The Follow Up.....

So here we are... my 4th blog.  I am actually getting the hang of this.  I am even thinking of starting a personal blog.  Anyway, in a ever increasing desire to build a better blog-- I dedcided that I need to start following a few Library / Librarian blogs.  I looked around on Tumblr, Blogger and Blogspot.

Here a few of the great blogs that I have found:

http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/

The Show Me Librarin Blog provides personal insights, as well as, links to her presentations and information.  She is a relatively new to being a librarian (graduating in 2011), I am very empressed with all of the venues she is using to promote her library and library services in general.

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/

The first thing that drew me in was the title--(how could it not).  After reading a few posts, I am hooked.  The posts are witty and intelligent.  

http://www.librarygirl.net/
This blog is a wealth of education and library information.  The live binder is awesome.

http://www.mightylittlelibrarian.com/
I truly found this blog interesting and infomative (and dare I say it--inspirational). As I read, I could see myself in her place--making presentations at conferences.  I want to be her when I grow up!

http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Videos are at the forefront of this blog--definietly for the visual learners.  The Unquiet Librarian got them to do it for the Vine! ( I know you are all laughting out loud--- I made a funny)

Blog Readers---Who Knew? Newsblur

As you may have figured out, I am totally new to blogging.  So, needless to say, I never followed any blogs.  Having said that I decided it was time to explore "Blog Readers".  Well, I'm here to tell you they are pretty neat.  "Blog Readers" help you to keep up with your favorite blogs without the hassle of checking blog page all the time.  In my limited knowledge---I think of it as sort of a Newsfeed (like on Facebook) for all of the blogs you follow.

I explored a few "readers" and I have found that the easiest for me to use is NewsBlur.  For the tech-challenged like me-- this was a breeze.  I did check out  Bloglovin’, Bloglines, Feedly, Digg Reader, and Newsvibe.  I just felt most comfortable with Newsblur. 

My top 3 reasons for choosing Newsblur:
     1.  Free for the up 60+ sites
     2.  Allows subscriberr to create catagories (for the feed)
     3.  Allows subcriber to create a list of your favorite articles/stories/blogs you want others to read.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet (or the Sweetest Tweets)

Many of my middle school students have asked me if I "tweet". Up until now, I just told them no and moved on. But, if I am going to move into their world--I have to "tweet"... so I decided to begin with academic tweets and then maybe once I get the hang of it I will tweet with my friends. As of late, I have begun following some of the leaders in educational technology. Here are a few of my favorite tweets thus far:

10 Ways to Become the Leader Others Value http://t.co/AXrg5222Pj
— Linda W Braun (@lbraun2000) June 2, 2014

See the priceless reactions in this video where kids react to seeing (and trying to use) an Apple II: https://t.co/uA2QWLhBPR #edtechchat
— Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent) May 27, 2014

The voice of Maya Angelou gave rise to others - The Washington Post http://t.co/MSiF1Rzsx4 by @NTrethewey
— Buffy Hamilton (@buffyjhamilton) May 29, 2014

How to Train Your Principal http://t.co/uipQoaSkNd #EdChat #TLChat https://t.co/MShnQxcMac
— The Daring Librarian (@GwynethJones) June 2, 2014

Free Technology for Teachers: How to Use Google Slides to Organize Research via @EveWeb http://t.co/zmiFcz0AZc
— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) May 31, 2014

The big 3 image search engines now have easy access to CC images for our students to #WorkWonders. w00t! pic.twitter.com/RFezJxv4Jf
— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) May 29, 2014

Let's Face It...Facebook It!!!

We "old school" lover of books are going to have to face it, Facebook is here to stay.  And, if we are to reach our tech savvy students we are going to become residents in their world.  School libraries can use Facebook to highlight events, book lists and student achievement. 
It is however, a great responsibilty.  The librarian must maintain student safety and privacy at all times-- making sure to clear using students pictures and names with parents.
  
Take a few minutes to proruse the following school library Facebook pages:

Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary School Library

The Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary Facebook page is maintained by the school librarian.  It offers information about school library related events, as well as, community events.  The content seems to be carefully screened by the librarian.  It is a student / parent friendly page.





Taft High School Library

The Taft High School Library page highlights current events and suggests books to read.  It also provides information for book club meetings.  It also provides the hours  of operation.