Librarians / Media Specialists
Especially for you...
enjoy the resources, websites, and other information to extend the thinking and practices of others in your roles. Have a suggested resource? Use the form on the right to submit your ideas.
AASL Crosswalks with other sets of national teaching and learning standards:
Jamie McKenzie is the "brave new librarian," who shares the role and work of the new librarian.
Access: The Brave New Librarian Jamie McKenzie
Fontbonne University shares the what, the why, and the how of banned books.
Access: Common Reasons for Banning Books from Schools and Libraries
There are many different reasons an institution will ban a book. The magic in a fantasy novel can be construed as anti-religious, or the language in a novel can be considered too mature for younger audiences. No matter the reason, banned books intrigue audiences and tempt readers as soon as they are restricted.
School librarians must excel at research, teaching, technology, digital and information literacy, and library design to lead today’s school ibraries
Access: How School Librarians are Evolving - Tech and Learning
Access: How to Become a School Librarian
Check out the vision for Iowa school libraries as well as the role of the 21st century librarian and school library resources.
Access: Iowa Department of Education's School Library Resources
There are two institutions that feature library science degrees at the graduate level in Iowa. The University of Iowa has the exclusive Master's degree in library and information science recognized by the American Library Association (ALA). An alternative pathway is the school library media specialization at the University of Northern Iowa, which is accredited by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
If not being taken online, students can enroll in these programs in Iowa City and Cedar Falls. Located in the eastern portion of the state, Iowa City is the fifth-largest city with around 74,000 residents. Cedar Falls has around 40,000 people, and while the University of Northern Iowa may be in a smaller location, it is just 10 miles away from the third-largest city in the state, Waterloo.
Check out Pinterest's site on school libraries.
Media specialists are leading the way!
A group of tech-savvy librarians offer up a list of their favorite education apps for 2016!
Access: Librarian Approved: 30 Ed-Tech Apps to Inspire Creativity and Creation
Every field has its own language, and libraries and media centers are no different. Users and new employees are often confused by terms librarians take for granted. Many words can have different meanings, which adds to the confusion. For example, when a student hears the word “journal,” they might think of something quite different from what the research librarian helping them find sources for their paper means. And even experienced library patrons might not be able to explain the difference between microfilm and microfiche. But by learning some common library-related terms, you can feel more comfortable and confident when you’re at the library.
Note: This site was recommended by the students of Katherine Liu.
School Library Journal webcast (with Shannon McClintock Miller, Sam Miller and Kathy Kaldenberg
Access: Making the Principal Connection
Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.
The free speech advocacy organization found that between July 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, 1,586 books were banned in classrooms across the country. The comprehensive list of bans includes cases from 86 school districts in 26 states that affected more than 2 million students in 2,899 schools.
This professor shares reasons for those bans.
Access: One Professor's Take on Why Books Are Being Banned in Schools
Access: Resources for School Librarian
Designed to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning, the National School Library Standards enable personalization for every learner and school librarian, allowing you to continuously tailor your school library to local needs, your own strengths, and learners’ benefit. These resources will help you get started on your journey.
Access: School Librarians
Access: School Library Journal
Designed to meet the needs of pre-service as well as professional school library media specialists, this blog provides news and information, book and technology reviews, and professionals sharing their expertise.
Although the project is no longer updated on a regular basis,
feel free to explore this online resource.
Access: The Times They are a Changin' - an infographic - Jennifer LaGarde
Access: Tips from the Kind Librarian