statement
* A one-page letter of recommendation from a principal or assistant principal
stating how their leadership supported the project
* A signed release form (will be sent to winners only)
This award, consisting of up to $500, is designed to assist WLA members in pursuing professional development activities that will enh