CALIBK12 Topic Roundup - Making Books Available To Students during Remote Learning

Question:

Hello!

Long time listener, first time caller. 

I work at at private school in San Mateo and the school is doing everything it can to have in person school at some point this year - perhaps even to start the school year - San Mateo County is not on the watch list as of this writing. 

The plans - as I understand it so far - includes having no students go to the library. We are a small pre-k through 8th grade school (about 250 students). 

I was thinking I would like to try to make library books available to the students in some capacity. I would love any ideas/suggestions/thoughts on how to do this, limits, frequency, etc. I will worry about getting books back and disinfecting them, but everything else is on the table. Please let me know your thoughts!

Thanks,

Jeff Paulson

Answers:

Hi all,

We all want to provide physical books to our communities who crave comfort - for the spirit, the eyes, and the brain during this pandemic. Many public libraries have created "curbside services." Perhaps school libraries will be able to offer the same? However, we all need to stay informed about the type of print materials handled. Here's what I've shared with our district's risk management team. 

Apparently, high gloss pages, present in magazines or children's board books will need to be quarantined for a longer period than other materials, up to 4 days. - REALM Test 2 Report

For most other library materials, After one day of attenuation, there was no recoverable virus (below LOD) for the hardback book cover, the paperback book cover, or the DVD case. By day three, all five tested material surfaces resulted in no recoverable virus.” - REALM Test 1 Report 

• Reopening Archives, Libraries, & Museums (REALM) Report Test 1 

• Reopening Archives, Libraries, & Museums (REALM) Report Test 2 

• American Libraries Article re: Libraries During Pandemic

• CDC Response to: Is it safe to borrow library books

• Additional ALA information

Regina Powers 

District Librarian 

Anaheim Union High School District

 

Hi Jeff, 

Our school district is doing distance learning however my plan for hybrid (when we get there) is to take a more 'embedded' approach where I visited classrooms (if possible) - maybe taking one cart full of books and have the students let me know what they like, make suggestions and then checking out items using the library's wireless laptop. Then they just have to return them into a box and they can sit for three or four days. 

We have Destiny LMS - my plan is to get this accessible via the school website so students can put a hold on books they like (perhaps up to five each) and I could deliver to the classroom after three days - perhaps in a plastic or paper bag. 

I was also recently in a small bookstore where they had 'Lucky Dip' book bags for romance - I was thinking this could possibly be done at the school - perhaps 3 books of a particular genre, write the barcode numbers on the side and then you just have to issue the items and hand over the bag. ?

Ruth Relf

Librarian 

Dexter Middle School

Whittier City School District 

Hello! 

Many HS TLs in our district are planning on allowing students to place holds on the library books they’d like. From there, we will have pick up hours each day. HTH!

Connie Joyce

Join in the conversation on CALIBK12!

What is CALIBK12?

CALIB K12 was originally a ListServ Moderated through San Jose State University. The original owner and creator was  Peter Milbury in 1993.  Here is the original description and purpose: 

"This is a discussion group for California library media teachers. Conversation on this list focuses on the topics of distinct interest to the California school library media community, including legislation affecting school library media centers, regional and statewide networking and resource-sharing, school library education and training programs, California Online Resources for Education (CORE), the California Technology Project and other services, organizations, resources or events that affect California school libraries and library media teachers. This discussion is open to all school library media teachers in California and people involved with the school library media field. It is not for general librarians or educators. But, the discussion can be used by library media people for many different things- to ask for input, share ideas and information, link programs that are geographically remote, make contacts, etc. This is a list for practitioners helping practitioners, sharing ideas, solving problems, telling each other about new publications and up-coming conferences, asking for assistance or information, and linking schools through their library media centers in California."

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For daily updates and if you best communicate by e-mail, then you should become a member of the CALIBK12 Google Discussion Group.  This is your CSLA hosted Professional Learning Network. I find this group especially helpful to get immediate responses to questions that are specific to the problems we deal with on a daily basis in California libraries.  If you have any questions or problems you want to ask the “great brain” or the “hive mind,” do this now!

Click here to join Calibk12, the discussion forum for all things related to California school libraries.  I recommend you join with your personal e-mail, as you may end up changing job locations throughout your library career.  

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This post was compiled by:

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mrsgteach@yahoo.com

@hgruenthal on Twitter

RIYL Libraries Google Site

California Databases Virtual Roadshow, Sponsored by San Mateo COE

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) is sponsoring the "California State Databases Virtual Roadshow" on Tuesday, August 4th from 9-11 am (the pre-show will begin at 8:45 am). It is free and we are encouraging "all" educators to attend since these 3 databases will be a very valuable online resource for our students and their families in the distance/online learning scenario that they may face come August. Please spread the word to your educator friends that this a "free" event packed with tons of information but ALL attendees must register to attend virtually that day (no exceptions).

 If enough attendees think there is a real need for more instruction at the end of this virtual presentation then Deb from TeachingBooks and her 2 colleagues from ProQuest and Britannica/Escolar will hold a follow-up session with small break-out groups and more individualized instruction later in August.

Distance Learning Bulletin Boards

Now that most California Schools have declared that the start of school will begin online, it's time to start thinking about how we can engage our students virtually.  

Here's some ideas to start:

• Create a Bitmoji Virtual Library.  On this page, there are links to instructional videos on my RIYL google site and the interactive version of the above image of  the Bitmoji Room I created to advertise my online bookfair this year. A note about accessibility - you should accompany your digital library with a list of links in text format, as I did have a student report that the image file was too large to download to his device due to WiFi strength issues.  
• If you would like more templates and backgrounds, Join the Bitmoji Craze for Educators Facebook Group  
• You can also create a Google Classroom Header using a bitmoji template created in Google Slides.  
• Start an Instagram Account to post photos of displays you have done in past years.  You can find me at @hgruenthal
• Update or create your website to post digital content.  Google Sites is easy and integrates with your lessons in Google Drive if you are a Google district.  
• Buy a portable bulletin board that you can work on at home, and hang up in your library when you return to campus.  If you want to join a librarian's group to share ideas, Join the Facebook Group:  Library Bulletin Boards and Displays.

• Bulletin Board link above: available on Amazon for $17.99:  Quartet Cork Board Bulletin Board, 2' x 3' Framed Corkboard, Black Frame, Decorative Hanging Pin Board, Perfect for Home Office Decor, Home School Message...
• Digital Bulletin Board Background (source for image below)

• Put this background into a Google Slides Presentation and you can create any bulletin board virtually. Make a Copy of this template in Google Slides. Spark Creativity Blog also has some digital bulletin board templates you can use to post student work in your online classroom.  Read about it on her Blog.  
• Do you have a door in your house that you could convert to a bulletin board?  Cover it with butcher paper or wrapping paper.

• Make this door from We Are Teachers

• Have a blank wall you use for your Zoom Background?  Make a Word Wall.  How to make this bulletin board and more ideas can be found on my page of  September Displays.  

• Buy a letter board to post inspirational quotes, messages, or a weekly challenge such as Word of the Week.  

• Buy a Light Box to post simple slogans you can use again when school meets face to face.  This one sits next to the check out station at my library. Check out the slogan ideas on my blog post.

Use any of these ideas?  Let me know how it went!

This post was compiled by:

Heather Gruenthal, CSLA Historian

mrsgteach@yahoo.com

@hgruenthal on Twitter

RIYL Libraries Google Site

WASC AND TEACHER LIBRARIANS: A guide by the CSLA Committee on Standards Integration

Most K-12 and post-secondary schools seek regional accreditation. The process for accreditation is a powerful stimulus for schools to re-examine or define their goals and objectives. It is an opportunity to look introspectively at the instructional program of the school and to write descriptions that emphasize both accomplishments and the need for change. Furthermore, this process publicly recognizes a school’s planning and achievement, which makes them more desirable and marketable.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) serves as the accrediting commission for K-12 schools and not-for-profit, non-degree granting postsecondary institutions. Its commission is composed of 32 representatives from education. WASC insures “that an institution has clearly defined objectives appropriate to education; has established conditions under which their achievement can reasonably be expected; appears in fact to be accomplishing them substantially; is so organized, staffed, and supported that it can be expected to continue to do so; and demonstrates that it meets WASC’s criteria and accreditation standards.”

How can WASC help support school libraries? The WASC process is an opportunity to showcase the library program. It is an opportunity for participation and leadership in the self-study and action plan. WASC also provides an opportunity for teacher librarians to participate beyond the school self-study by visiting and reviewing comparable schools, and gaining a greater voice in WASC itself.

To support school libraries in this process, the CSLA Committee on Standards Integration updated the organization’s Focus on Learning WASC/CDE Process Guide for School Library Programs. This 2020 version includes the newest state and national relevant standards. The guide helps school librarians and the rest of the school community to interpret, assess and develop the library program. 

The guide follows the WASC Focus on Learning Manual. It explains self-study groups and the five WASC categories by which the school program is examined, providing indicators of high-quality school library programs. The guide also suggests types of questions to ask and evidence to demonstrate school library quality and impact. A rubric of is also included as a way to assess the library’s staffing, services and resources in light of the state-approved model school library program standards.

The guide can be used in several ways:

• Make copies of Focus on Learning available in the library – and the principal’s office.

• Read the entire document carefully.

• Highlight items that are impacted by, or have potential impact for, the library program.

• Highlight phrases and items relevant to the library program (e.g., resources, technology, critical thinking, problem solving, lifelong learning, etc.). Each highlighted item should be addressed in the self-study.

• Incorporate sample indicator statements and examples of supporting evidence.

• Include statements about the library program and facility throughout the report.

• Include a separate “Status of the Library” report using the Model School Library Standards as an evaluation rubric.

• Refer to California’s Education Code, state and national school library standards, and district guidelines to justify the school library’s role in contributing to the school’s accreditation.

As a key member of the school’s self-study team, teacher librarians are highly encouraged to: join the Leadership Team of chairs and other representatives, join at least one of five focus home groups, and Use the CSLA Focus on Learning guide to point out the role of the library program within each focus.   

To further support the use of the CSLA Focus on Learning guide, the Committee on Standards Integration has created a PowerPoint (What’s with WASC? YOU!) to train school librarians and another  PowerPoint (Who’s with WASC and TLs?) to train the school community and WASC teams. 

Teacher librarians have the power to impact student success – and the school community at large. The CSLA Focus on Learning guide helps to make that point essential. 

CSLA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships 2021 Apply Now

Deadlines begin August 30, 2020.  See chart below:

AWARD	DEADLINE
Administrative Leadership Award	August 30, 2020
Advocate for School Libraries Award	August 30, 2020
Earlene Billing Scholarship	August 30, 2020
Honorary Membership Award	August 30, 2020
I Love My Paraprofessional Award - one award for NR and one award for SR	August 30, 2020
Presidents’ Award	August 30, 2020
Technology Award	August 30, 2020
Southern Region Teacher Librarian Scholarship	September 27, 2020
Leadership for Diversity Scholarship - Teacher Librarian	October 1, 2020
Leadership for Diversity Scholarship - Paraprofessional	October 1, 2020
Jewell Gardiner Scholarship - Northern Region	October 15, 2020
Library Information Technology Scholarship – Northern Region	October 15, 2020
Educating our Communities Grant	No deadline

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Presentation details are provided on the application.

Additional requirements: Some of the awards, grants, and scholarships require the recipient to become an active member of a committee. You can find a list of the committees here. Some of the awards, grants, and scholarships require additional materials. You can send them to info@csla.net

CSLA AWARDS APPLICATIONS 2021 - Click on the name of the award to link to the application.

Administrative Leadership Award
This award honors administrators with direct responsibility for a school or group of schools who have made influential, unique, and sustained contributions to effective school library programs.

Advocate for School Libraries Award
This award honors a person or group (not currently employed in the school library) who has advocated for school libraries within the past year.

Honorary Membership Award
This award recognizes retired members of CSLA who have made outstanding contributions to school library programs and the Association over a sustained period of time.

I Love My Paraprofessional Award
This award recognizes a person who has made a positive impact for at least three years in a school library in a classified position.

Presidents’ Award
The purpose of this award is to honor a credentialed teacher librarian who, through the library program, directly affects students and teachers. Nominees must be CSLA members who work at the site level. Nominations may be made by library peers, administrators, teachers, or by the nominee himself or herself.

Technology Award
This award honors a teacher librarian who uses technology as a tool for learning and collaborates to promote the integration of technology in the curriculum. This award is sponsored by Mackin Educational Resources and includes $1,000 for use in the winner’s library.

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL LIBRARY FOUNDATION (CSLF) GRANTS

Earlene Billing First-Timer Grant
This grant awards $350 for a teacher librarian, school site library paraprofessional, or a librarian with an MS or MLIS degree to attend the CSLA Conference for the first time. The grant money may be applied to conference registration fees, transportation, and lodging.

The Educating Our Communities Grant
Grant Guidelines and Application
The purpose of CSLF is to support school libraries in California. Grants are available to school libraries in California and/or related institutions in partnership with libraries for the purpose of educating communities about school libraries.
Deadline: This particular grant has no deadline. It is available to be applied for at any time.

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CSLA SCHOLARSHIPS

Leadership for Diversity Teacher Librarian Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the need for teacher librarians who reflect the diversity of California’s multicultural, multilingual population. Applicants must be from a traditionally underrepresented group and be enrolled in an accredited teacher librarian credential program. One scholarship of $1,500 will be given.
Deadline: October 1, 2020

Leadership for Diversity Paraprofessional Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the need for school library paraprofessionals who reflect the diversity of California’s multicultural, multilingual population. Applicants must be from a traditionally underrepresented group and be enrolled in a community college program for school library technical service certification. One scholarship of $1,000 will be given.
Deadline: October 1, 2020

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NORTHERN REGION SCHOLARSHIPS

CSLA Northern Region Jewell Gardiner Memorial Fund Scholarship
The California School Library Association, Northern Region offers a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to assist those persons who are currently enrolled in a Teacher Librarian Credential Program. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with concurrently enrolled courses, or for attendance to the CSLA Conference. Complete only one application. Winners will be selected from the eligible applications received.
Deadline: October 15, 2020.

For Paraprofessionals:

CSLA Northern Region Library Information Technology Scholarship
The California School Library Association, Northern Region offers a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 to assist those persons who are currently enrolled in a Library Information Technology Program. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with concurrently enrolled courses or attendance at the CSLA Conference. Complete only one application. Winners will be selected from the eligible applications received.
Deadline: October 15, 2020.

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SOUTHERN REGION SCHOLARSHIPS

CSLA Southern Region Teacher Librarian Scholarship
Recognizing that there is a need for professional Teacher Librarians, the California School Library Association, Southern Region, offers one (1) scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The purpose is to assist those persons seeking preparation leading toward a degree or credential that will qualify the individual to work as a professional in the school library field in a school setting. Complete only one application. One winner will be selected from the eligible applications received.
Deadline: September 27, 2020.

Link to Past CSLA Award Winners

The CSLA Board looks forward to recognizing the extraordinary work of school library staff during this year of exceptional challenges!

Kathleen Sheppard, Past President, CSLA