Using your Bulletin Board to Organize your time

      Use your bulletin board to help you become more organized in the New Year.( And if you don't have one, have the space for one, get one, especially if you are a visual person!)

      But don't just put up notes and leave them there until the paper falls apart.  The bulletin board should be used for Visual reminders.  So for items you use frequently it is a good way to store and then grab when needed- zips codes, phone numbers,  questions that need to be asked of your director or administrator.)

      Also the bulletin board is a good place for current projects. List the date, when the project is due, a description , and  steps to take- this depends on how organized you like to  be.

     If you have dead lines / due dates every month, the bulletin board can also serve as a tickler file to remind you of what needs to be and when it needs to be handed in.
     Using a bulletin board  will help , but only  if  you USE it! That means looking at it at least daily, and maybe even once in the Am and then once in the PM.
    As always , at least once a month,  clear off unwanted and finished items.

     How do you use a bulletin board by your desk? Any more ideas?   Give me an idea  in the comment section below!

My Book Search Favorites- Book giveaway- Part 2

   Here are some more sources that I use for checking out new books! 

  1) NPR- (National Public Radio) I can listen to NPR on the radio on the way to work. But usually I check out their website to get book recommendations . On their main site towards the bottom of the page there is a link to NPR Books.  They have guides to this years greatest reads, author interviews, book reviews,  and bestseller links.  I really like the lists and reviews  because they help me keep up to date on the best.

2) Barnes and Noble  is another great source to help  keep me up with the best and newest books.
While it may not be as compressive as Amazon , it is easy to use and has very descriptive reviews.

3) New York Times book review section-  it is a nice Sunday ritual to read the NY times  book reviews  and their best seller lists. Again it is an easy way for me to keep up to date.  I also like having most of the  top titles in our library. It shows that we can be current !

 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!

Epic Reads. Com- Ya site book reviews

  Epicreads.com is a site for Ya readers ( and their librarians)  The site is owned by Harper Collins Publishing but  does not have only their works.
   The site has a real hip look that teens will be attracted to.  Check it out!  Teens and librarians can find the newest  and best teen/ Ya books , connect with authors , and meet other teens  to share reading interests. Check on the covers of the new books to see reviews and comments.
  There are also Youtube videos of book trailers and comments about books.   There are also polls, quizzes about books and Ya genres, a blog with articles on authors, and other related Ya topics. Also you will find contests and sweepstakes, review of new releases and coming  soon titles.  Another great link is teen author with bios and photos, and some video chats.
  In the right hand column you will find links to activities and features members . Introduce this to your teen readers and let them explore.

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.