Happy Holiday's

 I'm taking a little break ,  enjoying the family dinners and activity's .  I hope everyone is having great holidays.  I want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.    My work schedule is varied last week and this week, so I am doing the home thing many days and am enjoying  down time. 

Into the Hall of Books.com- Book review site

Into the Hall of Books is a book site written by Ashely.  Ashley likes to read and does reviews of a mix of genres and categories,  She does Ya, adult fiction , middle grade fiction, contemporary, historical fiction, science fiction, dystopian and Christian fiction,.

  Across the top of the page are some links to click on ( review, books read in 2014, recently re -read, and policies)  In the right hand column are images of the covers of the two books she has been currently reading and rereading.
  Ashley's reviews are detailed but will not give away the ending . She tells you what she thinks  about the book and gives a great summary. She also has ideas at the end of the review on who she thinks the book would appeal to.

Blizzard Book Review

  This is a story written  and illustrated by John Rocco  of his adventure's during the blizzard of 1978.  He grew up in Rhode Island  .  Almost 40 inches of snow feel during that storm. They couldn't get out of the front door so they went out the window instead,  The family played outside  and then went inside to have hot coca made with milk and a warm toasty fire.   They were waiting for the snow plow to clear the road.

 On the third day, Johns dad shoved out the driving way while still waiting for the snowplow.  John and his sister dug tunnels in the snow.  Things inside got bed.  Their food started to run . And they couldn't walk i n such high snow.

  John realized he needed to do something, He made snow shoes out of tennis rackets and then a list of necessities to get from the store.  Then he set out.( He took his sled!

Along the way, he checked in  with the neighbors to see what they needed, helped build a snow man , and climbed a tree to see what was going on . Finally he made it to the store and got all the things everyone needed.
 Then he hurried to go back towards home before it got dark. He dropped off all the items he got for his neighbors.  And of course the next morning the snow plow came and cleared the streets.

 A great winter read with John's famous illustrations, Students will enjoy the story , and then be prompted to tell their winter storm stories.

/http://roccoart.com/

My Book Search Favorites- Book giveaway

  One of  my favorite places to get quick and easy book ideas is Amazon. What is not to like? I can click on a title and get so much information on the latest titles!
  I get a summary, lists of critical review, and customer ratings. This is very helpful  just to read and see what the best sellers are. While I do not purchase from Amazon for work, I do for home if I absolutely have to have a title . I find the information to be quick and accurate.  

  Another favorite is Bas Blue.  This little catalog has great reviews of titles  that are short and sweet and to the point. I can read the review here and then go to track down more information on Amazon or  my book jobber site.

  One more I want to mention today is  China berry ( I love Chinaberry)  The website is great also  When ever I get this catalog ,, I sit right down and look at the whole thing and read reviews.  They provide both new and classic books  that they and their customers love. They support positive and uplifting books for children,  They also have a blog  that has articles and craft projects.

  Tell me  what your favorites are and  you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE Link to my "The Organized Librarian"  e book!

Top Library Technologies-Digital Books

   Digital books are the newest , biggest thing  that  both public and school library's offer   Patrons can download and borrow books to their readers and enjoy the latest books with ease and accessibility.  Most libraries now have ebooks and emagazines that patrons can browse and borrow ,. There are also sites that allow online reading, some of which  I have already reviewed here at this blog.  I continue to search  out the latest  on  online reading and learning.  I feel that as librarians we need to keep up on the latest sites for patrons reading.

   What are your  thoughts on digital books? Do you use them your self? Do you promote them at the public library? Do you have them at  your school- How are they used?? Who uses them?

Baking Day at Grandma's- Review

   It's Baking Day at Grandma's ( Denise, Philomel Books, 2014)  and these three little bears dress warmly and tromp over the snow to Grandma's house.  This is a rhyming book with great repetition ( It's Baking day, It 's baking day, It's baking day at Grandmas!)

   Young children will love the soft rosy hues of Grandma's cottage. They bake a chocolate cake- and while they wait  for it to come out of the oven, they sip hot coca  and have a little dance.  When the cake is done, they cut it, and frost and decorate it, and then wrap it up. They tromp back home in the moonlight where their cozy home is waiting.

   And yes - it 's my kind of book- there is a chocolate cake recipe in the very end!
  Anika has a great website  . http://www.anikadenise.com/     On it you can find book trailers, information about her other books, and some activities. events, and her blog.  

Top Library Technologies- Library databases

  Today , one of the most essential tools that library's  offer to patrons is the libraries databases!  Researchers  and information seekers use these to find facts they need, facts they want, and items to further their positions  or their education.

   Databases offer a way to provide information that is accurate and up to date. Hopefully  your website will have easy accessibility to the data bass. You and your   staff may also want to provide classes on using the data bases. All of your staff should be at least familiar  wtith the data bases  and know the availability  on the site  for patrons use.

  Our site has the data bases grouped under tabs:  general, news, science & health, business, history, language and literature, & a tab specifically for students and children. We also have electronic  journals with academic and  specific  focus.

Read Any Book-

   Readanybook.com  is a free site where visitors can read  online for free.   There are many different genres of books: children's, western, mystery, historical fiction, classics, and thrillers to name a few.

 You need to  create a free account to access the books.  Registered users can also recommend and add books to the  readanybook.com

  Also included in this site articles and  genre links.   On the main page you can see featured books and read a preview , download the book in various formats, and vote on the book read.  If you are a reader who like to read online , check this out .


http://www.readanybook.com/

Better Desk Habits

  What should you do if your desk is an absolute mess? What should you do if there are piles and piles of papers, folders, magazines, and clippings all over?

  The easiest thing to do is to take everything and put it in a large box or container.  Then  take 15 to 20 minutes ( set a timer- see Using a kitchen timer  ) Take a pile from the top  and go through each piece. Refile each paper where it should go.   Have some a file folders and markers.

  If there is a current project you are working non , label a folder and put all related items into that folder.Anything you do not need , throw away or put in the recycling bin.

 Also have some files that can be marked : To do, To read, To file.

 Anything you need to save , label a folder and put the paper in it. Then file in your file cabinet.  Make sure you put them in alphabetical order. If you have files you are done  with , refile in the proper spot

  Do a 15 - 20 minute  session  until your bin is empty.
  Now devised a system, Establish a  place marked  TO FILE.  Never let your piles  get out of hand again. Each day  spend  some time refiling  so your desk is clean!

Desk Organization- Part 2

Customer Service Skills

  There are 7 important customer service skills that our library staff need to learn , that will improve  the library's image and standing.
1. Listen to patrons
2. Smile at Patrons
3. Watch for patron confusion ad then try to help
4. Approach the patron  & be engaged  with patron
5. Use positive body language - be inviting and make eye contact
6. Use the patrons name in conversation when providing library services
7. Smile!

    While theses are mostly self explanatory, as a Director or Manager, you may want to discuss and explain them to your staff.  If they have questions, make sure you call address them and straighten any confusion out.
You may also want to do some role playing at a staff meeting so that staff can experience how each item should be played out.  These are items that can be worked on as a staff team and developed over time.

Superior Customer Service

  All of our patrons are considered customers. And our customers /patrons are very important to help us maintain funding for our resources and programs.  So we should take time to consider our forms of customer service and the way we treat patrons.

  We could also consider our Customer Service  Policy( if we have one) . If not , we may want to develop  policy on how we want to treat our customers . We should want the library to be a friendly, welcoming place where people will want to come!

  One way we can have superior customer service is to hire exceptional employees . These employees are able to set a good example , interact easily with patrons, have a great phone voice and can communicate well via email.

  Also having the proper positive leadership  helps the change of the positive culture of our team ( staff) . In essence , Customer Service is putting the customer first by focusing on creating a positive experience.

  So here is the question: Does anyone have a customer service policy? What is in it?
If you don't have one, what do you think you should have in it? I would love to hear from you regarding  your thoughts on Customer Service,

Check out the Books For Sale Page! My ebook on sale now!

Greads- www.greadsbooks.com

    As I check out many book review blogs and websites, I come across many new ones. Many bloggers( myself included, although lately I have been slacking)  share there reviews, And they also share their favorite blogs.  So it a self continuing process of finding book reviews, I have found some really good ones which I like to share with you!

   Ginger's book blog sire ( www.greadsbooks.com)  is simple but entertaining.  She likes to share her ideas on the books she reads.  She reads contemporary Ya literature, and adult fiction ( contemporary and historical) . She also promotes books through blog giveaways

   The site is simple to get around .She a tab for book review archives, and her policy on reviewing.
  She has a link to the book she is currently reading. And she also has a listing of her favorite book blogs.

So check her out at : www.greadsbooks.com

The Super Powers of Librarians

   The role of the librarian( school, public, academic & otherwise)  continues to change . Every day there are new resources, websites, and technologies for patrons to learn and use. In order to keep up with the 21st century , as a profession we need also to keep learning and growing.  So we need to keep developing our super powers to get the job done.

  Being Flexible:  Yes , we need to adapt and grow and learn all we can in order to help our patrons and students  . So begin by evaluating, revising,  and implementing your programs.   Assess what is working and what isn't . Decide what you will keep doing, ( something that is working , and producing good results, )what needs to changed and how you can change it to provide the best for your  needs and the needs of the patrons.

 Some items to think about changing or adapting: Circulation,shelving, scheduling, Programs. Now don't expect to change /adapt these all at the same time. Take time to think through about the procedures , what you do now and what could be done to be more efficient. Tackle one at the time, make changes , and then re-evaluate to see if the changes are working.  Always ask yourself : Is it working? Why? Or Why not? What could be done differently?  How can we improve?
  By being flexible and going with the change we can  adapt our tasks to become more accommodating and efficient.

The Perpetual Page Turner-Book Reviews

  The Perpetual Page Turner is a book blog with reviews of Ya literature, adult fiction, and some non-fiction ( travel and memoirs). This is not a serious  criticism type of blog. This has a very conservational  tone to its reviews.  There also are  blogs on books, and discussion about all things bookish. Some are even personal about the  author Jamie, and her husband Will.

  She has a review policy tab, also a special features tab. She also tells a rating systems for the books she reads and reviews. There is a tab that leads to her book discussions and readers can log in and respond.  There are also giveaways and featured articles.  Along the right hand side , there are also links to her current read, and find a new read, and get exploring  more books.

  So check this out if you want a more intimate style of book reviews.

Good Work Habits at your Desk!

     Hopefully your desk is now ready to go. It is cleared of files ( See The Organized Librarian book- tab up at top for more on  files and filing)  But if not, and you have piles and piles of papers, here is what to do.

  The  key is to NOT let paper and piles keep multiplying!!  Process each paper as it comes  on to your desk.  If you do have papers and piles , grab a pile and go through it.  If you already have files in your drawers or file cabinet, then refile each paper in the correct file.  Do this with each  pile. ( Take 15 - 30 minutes at a time until your desk is clear of piles)

  Now establish a place where  you will place items to be filed/ refiled.  Establish also an area ( I use a standing file holder on the counter next to my desk- it could also be on my desk - and this is for current projects I am working on) Everything else is filed in my desk door ( files I use on a regular basis or in my file cabinet- where I put files that I use once a month)
   Also have a couple of folders( one marked to do, to read, )

  Each day you can pull out the files that you are working on . Then before lunch or before  the end of the day, always take a few moments to file materials where they belong!

Desk organization - Part 2

     Organize your desk and supplies according to your needs and usage.  Items that are used frequently are best put  in a convenient location. For example. I use my stapler, tape, sticky notes and paper clips often  so they  sit on my desk  between the phone and the computer .

  The rest of my desk  is clear. I pull  out folders from my desk drawer or side cabinet according  to what I am working on.  At  the end of the day ( or after lunch) I put tiems back in their correct locations so they can be found easily the next time I need to work on them.

( See more on files and filing in future blog posts and also in  the book "The Organized Librarian"  on sale above - Click  on the tab at top of the page.

Manager's meeting - part 2

   Her are some more thoughts coming from our workshop on developing a good working team.   As a manager , it should be a goal of ours to help our staff fulfill their potential. By doing this, we develop a staff who does their best  and most creative work.

  It is a process no doubt but a gradual one.  As managers / directors we need to discuss and explore with each one of our staff their strengths, talents, and  interests.   We need to observe and analyze as we go about our work with our staff to help them to identify their most positive abilities.

  Another possibility would be to create a survey asking them what they like to do best.  Then we can assign the correct person for the job and have the jobs/ tasks fall into the 'lap" of the right person.  This will help to develop the sense of team work within your staff. When they begin to think of themselves as a team  , then work and tasks at hand become more efficiently accomplished.

Managers Workshop: Discovering and Mentoring Talent-

   I attended a recent workshop for library manger's , directors, and any staff who has people to manage and direct.  It focused on mentoring  talent in staff and getting the best results.  But the speaker also addressed becoming a better leaders to help your library build a dream team of staff who will love what they do and be creative in their positions.

  Her firs big question to use was "Why are you in this job and in this field?"  We had a small group discussion to tell our story of how we got into the library field.

  As manager or directors , we need to a) develop a vision, share it, and have our staff buy into it, b) communicate regularly with staff, and c) create an environment  that allows discussion and a good communication system

  So our firs step would be to create our vision/ mission/  Then challenge staff to help build and fulfill the vision you see for your library.  As you listen to staff and their ideas , make changes . Embrace good discussions that bring up points to improve your library. Have staff become more involved in the work at hand and the vision of what your library is becoming!

Desk Organization

   Organizing your desk is a task that will help you be more efficient  at work or at home.  Planning your desk space - do you have enough room?  Do you have too many stacks? Do you have the items you need on a regular basis?

   Most of the time our desks are used for paper work or computer work,  We need to have files or supplies that are accessible when needed.  If we are lucky you will have drawer space and file storage built into our desk.

   Planning for your desk  usage, first determine exactly what is needed on a day to day basis . For example: pens, pencils, paper, scrap paper, paper clips, file folders, calculator , stapler , scissors and tape.
Now if you need all these supplies on a regular basis , figure out where to put them  , so you can get them if you need them.

  The next step is to figure out  what tasks you actually do at your desk( reports, budget work, computer tasks , letter writing, computations, etc,)  This will help you to prepare the space so that you can complete these tasks) Do you need more room at your desk? Then figure out what items can be eliminated or tucked away  in a convenient spot for quick access.

  Check out my The Organized Library  on the tab above for more information on organizing  your workspace and day.

The Staff Recommends

  This site provides recommendations to great and memorable books.  The staff receives books from publishers all over the US.  The staff then reads and decides if the title is worthy to be placed on the site. Only then does the publisher pay to have their books placed.  ( This is great advertising for great books!)

 The Staff Recommends  site reaches half a million readers and it help  readers to find a book they are bound to love.

  So to keep up with the latest and best  this is the site you want to  check out.  You can read reviews of their current picks.  Also check out their past selections which gives short review of many of their favorites

  

Calendar Part 2

Each week as you look at your calendar, you can record meetings, appointments, and other sessions  onto your weekly/ daily calendar.  The more you do this, the less chance of your missing an important meeting or task.  If you seen you are over scheduled, ( by looking the beginning of each week) then you can cancel, reschedule or eliminate certain items.

  Make it a habit to also check daily on both your monthly and daily calendar to make sure that you are on task  and get accomplish what you need to get done.

  On your daily calendar  write down items that need to be done that day or week.  In the back of my planner, I have several tabs - one of them is work.  This is where I keep a master list of items that I need to do.

  Every week I transfer items to my weekly /daily lists on days when I know I will have time to complete or at least start the project.

 Check out also The Organized Librarian  book for more tips and hints on being more organized.

  

We be reading

Webereading,com is a mother and son website that is professional looking and very intriguing.  K is a mom whose goal is to get people reading.  Z is 1 a0 year old who also loves to read and he writes his own graphic novels.  A very talented pair to say the least.

  There is a review policy and tabs that link you to Ya & Adult fiction review, non-ficition reviews, picture and chapter books, and film reviews.

  You will find very interesting review that are fair but critical.  I find this to be very helpful. I also like the film tab because they compare books to films  which is very helpful in my DVD selection.

Calendars- A tool for Organization

   Use your calendar to be more organized in both your home and work life.Calendars come in all shapes , sizes , and types.  One of the first major tasks is figuring out which kind works best for you.
There are also month at a glance, daily planners, weekly calendars, and personal size calendars.

  When a Calendar is used regularly and effectively it becomes an important tool to having a well organized life.  You want a calendar that you can  carry with you .

  Some tips on using a Calendar to be more organized.

1. Use only one calendar! Make it a size  where you will take it with you- especially if you are a working person!

2. A good calendar may also include : a telephone directory , an expense record, and extra pages for additional  places to take notes, makes lists. ect.

3. Write down EVERYTHING!  Even if you have an appointment the same day and time each week- write it down!

   In my planner, I have a monthly calendar, and a weekly calendar. Each week I check the appointments / meetings, and activities  and then write them down on my weekly sheet.  I will also add other activities and tasks that need to be done , both at home and at work. In this way, I keep ton top of all important items that need  attention.

Becky's Book Review Blog

   Becky's Book Review Blog is a site that offers many reviews of her favorite types of books.  She provides reviews of books from children to adults, mostly Ya to Adult. Becky loves to read and her mission is to promote reading/ Her focus on reviews will help Ya's , parents, teachers, and librarians to keep up with the best books.

   She gets books from publishers, the library, and the bookstore. She updates her blog at least 5 times a week.  She writes a review for every book she completes. She does not however complete every book she starts.  Her claim is promote the  love of reading and to connect books with readers. And yes, she has a library degree.  There is an extensive book review policy. She also offers tips on "operation Actually Read Bible" which encourages all to read the bible verses and keep track of it.

Gnooks- Discover New Authors

  Gnooks is a community bases system of the gnod engine.  On this site you can discover new authors , discuss your favorites and learn new titles that are similar to your favorites.

  The gnod engine also provides similar links to music, movies, and art.

  There is a search block for Gnods suggestions when you can impute your favorite authors. The site will give you a list of  suggestions of authors and titles to try.

   Under the "Map Of Literature" block you can type in an author. The site pulls up a 'wordle" of authors that write similar styles to your favorite.  The closer the name is to your favorite the more similar they are to the style and genre. When you click on an author it takes you to another 'wordle" of authors.

  The literature forum gets you into a discussion of a certain author and their works  The latest discussions are listing on the right hand side of the main screen.

  If you want to participate in all the functions of the site you need to be registered and logged in. They use Florke as the systems that provides members with the discussion community.

Manage your time with a Kitchen Timer

     Using a kitchen timers can help you manage small blocks of time. It may sound silly, but it does work.  Once you turn it on, then you have two goals: Finish your project before it dings or try to get done before it dings.  Then when you are done, you can cross off the job that has been completed.

  Use your Timer

1. To remind yourself to make a phone call.

2. Promise yourself to work on something for say 10 minutes on something you do not want to do.

3. Use  your timer to go off when you need to be reminded to do a specific task.

4. Divide yo your time/ day . Spend say 30 minutes on one project and another 15 on another.

5. Play ' beat the clock" and set your timers and try to get all your tasks done in that time period.

6. Use your timer to control length of meetings or discussions.  Each person gets a certain amount of time to speak / present their points.

7. Use your timers to work out length of time for specific regular tasks. Then continue to use  the timer to make sure you stay on task and complete items in the time frame required.

RA For All - great Blog!

   The blog I  just discovered is "RA for All" and it is a great resource for public librarians who want information on good reads for their patrons.  Part of the mission of this blog is to help librarians in their quest to provide advice to both fiction and non-fiction readers.

  The author provides links, lists , and news about Readers Advisory.  He teachers a class in Readers Advisory( Dominican U- Graduate School of library and Information Science.) so he also shares some of his students work.

   There are also book review,s and links to other book review blogs to provide even more reviews.

 On the right hand side, three are links to book discussions, links to ideas for elementary librarians,( Sturdy for Common Things)  and other blogs with interesting content and book reviews.

The content here is interesting , informative , and addictive. I think you will find a lot of content to give you ideas and inspiration!