Stellman the Librarian

We've reached the end of LBS 850! I enjoyed the class, diving deep into technologies for schools, and dabbling in cataloging...I do think the class experience is highly dependent upon who someone has as an instructor. Luckily, thankfully, Barb Fecteau at Salem State is an excellent, patient, and knowledgeable teacher, and she created a wonderful experience with an atmosphere conducive to learning and exploration. Here's a reminder of what the class was, so here's the course description for future me: LBS 850 - Emerging Technologies for Libraries 3   Credit(s)  This course presents tools and procedures that school library personnel implement to manage the ever-evolving organizational landscape. Course topics include basic strategies for dealing with, organizing and managing change professionally, new computer and internet-based methods of cataloging physical materials and web based applications that address libraries’ systemic needs. I started off the course feelin...

In this week's assignment, we were to interview a librarian about their OPAC. My librarian buddy told me that she uses OPALS i n her school library. Her school is a small parochial elementary school with a collection of more than 6,000 books and e-books, online databases, 20 Chromebooks and 20 iPads. As is the case with many parish schools, the library has an extremely small budget. As such, OPALS is the best option, since it costs $500/annually. She said that it's very basic, and provides information only. It does have a z-import function, however, which the librarian frequently uses. In addition, it's web-based. She said it "does the job," which isn't exactly a ringing endorsment! My Librarian Friend has used OPALS for the last five or six years. Before OPALS, she had Companion’s Alexandria. She liked that software, as she could do more reports. When I asked what she dislikes about OPALS, her response was two-pronged: she dislikes that it is not...

Way back when, I posted my Top 10 Technology Tips for Teachers . Our assignment this week was to take another look at those tips and see what we'd change, if anything. My additions are in italics. In several cases, I combined prior facts into one point, or added more information to existing facts. I did strike-through a few tips to make space... 1. These technologies are tools to supplement your instruction, not replace it. Much as a great saucepan does not replace the need for a chef, an online solution doesn't take away the need for you — an excellent teacher. 2. If you’re new to technology, take a shallow dive into the pool. For example, lurk on twitter educational chats to see what it's like. Did you learn anything? Would you like to participate 3. Assistive technology is IMPORTANT and it EXISTS! Also, it’s not just for students who need it in an IEP sort of way. It can be helpful for all students. And, many assistive technologies come built in with Androids...

If OPAC had a flag, this definitely would not be it. These past few weeks have taught me that I had not spent ANY time prior to this experience thinking about cataloging, but that librarians spend a TON of time thinking about it, and also how to bend the Dewey Decimal System to their will. For example, in this week's discussion, several of my classmates discussed the intricacies of where fairytales should go, and if fractured fairytales should go in the same spot. As a future librarian, I totally get it. During my days at a publishing house, my colleagues and I would deeply discuss the use of hyphens, come to a conclusion, and then CONTINUE to DISCUSS HYPHENS at happy hour. We all knew that readers wouldn't give a darn about the hyphen, but it was important to us. But as a library patron...? Eh. No. Perhaps I am of a minority, but I find books by looking up the title or author's name, write down the call number (because my mind is like a darn sieve) and then...

*Who Knew Librarians Loved Acronyms? Well, phew! Back in a simpler time (last week), I had a very halcyon view of cataloging. I pictured a librarian receiving a book, following some three-digit organization system that might require a moment of thought, then adding the first three letters of the author's last name, and ta-da! All set! If I had given it a few moments of thought, it would not have made sense, but...details. I've been picking up (and putting down, and picking up, and putting down...) the third edition of Catalog It!: A Guide to Cataloging School Library Materials . The writing is surprisingly engaging for a textbook, but it's slow-going as it feels like I'm reading a foreign language and typically I'm tackling it around 9:30pm nightly. In that regard, here is my acronym cheatsheet for the first three chapters of Catalog It! RDA: Resource Description and Access Provides information on WHAT should be recorded, but not how to do it The fou...

This week was pretty fun - we turned our eyes toward leading professional development. Library Media Specialists are in a prime position to lead PD on tech topics. Social media can be a fabulous spot for professional learning communities. It can also provide a wealth of information on assessments, classroom activities, feedback, worksheets and more. In that regard, if someone says they "don't do" social media, and they've never tried it, they're missing out. In my current role, I've trained several people on how to use Twitter. They began our session very hesitantly. However, these people are now skilled and confident, and enjoy using social media to promote their schools. My presentation, called "That Gosh Darn Social Media," is intended for people who are not comfortable with social media, but are open to learning more. I totally understand how awkward it is to travel outside your comfort zone. In fact, I used Google Slides to create the pr...

Top 5 Apps...funny story, earlier this week I googled "Easy Halloween Apps" and...the first page of results was filled with Halloween apps for the computer. I guess google knows that I'm more likely to look for a computer app than a food app recipe!  ( I ended up with this mummy brie, and it was a hit! ) My top five apps change every five minutes, but here they are ATM, in no particular order: Facebook: While I sort of hate Facebook, I love staying on top of the topics that Librarians Care About, via groups like ALA Librarian Think Tank and The School Librarian's Workshop Animoto: Angels sing from on high, as this video app is SUPER easy to use. Also, they offer non-profit pricing, so my office purchased a subscription for less than $300 annually. Totally worth it, and it makes creating student videos extremely easy and fun. Screencast-o-matic: I haven't actually had to use this yet, but I LOVE that it exists. Formerly, in order to make a tutorial, I ...