Advocay for the school library

AASL has started sending out a daily advocacy tips. From the simple idea of making sure there was a link to the library homepage from the main school page to setting up an advisory committee. Each day there is a little gems. Sometimes they are great reminders of things I keep meaning to do, but maybe haven’t quite the time. Sometimes they are ideas I hadn’t even thought of, and I start to wonder how that might work in my school. Every once in a while there is one that I know I’m doing! It gives me that feeling of “I’m on the right track!”

If you are a member of AASL you can get these little tips emailed directly to your inbox – once a day, once a week, or once a month depending on your preference. You also have the option to get them as an email or text. AASL also has been posting them on their Twitter. So, lots of ways to get access to these wonderful ideas! If you have ideas that you think make great tips, make sure to share those with the AASL office. You might see them as a future tip down the road.

Tags: AASL · advocacy · American Association of School Librarians · Professional Development · school library media programs

21st century learners : AASL

If you haven't seen it already, check out the AASL's Standards for the 21st Century Learner
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf

This concise, accessible document is structured around some common beliefs, and four key learning areas with expanded standards statements for each around skills, dispositions in action, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies...

Common beliefs

• Reading is a window to the world.
• Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
• Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
• Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
• Equitable access is a key component for education.
• The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
• The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
• Learning has a social context.
• School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.

Learners use skills, resources, & tools to:

1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.
4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

School Libraries Count!

American Association of School Libraries’ (AASL) national longitudinal survey of School Library programmes.
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/researchandstatistics/slcsurvey/2010/slc2010.pdf
SOURCE: ResourceBlog, 29 October 2010

Web

AASL - the American Association of School Librarians (a division of the American Library Association) has various toolkits - resources to download on topics such as parent outreach, advocacy - even a "crisis" toolkit for when there is an emergency pressure situation for your library... http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/toolkits/toolkits.cfm

Here is a link to their "Top 25" web sites which foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration, grouped according to their Standards for a 21st century learner. They are free, web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover.
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/bestwebsitestop25.cfm