PLA Blog

I wish I had posted this last week, but in any case, this free webcast on screencasting (creating digital presentations that record your actions as you use a computer, with or without a voice over) is happening today from 8-9am PST (11-12am EST). If you don’t catch it the first time around, SirsiDynix will be adding it to their archive, along with a whole slew of interesting, free, archives of previous webcasts on everything from podcasting to teaching client (patron) relations, to name just a few.

The Public Library Association’s awards and honors are designed to highlight the best in public library service. Nominate your library or a colleague for a PLA award through PLA’s new online awards application.

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2006. All applications must be submitted online prior to the deadline in order to be considered.

PLA Achievement Awards:

• Advancement of Literacy Award to a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation, or similar group for a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy. Sponsored by Library Journal

• Allie Beth Martin Award of $3,000 to a public librarian who has extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books/library materials and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• Charlie Robinson Award of $1,000 to a public library director who, over a period of seven years, was a risk-taker, innovator, and/or change agent in a public library. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award of $1,000 to a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. Sponsored by EBSCO Information Services

• Highsmith Library Innovation Award of $2,000 to a public library for achievement in planning and implementing a creative community service program. Sponsored by Highsmith, Inc.

New this year from PLA:

• Gordon M. Conable Award of $1,500 to a public library staff member, library trustee, or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. Sponsored by LSSI

PLA Grant Opportunities:

• Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award Grant of $2,500 in audio/music-video products for a proposal that outlines the purpose, benefits, and plan for initiating or expanding a circulating audio music/video collection. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• Demco New Leaders Travel Grant of up to $1,500 each, not to exceed $5,000, to PLA members who are new to the profession and who have not attended a major PLA continuing-education event in the last 5 years. Sponsored by Demco, Inc.

• “Grow Your Own” Institutional Scholarship of $8,000 to a public library for reimbursement of employees’ course tuition costs at the undergraduate or graduate level. This PLA Pilot program is now in its second year.

Visit www.pla.org for applications and more information.

Remember – Deadline for applications is December 1, 2006!

 I attended the ALSC-sponsored program “Lyrics to Literacy” on Monday, June 26. This program caught my eye by the description: “Through song, story, rhythm and chant, learn techniques to develop early literacy skills. Participants will learn how to enhance self-esteem, strengthen reading readiness, language development and promote brain growth.” Doesn’t that sound fun?

I wasn’t able to stay for the entire program, but I was able to grab the handouts and learn a few songs. This program was presented by Debbie Clement and Carole Peterson, two singer/songwriter/performers. Some highlights:

Carole’s 7 Terrific Techniques For Using Active Music:

1. Eye Contact
2. Encouraging Nods and Smiles
3. EXPLAIN: Give clear instructions and expectations BEFORE activity begins, AND how as it ends!
4. Tempo - slow the song down to teach it, turn off the boombox
5. Be prepared - Have all materials ready and tapes cued
6. Use props, visuals, and manipulatives
7. Pace - vary the activity level, and bring excitement down to end session

Debbie’s Directions:

1. Have fun! Enjoy! Smile! Laugh!
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. (4x)
3. Follow your rituals and recipes.
4. Be willing to take a risk.
5. Begin slowly. Play with the speed.
6. Choose a comfortable key/pitch.
7. Animate and exaggerate your face.
8. Watch the children for clues/ideas.
9. Remember rule #1 at all times: have fun!

I don’t want to post the song lyrics (possible copyright issues, since the songs are all originals), but more information can be found on their individual websites:

Carole Peterson - http://www.macaronisoup.com/ (Music CDs - good for storytimes!)

Debbie Clement - http://www.rainbowswithinreach.com/ (Music CDs and more - check out those cute shaker eggs!) and http://kweezletown.com/ (the site isn’t fully up yet)

Teacher’s Hall Pass at the Origins International Game Expo 2006
June 29, 2006 - July 2, 2006
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio
Games and gaming are big news lately. The Origins International Game Expo has been running since 1975, and “is one of the largest and longest-running game conventions in the world.” They’re offering what they call the “Teacher’s Hall Pass,” which include free admission to the expo and entrance to a special series of classes on how to use games in educational settings (like libraries). This is the first year the hall pass is available to librarians, and the Origins folks are “really looking forward to the interesting perspectives those two groups will bring to the discussions.” If you happen to take advantage of this opportunity, write to us and tell us about your experience.

SirsiDynix Institute: A Beginner’s Guide to Podcasting
* May 17, 2006 - Part A: A Consumers Guide
* May 24, 2006 - Part B: A Creator’s Guide
Curious about podcasting? Greg Schwartz, author of the Open Stacks blog and podcasts, podcasting librarian extraordinaire and the man behind the roving Carnival of Infosciences (another great free, online, professional resource), presents a two-part webinar series on what podcasting is, tools you should know about, and how to incorporate podcasts in your library services.

Free “FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman” Resource Kit
FETCH!, a new show premiering on PBS May 29 focused on kids 6-10 years old, is modeled on the reality TV show craze. Six teenage contenstants on the unscripted show go on challenge assignments “to test their determination, their daring, and their intellect.” Libraries can request a free FETCH! resources kit to create parallel programming at the library, including an activity guide, challenge sheet pack (available in English and Spanish), poster, and subscription to the email newsletter filled with news, activity tips, and web feature pointers. Email fetchnews[at]wgbh[dot]org to order your resource pack, and for more information.

Online Programming for All Libraries (OPAL)
OPAL offers a series of free, web-based programs that cover “book discussion programs, interviews, special events, library training, memoir writing workshops, and virtual tours of special digital library collections,” sponsored by various libraries. Upcoming events include a tour of eBay on Tuesday, May 16, project planning on Friday, May 19, and a book talk on the graphic novel Persepolis, which was recently made available in audio and braille formats for the Seatlle 2006 citywide book program. Check out their full schedule for more events and details.

Attend BookExpo America virtually via free podcasts
Conference runs May 19 - 21, 2006
Podcasts post the week of May 22, 2006
This tidbit was posted to the Beyond the Job blog, an excellent resource for information on continuing education in librarianship (especially free or low-cost opportunities). If you can’t make it to the BookExpo America conference this year, for the first time ever selected programming will be made available through podcasts. You can “pre-register” now to receive the podcasts by email, or you can subscribe to their iTunes or RSS feeds.

Know of a professional development or programming freebie you want to share? Write to us and let us know.