My New Library

This is my office. I don't have a chair, we don't know where it went. Also, I packed my keys in a box last May, and I haven't found them yet, so I can't unlock my desk drawer or my credenza. So, my stuff is just sitting here. Yikes!

This is what my library looks like now. You can't see it, but there are around 150 boxes of books all over the floor.

Free Books for Arkansas High School Libraries

The Central Arkansas Library System and The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies have put together an innovative program to provide free books about Arkansas natural, cultural and political history. Go to their website and register your high school for this free program.

http://www.baseducation.org/

Libraries Rolling with the Bad Times

In today's Arkansas Democrat Gazette, on the front page, there is an article about libraries around the state and what they are doing to help people who are out of work, looking for work, or just needing a place to hang out. Libraries around our state are opening their doors earlier, staying open later and doing what they can to help people in need. Librarians around the state are seeing an increase in people needing internet service searching for jobs online, so they are doing what they can to help out.

I think this is an excellent example of libraries adapting to the needs of patrons. Check this article out, it is very interesting.

Funny youtube videos about librarians

Here are links for two good little videos about reference librarians. The second one is especically good, since it relates to the reference interview. These were produced at the University of Texas. Check them out. They are only about 1 -2 minutes each.
Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOoYjfPdlzw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw2nhQJNoZI&feature=related

Teacher Opportunitiy Grant Program

Yesterday in class we were discussing reimbursement of tuition costs. This program is called the Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP). The TOP Reimbursement Grant is at the bottom of the page.

This is the url for the program overview:

http://www.adhe.edu/divisions/financialaid/Pages/fa_top.aspx

There is also a TOP Dual Certification Incentive Loan Program also.

I suggest you bookmark this website and check back often. They will start updating it this fall. Starting in January 2010, you can fill out the online application to be reimbursed for 6 hours. You will then need to mail in your transcript and proof of payment for the 6 graduate hours.

Good Luck! I have been reimbursed for most of my classes through this program.

Letter to the Editor!!

Today's newspaper had a letter to the editor that I found slightly offensive....

Well, really I found it terribly offensive....

The letter starts out with the writer stating his children are home schooled. Then, he proceeds to blast the school district where he resides. He comments on the "useless" coaches that only are there to collect a salary, the math "coach" and the literacy "coach" and THEN he blasts the MEDIA SPECIALIST, and I quote "whatever that is, it must be a fancy name for a librarian." This man also lists the salaries these people are paid and continues to state how worthless their jobs are.

I am thinking about writing a response letter, and I know I won't be the only one. I am a little surprised the newspaper printed it, since there really was no redeeming quality to it - only a gripe about a school district that he chooses not to send his children to.

I am continually amazed that people don't respect educators. I would like to see them do these jobs!