Pubic Librarians & Digital Literacy

        I am in my new position as branch library manager. It is exciting and just a bit different from  the school, moslty being the patrons and the computer systems. We have three libraries in three towns that are close to each other. The three branches support the one merged school.
        A big part of this library system is the offering to the public internet acdcess and educational services toward Digital Literacy. We have classs given by computer specilaist in using the cojmputer, an employment series, and onlien data base classes, among others ( Cuponing is one I want to take!)
       Public librarians play a major role in bringing the adult patorn up to speed on the newest technology and helping them get used to the 'new' computers.
       There are still many patrons and families that do not have computers and interent access in their homes.  So our library is providing digital literacy to those who do not have the measn  to afford it.  So both the school and public library are great equalizers by providing these services.,
What types of programs does your public library have for bring adult patrons up to speed?

What should libraries look like today?

    Visualize your up to date library. What should it look like?   You are probably part way there already.   There should be a lot of activity  virtually .  Most , but not all, library activity is online with resources and activities on websites and databases.   In schools and public library, there is a lot of focus on extending physical offerings to being online.

   So here is what I am thinking-  you see patrons and students using the computers or lap tops or Ipads to search the web , use databases, read eBooks, work together on projects,  use the library website to search for books use social media to connect with other, look at online lessons and tutorials.

  Of course you know that I have been blogging about so many websites, blog, and web 2.0 tools  that you can show students , and encourage them also  use all the library has to offer.

  As a librarian , it is your job to make sure the student and patron have the resources that they need and want to use.  Fight for the students and the patrons so they can have the most  up to date

Why should librarians teach technology?

  As librarians, public, academic, and school, we need to be teaching technology. Will that be taking away of our love of books?  No way- it should enhance our love of books, reading, and learning!

  Technology is changing the roles and responsibility's of librarians. Librarians need to be information literate are and then they need to up to speed on the new technology. Why? Because that is the way the world is going and we need to go with it. We need to help patrons know about how to keep up with all of the newest technology and how to get the latest information.  There are a variety of formats that knowledge and information come in.  We want to help all generations be effective users of ideas and information,
 
 Librarians are a place now of not just print materials, they are filled with electronic mediums that give up to date and accurate information.   Students and 20-30 somethings often prefer getting their information and recreation from non- print sources. you can tell by just watching as they walk around with their phones, tablets, and ipads

Mystery Websites For October ( or anytime)

   Some websites to add to your mystery quest!

Http://mysterynet.com/ 

       This site has online mysteries , mystery games, short story mysteries, books and resources, kids mysteries and information   on authors. There is also information on best selling and top mystery authors,


http://mysteryfile.com/

   Although not a current active website , there is lots of read and learn about mysteries here, A new blog has grown from this site called  http://www.mysteryfile.com/blog/



http://mysteryreaders.org/

   Mystery Readers International has links to journal articles reading groups, mystery periodicals ., mystery book stores, and reviews of books.  There  are also links to a blog called "Mystery Fanfare"

 

Mysteries in October!

       Mystery books and stories are a good theme for the month of October.  In my new position of Branch Manger of a branch library in a small town, we have a WHOLE room filled with mysteries!!
I am amazed at our collection  of mysteries. This room is adult mysteries , but in a school you could pull the mysteries to display them or shelve them in section or on some shelves if you have the room.

     How can you promote mysteries?   In a school situation you could make a brief slide show to highlight some  your best- add a short description ( oral or written) . Show it on a ongoing monitor or attach it to your website or blog . 

    Have a contest- have patrons write reviews, make a pod cast review, draw an illustration from the book, make a book poster or vote for their favorite mystery.  I think most of these would work with both adults or students.

Interesting Writing Sites for Students

More sites to try

 

   Use storyjumper.com to motivate students to write and make books!  Students will have fun with this one and be glad to get into writing. They show 7 simple steps to help the story progress. There is a tutorial  and a short video to help you get started.

 Students can use storyjumper’s art or they can create their own.  They do offer hardbound books printed for 24.99.

  There is a classroom edition made just for schools. Students can read some examples of other student works. 

 

http://www.storyjumper.com/

 

On Scribblitt there are many assists to help students be motivated to write. This site is for older students with a more modern look.  This site has a lot to offer for student- make an avatar, illustrate your book, word games, and fund raisers for schools. Under several tabs you  can find a place for messages, contests' story starters,  and writing competitions. There is also a verh short video on some of the items on Scribblitt.

http://www.scribblitt.com/

Circulation Desk - Organization & Supplies

     How is your circulation desk? Does it look like its been hit by a tornado?  Do you have trouble finding things? 

     If so take a few moments each day  to becoming more organized at the circulation desk.  As librarians we probably spend a lot of time at the circ desk so  it makes sense to have it orderly and organized, It will be helpful to know where everything is . Also  it is nice is having all the circ supplies at that location instead of having to run to a storage room to get something you need to use immediately. If you have a drawer that you can use, place your normal supplies in there so you do not have to go some place when you run out,
 
     The first step of action is to  determine what you actually need at the circulation desk.   You will need the most obvious desk items: paper, pencils, and pencils. Do you need data due slips?  What kinds of records do you need to keep?  What reports are necessary each day?

    Keeping items organized is a great way to keep your desk in order. So grab some file organizers if you have to keep papers at the circ desk.  Have a can for pens, and pencils. If you use lots of paper clips or rubber bands get a container for each type.

     At your desk supply list: pens, pencils, paper, scrap paper, report forms, manila folders, paper clips, rubber bands, post it notes.  Include anything else you need on a daily basis!

   Check out the top tab- The Organized Librarian-  for more organizing at your library!