The End

Thinking about what I have learned over the course of this term is difficult to summate. I know that this course has provided a wealth of information to me concerning reference materials; selecting, evaluating and maintaining it, I will need to go back and record all the websites that were shared. So many great ones!! The idea of reference as information, an information process, and as a guide were also made clear. Getting to know your clientele and their needs concerning reference materials will be so important as the cost of materials continues to sky rocket while the budgets are reduced. Our discussions concerning cost and availability of certain resources and the use of online resources was also very valuable.  I know there will be a major learning curve on the job, trying to put things all together.  Finally, I enjoyed completing the projects (evaluate a reference and change a teacher) as well, because it gave me an opportunity to put myself in the situation as a teacher librarian, and work to find solutions.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussions and to my partners in assignment three, for their efforts. Have a great holiday!

Online indexes

I found a reputable site of bibliographic resources called WorldCat.org 
It professes to be the world's largest network of library content and services. It contains references, links, and full text articles, videos, audio files, for all the physical items you are used to getting at the library. The site is very easy to use, and the few items i chose on elementary topics, kangaroos and eclipse provided several results for books, articles, videos and music. They also give a preview feature for some of the books, so you can experience it first hand, before buying it for the collection.
http://www.worldcat.org/

I also liked the site academic info, which was a bibliography for sites on the web. It had some excellent links to Children's picture book database, education place (K-8), eduPuppy, (pre - gr.2), lesson plans page, theme related resources on the world wide web. 
http://www.academicinfo.net/edteaches.html

Online Encyclopedias

I chose to evaluate the Encyclopedia Britannica for Kids. As a TOC, I am hoping to get a position in an elementary school, and thought it would be valuable to chose a resource for that age group. Britannica also had a free seven day trial offer to browse the website, so I was able to do the evaluation from home. 

Accuracy: The Association for Library Services for Children, recommends Britannica in its 2006 Notable Computer Software for Children award category, stating, “Always reliable, this updated edition of Britannica does not disappoint.” 
Britannica also placed first in the “Top Ten Reviews” online review site for encyclopedias online. 

Authority: The Kids online site contains a reference library for elementary and secondary student use. Each level contains an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, timelines, a research organizer, audio clips, videos and web links. There are also games and activities that support information found on the website. 

Currency: The website information is updated daily and and there is a section for individuals to submit their own content, which would be approved by Britannica. The content information is updated as necessary, I could not find an exact timeline for review and deletion of materials. 

Format: The home page contains sections on daily information (important people, featured video, Britannica highlights, animal of the day and a featured game), activities related to specific curriculum areas; English, math, science and social studies, reference tools for help with reports and research, and a section for parents. It is very easy to peruse and contains lots of interactive content and eye catching pictures. It was noted in some of the content areas that most of the information given is simply text and no illustrations (contrary to high interest sections which were loaded with pictures). This might not be a downfall of the site, since most students would be using it for research, and not “surfing”.

Indexing: The home page begins with a large search box for three separate resources; Student Encyclopedia, Children’s Encyclopedia, and Dictionary/Thesaurus. One is also able to browse various categories, such as; arts, geography, religion, sports...
It would appear the focus is solely American, as the few searches I did for local information came up with no results. (ie. Nanaimo, BC. ferries, 1887 Vancouver Island mine explosion) Each successful search contain information with related information, MLA and APA style citations, a table of contents, and a link to the Merriam-Webster’s student dictionary.

Objectivity: I entered the word “afro” as a test word for content areas on objectivity. Forty four search results appeared, none to do with hairstyles. Most were articles on famous people in the Africa American community, some on music, colleges, and the Black Revolt.

Scope: The Encyclopedia Britannica, is an easy to use resource for students of Elementary and Intermediate ages. Its format appears a bit young for senior high students, but the information would still be appropriate reading level.

Dictionaries

Some of the inherent problems with print versions of dictionaries are; lack of use (they grow more dust layers than the leaves on the fake plants), outdated too quickly for the cost (replace every 5 years?? they are only cheap enough to buy once they are already 2 years old, inappropriate reading level (is it for the intermediate grades or secondary, what if my school is K-7? or 8-12?), information is separate from the index (how do I share one index with 30 students in a class, and not find them off task?). Also, all of the information is presented in the print version on a level playing field. No one topic would draw a students attention unless it contained an interesting photo. 

Essential special dictionaries would include; a English-French dictionary (and other languages if a secondary school, such as German, Japanese or Spanish), a thesaurus and rhyming dictionary, topical dictionaries for vocabulary such as Harry Potter, skateboarding, and medieval terminology. 
As for telephone directories, they are cumbersome paper wasters. Often the numbers are difficult to find in the yellow pages, or not updated in the white pages. 
My guess at the teacher librarian's essential directory would be SLiP.

Where am I at??

I am realizing that after a semester of LIBE 467, that there is a lot to know about reference resources. As a prospective librarian, I wouldn't have guessed that both print and online resources are so important. Although, to me it would appear that the strength of your library collection is based on your knowledge and passion for that information. These days, a book shall go unturned and a website left unfound unless there is a confident guide to lead the way.
I am grateful for all of the references that were passed along in this course, and would like to somehow document them in a more organized fashion for future use. I imagine that once this course has finished and I am no longer enrolled, that these valuable links will not be available to me. The blog has been a fantastic idea for documenting our work and thoughts, and collecting the important stuff. I must reference a couple of other blog contributors that I came across in my journey that sparked my interest in the technology side of the job, and seem to have an eye on the next decade.

http://kimcofino.com/blog/

The Top 25 Librarian Blogs

1. Never Ending Search – Winner of the “Best Librarian Blog” category for the 2009 Edublog Awards, this blog-version of the School Library Journal updates librarians and book geeks with social networking tips and interesting literature-related videos. SLJ is internationally known as “the world’s largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology” for youth.

2. Bright Ideas –  Runner-up for the “Best Librarian Blog” award, this blog is written by the School Library Association of Victoria, and educates readers on how to use technology in schools and libraries.  Also included on the site are various audio tools, and book reviews.

3. The Daring Librarian – This blog was the second runner-up as the “Best Librarian Blog” for the 2009 Edublog Awards. Posts are unique, colorful, and entertaining, and cover all aspects of librarian issues such as technology news and tips, Facebook, Twitter, and politics.

4. The Dewey Blog – Yes, there is even a blog dedicated to Dewey Decimal Classification systems. Readers get weekly updates on how to catalog certain book items on library shelves. You can’t get more librarian than this!

5. No Shelf Required – Blogger Sue Polanka from Wright State University Libraries writes specifically on the use of e-books in libraries, and discusses various related issues such as licensing, and the latest business models.

6. Social Networking in Libraries – This blog is packed full of lists, videos, and technology facts comprised by librarian/network marketer AnnaLaura Brown. Some of the posts include “50 Ways Librarians Can Make A Living Without a Job,” and “A to Z of Libraries of the Future.”

7. Peter Scott’s Library Blog –  Authors, books, international libraries, and technology news are only some of the post topics included on this blog. Author Peter Scott is not only the creator of the first electronic browser for Internet resources (HYTELNET), he is also a musician and Juno Award winner.

8. Resource Shelf – These daily posts are dedicated to the latest in librarian news, statistics, and topics concerning budgeting and staffing issues, and technology. The group of authors who write on this blog also produce a weekly newsletter.

9. What I Learned Today –  Coined as one of the Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers for 2007, author/writer/library association member Nicole C. Engard educates readers on librarian issues, and provides weekly updates on the latest in news and technology.

10. The Travelin’ Librarian – Although this blog focuses on various issues and topics concerning the future of libraries, such as copyright laws and technology, author Michael Sauers, who is the Technology Innovation Librarian for the Nebraska Library Commission, still manages to make his posts personal and entertaining by including comics, pictures, and videos.

11. The Law Librarian Blog – This blog is written by a group of authors who are employed in a variety of  librarian fields. Posts are based more on statistical facts and polls, with a specific focus on law.

12. The Association for Library Service to Children Blog – Humorous, entertaining, and also informative, posts on the blog are dedicated to the latest in library news, lectures, and programs. The ALSC serves as a network of more than 4,200 librarians, children’s literature experts, publishers, and faculty members.

13. Library Link of the Day – The main page may not look like much, but each day the author posts one link to a book or library news article in a simple, yet unique format. Blogger John Hubbard is a Senior Academic Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

14. Library Garden – This blog is a great discussion medium for those who feel flustered about the future of libraries. Topics can be political, (such as the latest in budget cuts), and also cover the latest in technology issues concerning eBooks and iPads.

15. In the Library with the Leadpipe –  Full of interviews, statistics, and information, readers of this blog can get educated on various political and technological issues affecting the future of libraries. The blog is written by six different librarians as well as various guest authors.

16. A Librarian’s Guide to Etiquette –  These posts range from how prepare for job interviews, comical tips on how to keep your library quiet, or how to entertain your students. (For instance, if students are drifting off during your library instruction class, the blogger suggests that you can always “lower the lights, turn up the heat, and consider getting a mentor to coach you through the intricacies of mass education.”

17. Tame the Web – This blog serves as an educational tool for librarians itching to learn more about the latest in librarian and technology news.  The posts are interactive, informative, and entertaining, and various pictures and videos are included in the content.

18.  Librarian By Day – Both informative and entertaining, this blog is authored by librarian/teacher/book nerd Bobbi L. Newman. Newman has presented at various local, national, and international library conferences concerning the use of digital services in libraries.

19. TeleRead: Bring the E-Books Home – With a specific focus on technology and ebooks, this blog is a great site for those who want to learn more about technology, and how it is changing the future of libraries. The blog’s history goes back all the way to 1992, and posts are written by a number of different authors.

20. The Blah, Blah, Blah Blog –  Posts on this blog tends to have more of a focus Florida libraries because it is written by the staff of the Northeast Florida Library Information Network. However, this blog is still a great resource for any American librarians who want to get the latest updates on workshops, seminars, and webinars.

21.  Closed Stacks – Posts on this blog are as entertaining as they are informative. Written by a group of bloggers who all work in the librarian field, posts tend to have more of a focus on the latest in technology and social media news, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter.

22. Handheld Librarian – This blog educates readers on the latest in “handheld” computer news, as well as a number of different issues concerning the future of libraries. The several authors of this blog work in various library-related fields, so the post topics are diverse and can range from digital libraries and librarian tips, to iPads and iPhones.

23. The Shifted Librarian – This blog is full of interesting history facts, related librarian articles as well as some personal pictures.

24. Connie Crosby – Authored by a Canadian law librarian and “info diva,” posts range from social media topics, legal research, and technology issues. This blog won a Canadian Law Blog Award in 2008, and was also a finalist for the same award in 2007 and 2009.

25. David Lee King – With more of a personal edge, David Lee King’s blog focuses on the future of digital technology and libraries, as well as the latest news, statistics, and trends in social media and politics. King currently works as a Digital Branch and Services Manager at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, but he is also a musician and songwriter.

Been There Wiped That!

Talking about the importance of multi media with another student in class, and considering how I might incorporate it into assignment 3 on change a teacher.  Wanting to do something with the internet and perhaps blogging. Seems that there are so many untouched resources using technology, and somewhere there has to be a starting point. Today for example, I was thinking about catch phrase slogans, and how reliable they are in our society at getting people’s attention and keeping the thought of the product or service in their mind.  (What would I name my blog??) I saw this particular web ad for a non profit group who organize baby sales “Been There Wiped That”, its there company and domain name. Can’t get the name out of my head, and can’t wait till they have their sale in February. Good thing that it wasn’t heard with a jingle or I’d really be in trouble.

Anyways, getting to the point of how important it is to “get their attention”, referring to students and staff in our schools. Half of the problem is the fact that we have a difficult time getting them in the door these days, let alone actually looking for something. What happened to the times when you’d wander in to look at new titles, grab one or two off the shelf, and peruse for awhile? NO TIME, I guess. 

Anyway, I make it my pledge to create a couple of good catch phrases annually for the library to draw in the ones that haven’t stepped through the door yet. Maybe one that is related to an event going on, or a mystery contest, or a holiday social, or just to say hello.  How about “T’is the season... read, relax, enjoy!!”  

online atlas reviews

Who would have imagined that there would be so many sources for atlases. Yet it became evident that not all sources are of an acceptable quality or for children and youth. I have chosen two online sites in Riedling’s Webliography that seemed to me, less popular than others. Of these, I found not similarity to the atlases I used in grade school and high school. Times have definitely changed with the addition of “interactive zooming” and real time satellite images of locations. 

The Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com

A first glance this site truly looked like a travel site and not an atlas site. Headings on the home page listed areas such as hostels/hotels, shop, and travel deals. There was a banner for advertisements, and I also notice after a short time, a set of scrolling images pan through one called, “Naked Places: best places to get undressed”. Highly unsuitable for a elementary web user. I was a bit turned off, and thought this would be my thumbs down site. 

But as I continued to explore, the site began to show its flavor; exciting and interesting information and facts on all types of places around the world. The home page was easy to read and navigate, with a clear map of the continents, that lead to galleries of pictures, top destinations, and copious amounts of detail about locations. The article linked to the “Naked Places” had some curious stories about places where nudism was used to generate an event or symbolize a belief. For example in Antarctica, “nudies dash – steaming and screaming – from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to the geographic pole (which is marked with a pole, of course) and back.” The links to top destinations included links to fast facts like currency and population, things to do, when to go/weather, history, practical info, and a printable google maps link for roads.

Currency of the site seemed excellent. It included a travel advisory to people going to Jakarta because of volcanic ash that was spewing on the capital today. 

Excellent site as Riedling said. I think the reading level would be a bit high for elementary, but the intermediates would enjoy the fast facts and picture galleries.

The second site I chose was called Maps on Us at www.mapsonus.com

This would be my thumbs down site if I was looking for something to garner interest and excitement.  It began with a simple, mostly white home page. It seemed obvious that it was a map site, but mainly for acquiring directions. I thought this might turn students off, since most would not be looking for driving distances, and highway turnoffs. There was a large interactive world map, but it was very slow to load, and didn’t really ‘zoom’ as quickly as one would hope. I noticed about half way through my perusal that it said it provided directions for the US. Therefore, I shouldn’t have been surprised moments earlier when I typed “Nanaimo” into the search bar without success.  

I also found the tabs on the home page ineffective. The ariel view and “bird’s eye view” tabs provided exactly the same information, and the search bar at the top was not labelled as such. The topographical views looked much like you would find on Google Earth, but did not zoom nearly as much as Google Earth (to see the cars on your street). When I finally did get around to requesting a US location, it did not have the information on“Fargo, North Dakota”.  Seriously??  That’s pretty much when I gave up on it.