Earlier this year at the branch where I work, the local middle school displayed vases they had made from recycled magazines. More recently the 7th grade class constructed haunted houses from recycled cardboard, spray paint, metal, and found objects. The end result is quite amazing:
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Our awesome logo is by Christian Sager. Check out his webcomic Border Crossings. Skull by Gustopher and book by King Unicorn.
I finally got around to listening to October’s episode of Adventures in Library Instruction. I most wanted to listen to Rachel’s interview with Peter Larsen, a librarian at the University of Rhode Island. The interview focused on the for-credit information literacy courses URI offers as part of their information literacy program. Along with his information about the conceptualization of the course’s content, I was most impressed with his consistent assessment techniques throughout the course. For example, he would implement “one minute papers,” which allowed students to give feedback regarding assignment and in-class activity effectiveness.
The course in which he talked most about is a stand alone course. He, however, encourages students to work on a research project from another course they’re taking, so they can implement research strategies into a vested project. It looks as if URI also offers a 1-credit course that is specifically tailored to a student’s concurrent registration in a class that requires information literacy skills.
This has always been something I would love to see more of at the university level: a one-credit “lab” attached to a core course in the students’ curriculum. Students would have, for example, their required English or science course tied into a “lab” taught by a librarian integrating research strategies and information skills into their “parent” course’s content and assignments. I realize there are staff/human resource issues. How could a gaggle of librarians conquer 30 sections of English 101? I think there are possible ways/means around it. For example, online, supplemental materials or holding the “information literacy” lab every other week. Maybe it’s too “pie in the sky.” But I dare to dream….
Thanks to Peter Larsen for the interview! Also, YOU can join us for future episodes! If you’re interested, please post a comment on the Adventures in Library Instruction blog or email us! We’ll do it as a Skype discussion or you can record a segment all on your own.
I learned about Image Chef’s Word Mosaic from Jane’s [Knight] E-Learning Pick of the Day. It’s a neat little tool similar to Wordle. You can enter words and select from a variety of fonts, template shapes, and colors. My first mosaic seems appropriate for this time of year:
Image Chef has made it very easy to share your final product via email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Users can also copy automatically generated code to easily embed the final product into a web site (as I did above).
Enjoy putting a little pizzazz into your promotional materials — or even just for greetings to your friends!
I’ve recently started teaching basic classes focused around web resources and tools (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, RSS readers, etc.). At a Facebook Basics class last month, a couple of participants )parents of local high school students) suggested the library host an information session about responsible, conscientious use of social networking tools for parents and teenagers to attend. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it was something my branch could successfully provide.
CC Image courtesy of Ann Douglas on Flickr
After rolling around the idea in my head (and getting over the initial fear about presenting to parents about social networking), I decided that it was a perfect opportunity to collaborate with other librarians in the area. I was lucky enough to have a Youth Services librarian from my branch, as well as the media specialist from the local high school, agree to help the conceptualize and present. Both were equipped to contribute fabulous personal experiences, as well as a keen knowledge about social networking.
The main point of the session was to clarify some common misconceptions about social networking, as well as to help start a dialogue between parents and their teenagers about safe and responsible social networking. The challenge: creating balanced content for an audience of parents and teenagers. We wanted participants to leave the session knowledgeable about responsible social networking, not scared to death of it.
CC Image courtesy of sunside on Flickr
Rather than doing a straight presentation with powerpoint slides, we decided to go with a more interactive apporaoch. We created 10-12 statements that participants would vote on whether they were fact or fiction. Participants were given cards to vote in response to each statement. It gave us a great overview as to what the audience really knew, didn’t know, or were unsure about. After each statement, the answer was revealed, and the “panel of experts” (made up by the three of us) gave examples and covered talking points related to reasons the statement was either fact or fiction. In between each statement, there was a steady flow of questions from the participants, especially when discussing why a certain statement was true or false.
All in all, the presentation was a success. Participants seemed appreciative for the opportunity to attend, as well as for the materials they walked away with regarding social networking etiquette, safety, and resources. Out of the 20 people that attended, only 3 were teenagers. It would have been a nice perk to get more of the parents’ children there.
As always, not everything was perfect. There are a few things we may do different for the next time:
All in all, it was a positive experience. And I love the foundation we’ve set for future presentations. I look forward to presenting it again in March with some updated, revamped materials. If you’re interested in the Fact/Fiction statements we used, please feel free to contact me.
Library 101 Project Page
I love the Library 101 Project page Michael Porter and David Lee King have put together. The project, complete with song, video, essays and resources, is scheduled to debut ton October 28th at 2pm PST.
According to the Library 101 Facebook page that was recently set up, “The “Library 101 Project” celebrates libraries, technology and change. It is designed to inspire libraries and library staff to honor our traditions while more bravely adopting practical emerging technology.”
All I know is that these two gentlemen have been putting a lot of thought, planning, and talent into the project. I look forward to seeing all their hard work and effort come to life.
