SLS Weekly Digest
April 8, 2011
http://www.nc3r.org/jlbocessls/
The definition of information literacy has become more complex
as resources and technologies have changed.
“Information literacy has progressed from the simple definition of using reference resources to find
information. Multiple literacies, including digital, visual, textual, and technical, have now joined
information literacy as crucial skills for this century.”
-AASL Standards for the 21st- Century Learner, Common Belief, 2007
Librarians and Library Staff Round Table (Round 2)
Join us Tuesday, April 12th from 4:00-6:00 at Lowville Academy our host will be Jackson Hyde. He will
discuss: Graphic Novels, Model Schools Library Curriculum Committee and we will share Best
Practices. For registration and more details http://nc3r.org/jlbocessls/workshopsconfer.htm You may
join the workshop from your desktop. If interested contact April abliss@boces.com
A Note from… Commissioner Steiner and Chancellor Tisch (NYSED) 4/7/2011 4:13 PM
As the end of the school year and the legislative session approaches, I am immensely proud of the
reforms we've achieved -- guiding New York's successful Race to the Top application, designing a
new teacher and school leader evaluation system, reforming teacher preparation and certification and
implementing a tough re-setting of our 3-8 tests. With the anticipated approval of a final teacher
evaluation program in the coming months, I have informed Chancellor Tisch and members of the
Board of Regents that I intend to leave the State Education Department later this year. Together
we will begin to plan for a seamless transition.
Commissioner David Steiner
We recruited David because he is one of America's leading education reform visionaries, and as
Commissioner he has delivered - leading New York's successful Race to the Top application and
guiding this department through an amazing array of reforms. As he approaches the end of his
second legislative session and second school year as Commissioner, he has informed me of his
desire to return to a role outside of state government where he can continue to champion reform. I
know he is weighing a number of exciting options. In the weeks to come the Board will begin an
orderly transition and continue to move forward with our reform agenda.
Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch
1
A Note from… Deanna Henry
The Chalk Artist who presented at LaFargeville is Rachel Browning and her number is 347-3483.
Library Materials Aid in a Nutshell
711 Library Materials Aid can be used for only 711 Library Materials
701 Textbook Aid can be used for 711 Library Materials, 751 Software, and 753 Computer Hardware
751 Software Aid can be used for 701 Textbook, 711 Library Materials, and 753 Computer Hardware
753 Computer Hardware Aid can be used for 701 Textbook, 711 Library Materials, and 751 Software
A Few Notes from Michael Borges
1. NYLA is conducting its first ever salary survey of the library community in New York State. Our
survey is similar to ALA-APA’s, but is specific to our state and its diverse regions, and is in response
to the many requests we receive for typical or average salaries for particular positions.
I would greatly appreciate your participation in this salary survey; the link is here
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KGW6CLG and our website at www.nyla.org under Headlines. We
will post the results on our website, once we have received sufficient information. So far we have
over 900 responses, but ideally would like to get at least 10% of the 14,000 librarians in the
state.
Again, this is something we believe would be worthwhile to the library community and is completely
confidential. So please take a few minutes to fill out the short survey.
Also NYLA has partnered with the publishers of Library Journal/School Library Journal to offer a
discount to new/renewal subscriptions to Library Journal and School Library Journal. NYLA members
can also bundle their membership dues with the subscription costs if their employer pays for the
subscriptions. Visit http://www.nyla.org/content/user_4/LJ_Subscription_Flyer_Web.pdf to find out
more.
2. I would recommend sending a thank you note to your legislators for the $3 million restoration and
making permanent the language in education law that authorizes the distribution of supplemental
system aid and the ability of the SED Commissioner to grant waivers from local maintenance of effort
requirement to receive state aid. Also thank them for rejecting the merger of school library materials
aid with textbook/software aid. If you can get your libraries to send letters on their stationary as well
that would be helpful.
AASL President Releases Statement on School Library Position Cuts
Coinciding with her visit to a state-recognized school library program, AASL President, Dr. Nancy
Everhart released a statement in response to the elimination of school librarian positions in schools
facing budget shortfalls. To visit the website and view the full statement, go to:
http://ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pr.cfm?id=6632
2
Library Director Position Opening @ Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees announces its search for a new Library
Director/Chief Executive Officer. Recruitment brochure and information can be found at
http://www.librarystrategiesinternational.com/Library_Strategies_International/Executive_Recruitment.
html
Clinical Faculty in School Library Media University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education –
Library and Information Studies
Responsibilities:
- Teach 3 course sections a semester, both online and seated sections (course releases for grant
writing and research can be considered); contribute to ongoing development of the curriculum;
- Develop and administer the library media specialist online cohort program within the Graduate
School of Education framework under the overall direction of the director of the library media
specialist program;
- Undertake active recruitment; respond to email and phone inquiries, review applications, and mentor
students in the cohort;
- Participate in department and school committees and other administrative duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Experience as a school librarian in a K-12 environment and demonstrated understanding of inquiry-
based learning and 21st century skills;
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, instructional technology and its integration into the
curriculum in K-12 education media;
- Experience teaching online courses or extensive experience with online and Web 2.0 technologies;
- Knowledge of the requirements for library media specialist certification in New York State (or needs
to quickly acquire this knowledge).
- Earned doctorate completed or near completion. Completed doctorate preferred.
Application Procedure: To apply for this position, please visit our online employment site at:
www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu > SEARCH POSTINGS > Department > Library and Information Science
Preferred start date August 17, 2011 For best consideration apply by April 20, 2011. Applications will
be considered until the position is filled.
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the
State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more
than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate,
graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member
of the Association of American Universities.
3
A Note from…Harry Chan
I noticed Tuesday afternoon that the transaction counter passed the 15,000 mark...
A Note from Connie Holberg, Melvil Dewey Library Director at Jefferson Community College
Hello fellow librarians - I wanted to make sure you knew about this event and hope you will spread
the word amongst your students and faculty for this opportunity!
The public is invited to hear author Chris Crutcher speak at Jefferson Community College on April
13th at 7:00 in room 6-002.
Mr. Crutcher's themes are freedom of speech, diversity, and tough topics for young adults. He is
currently on the banned books list because of how his characters are portrayed in real life situations
that young adults can relate to.
Any questions or for more information please call Leah Deasy 786-6568.
A Note from… various members of the SLMS Board and Committee Chairs
From the 2011 Conference Co-Chairs, a request that those who have submitted their registrations to
their Business Office but have not received a confirmation, check on the status of the request.
Schools may have been waiting to send in the registrations because of budget concerns. Also,
anyone who wants hotel reservations and has not made them is urged to do so.
https://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=504145&hotelID=15259
From the SLMS Awards Chair: The application form for the scholarships for this summer's retreat on
our website says that the deadline is November 15. This year we decided to wait until the spring, and
the deadline is May 8.
http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=631
VOTING REMINDERS: The deadline to vote in the ALA, AASL, and similar elections is April 22,
2011. We have SLMS members running: Rosina Alaimo, Cathie Marriot, and Barbara Stripling for
ALA Council and Sara Kelly Johns for AASL.
We will be voting on the SLMS By-Laws and the slate of officers sent out last week at the
Membership Meeting on May 7 at the SLMS Conference.
It's time to record the votes of your students in the 3 Apples Children's Choice Book Award for 2011.
Also, SLMS member Stephanie Wilson is on the ALSC ballot for the Newbery Award Committee.
Grant Opportunities
Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program
The Beyond Words program, administered by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL),
benefits public school libraries recovering from major disasters. The fund provides grants for books,
4
media, and equipment that support learning in a school library environment. For eligibility
requirements and application details, please visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslawards/beyondwords/disasterrelief.cfm
Applications are reviewed monthly. Awards are between $5,000 and $15,000
Youth Literacy Grants
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries,
and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty
reading.
To apply for the 2011 Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grant, visit
http://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=3107&x_quiz_id=2603&
x_order_by=1. Deadline to apply: May 18, 2011 Maximum grant amount:$3,000
To find out about all the Dollar General Literacy Grant opportunities, visit:
http://www.dollargeneral.com/dgliteracy/pages/grant_programs.aspx
NYSED C&I E-Blasts
The April E-Blast is available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/eblast/
Discovery Education Webinar Series
Grow Through Professional Development Webinars: Each web based session is live and will last one
hour. All you need to attend is a computer with internet connection.
Exclusive Earth Day Webinar with Jeff Corwin: Educators & Students!
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/EarthDayJeffCorwin
Exclusive Webinar with Jeff Corwin: The Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill One Year Later
th
April 19 , 2011 at 1pm EST (10 am PST)
Educators and students are invited to join biologist, environmentalist, and Emmy winner Jeff Corwin
to take an in-depth look at the impact of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill as we approach the one-year
anniversary. Jeff will examine the wide-spread ecological effects of the spill on life in the surrounding
ecosystem and beyond. Educators and students will walk away with a better understanding of the role
we play in protecting the aquatic habitat of the gulf and the positive impact we can make on the
environment every day.
101 Webinar Series: Educators
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/101WebinarSeries
Discovery Education streaming 101 Session
Every Monday at 7PM EST through Monday, May 2, 2011
Our newly developed 101 Webinars are designed to give educators the core knowledge they need to
maximize their use of Discovery Education streaming. From logins and passwords, to search
functions, writing prompt and quiz builders, and assignment management, these webinars provide a
foundation for bringing your classroom to life with digital content!
5
What’s New, What’s Ahead Series: Educators http://links.discoveryeducation.com/NEWandAHEAD
Sneak Peek into Back to School Enhancements DE streaming
Wednesdays from May 11, 2011 to May 25, 2011 at 7PM EST
Thursdays from May 12, 2012 to May 26, 2011 at 3:30PM EST
Join us as we look back at the 2010-2011 enhancements to DE streaming while showcasing
integration strategies for leveraging the new tools, content and resources in the classroom. We will
also highlight upcoming content & provide a sneak peek into the 2011-2012 back to school
enhancements from the administrator, educator and student perspectives. You’ll leave this webinar
ready to revitalize your curriculum with the time-saving and content-rich resources in DE streaming.
You’re Invited to the Upstate New York Day of Discovery
Choose from multiple sessions, earn a certificate for your participation, win prizes, and workshop with
nationally recognized K-12 experts. Saturday, May 14, 2011
8:30am - 3:00pm (Registration closes at 9:00am)
Fayetteville-Manlius High School
8201 East Seneca Turnpike, Manlius, NY 13104
Event Cost: FREE (Breakfast and lunch included)
Reserve your seat by May 11th
http://Links.DiscoveryEducation.com/NYDoD
Questions? Contact Whitney_Mihoulides@Discovery.com
Previously Printed
Nominations for Council Representatives Are Needed
A Nomination Survey Monkey is to be created. The council will have 3 openings June 2011, a council
chair (3 year term), Ann Morosini’s term, the council member 3 year term held by Janelle Briggs
(medium size school) and our alternate council member held by Hollie Snyder with a 1 year term.
Please send nominations or inquiries to abliss@boces.com
CoSer 502.100/Cooperative Collection Development
The School Library System needs the packing slips from the book vendor to pay the invoice. Please
check your orders as they arrive and send the packing slip in the next courier. Thank you!
Dates to Remember
Date Event Location Time
April 12th Round Table Meeting (2) Lowville (Graphic Novels) 4:00-6:00
June 6th Round Table Meeting (3) Indian River Middle School 4:00-6:00
(Socratic Seminars and Standards
for the 21st-Century Learner)
May 17th MSP Library Media Meeting Lowville Academy 9:00-3:00
May 24th SLS Council Meeting Watertown BOCES 9:00-3:00
Next fall Round Table Meeting (1) LaFargeville (Smartboard in the 4:00-6:00
library and Kindles)
6
Useful Links
Website Website URL
NYLA http://www.nyla.org/
AASL http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/index.cfm
ALA http://www.ala.org/
SLS Wiki http://jeffersonlewissls.wikispaces.com/
SLMS http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=52
Library/School visits
If you have something special happening in your library please invite me to join in the excitement.
Newsletter contributions are always welcome
If you have a great website or bit of information to share with your colleagues please send me an
email and I will add it to the newsletter.
7