A Library Assistant's Blog

National Storytelling Week

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 12th Annual Storytelling week!

The Website has lots of information, available here:http://www.sfs.org.uk/nsw

Find out whats happening in your area!

Student Library Assistants' Network Netvibes Page

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Student Library Assistants' Network( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SLANet/) now has a Netvibes page, with information and links on library closures, book reviews, Dewey decimal system, advanced internet searching, Web 2.0 and more!

Have a look: http://www.netvibes.com/slanet#General

Student Library Assistants/Librarians are welcome to join, as are Librarians.

On your marks, get set, go!

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good luck to everyone taking part in The Reading Miles Global Challenge!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to all my readers for 2012!

Joke....

2011-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

A joke is a very serious thing.

-Winston Churchill

Reading Miles Global Challenge

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Reading Miles Global Challenge, organised by The National Literacy Trust and The Oxford University Press looks really good. Aimed for UK schools, and running from the 9th January to the 16th March, the aim is to get parents involved in their children's reading, completing a reading passport around the world, 10 minutes reading, 500 reading miles. Have a look at the resources available:

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/schools_network/competitions/reading_miles_global_challenge

Advent Calendar

2011-12-12T09:04:00.001-08:00

The Guardian Children Book's Website have made this interactive advent calendar! Pretty Good!:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/interactive/2011/dec/01/count-down-christmas-childrens-books-interactive

Make yourself a bookmark!

2011-12-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

Use this template to print off a Guardian Books bookmark! here is the link:

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Books/documents/2011/03/07/DIY_bookmark.pdf

Book Review-Animal Farm

2011-11-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

Animal Farm is a superb story, set at Manor Farm. One night, all the animals gather together to listen to what the well-respected Middle White Board, Old Major, has to say. He tells the animals about his dreams of Animalism and how he wants a farm without Mr Jones, the mean and careless farmer. Old Major passes away three days later, fuelling the other Animal's desire to put Old Major's dream into reality. After careful planning and preparation, they literally kick out Mr Jones and his wife, and begin to run the farm. The pigs, especially Snowball and Napoleon, assume leadership, and begin thinking about how to improve the farm (renamed by the animals as Animal Farm).

They come up with various ideas, from special committees to a windmill that will mean no work for the animals. But everything changes when Napoleon gets rid of Snowball. Everything turns horribly wrong, with the animals doing more work than ever. They see how everything they ever worked for, mainly freedom, has been turned on its side. Lies, corruption and selfishness take over in the farm, leading to the end, when Napoleon and the rest of the pigs invite local farmers to visit the farm and all is work. The other Animals, the hard-working horses, the donkeys and all the rest of them can no longer see the difference between the pigs and the humans. Everything is back to where it started!

JK

It's a while since I've posted....

2011-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Has anyone got involved with National Novel Writing Month?

Librarians...

2011-11-01T12:34:00.001-07:00

"They (Librarians) are subversive. You think they're just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them." - Michael Moore

So, it's not just about shelving books!

Thing 23:The End

2011-11-01T12:25:00.002-07:00

Thing 23-

I’ve really enjoyed CPD23 and found it really interesting. I’m sorry if a some of my things have been a little short, although I guess I can always update them if I want to in future. It’s being a great course, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve never done anything like this before, and the only experince of working with web 2.0 is by experimenting and by a friend explaining. A big Thank-You to the organisers of the course!

6 words: An excellent learning experience for me!

Thing 21

2011-11-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

Thing 21-

In my volunteering I really like working with web 2.0. I love helping pupils to find books which they want and I’m always asking them for reviews. I enjoy working with web 2.0, volunteering, gardening and family history. I’d say that one of my strengths is being quite helpful(hope I don’t sound too boastful), but one of my weaknesses is that I’m too quiet.

Thing 22

2011-11-01T12:24:00.001-07:00

Thing 22-

Volunteering. My thing! I’m a volunteer in a school library and really enjoy what I do. I’m interested in Librarianship as a career and am considering pursuing it. I think volunteering is a great think, as it enables us to gain experience. I have a wide range of tasks, from keeping the library tidy, to managing the library blog. I really enjoy my work!

Thing 20

2011-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thing 20-

I am not personally a librarian. I joined this course, as I’m a volunteer in a library and am really interested in the web 2.0 'stuff'. I also have an interest in Librarianship as my volunteering so far has been great fun! So I’m afraid that this post isn’t going to be all that interesting or long for the reader! Sorry! :-)

Thing 19

2011-11-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thing 19-

Over the last few things, I’ve learnt an awful lot, which I’ve enjoyed. The section about Jing was interesting, as was Slideshare and prezi. Mind you, advocacy was good too! I’m sorry my posts seem a little short... I hope that all these tools will help with my Library blog.

Thing 18

2011-11-01T12:21:00.002-07:00

Thing 18-

Jing is an entirely new thing for me. I’d never even seen it before today! I think Jing would be great for showing people how to work their way round different tools. Good for explaining simply and effectively. Podcasts are also new to me! A Thing in which I’ve learnt an awful lot, even if I have’n written a lot!

Thing 17

2011-11-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

Thing 17-

O.K. I haven’t used Slide share or Prezi before but I’ve had a look at quite a few different ones over the time. It’s great how they can be used. I’m really impressed with this ‘thing’ as it’s shown how great these can be, different from the usually PowerPoint. I especially like the ability to move around on Prezi and zoom in. Makes it more interesting for the audience.

Inspiration...

2011-10-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
- Harriet Tubman

Poetry Day

2011-10-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Whats your favourite poem or poet.

I quite like Pam Ayres...

http://poetry.mirandasbeach.com/content/view/655/45/

Food for thought....

2011-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here's some food for thought:

What a school thinks about its library is a measure of what it thinks about education.
-Harold Howe, former US Commissioner of Education

Thing 16

2011-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Advocacy

This is an area I'm particulary keen/interested in. I've been following various campaigns/groups etc. like the WI Libaries Campaign, Public Library News etc.
This map is particularly useful: MAP

Voices for Libraries is a particularly useful and informative website.

Might be organising a few things for Libraries Day in Feb 2012.

Thing 15

2011-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Obviously, events can be extremely useful, informative and helpful. Im not sure what conferences I'd like to attend in the near future or what I could talk about, I'm not a very good pulic speaker at all! I'm probably better at the organising side of things! I'm not looking to hold an event at the moment, but hopefully this should come in useful in future!

Fun Library!

2011-09-23T11:48:00.001-07:00

Make the Library fun! Here's a good website, for younger pupils. Take a look:

http://www.librarygames.com/

Sesame Street Library

2011-09-23T11:45:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ZHPJT2Kp4&feature=player_embedded

Sesame street in the Library. Make the Library a fun place to be!

New Gen

2011-09-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

New Gen is a part of the website LoveReading and has a list of great fiction books for Teens and Young Adults. Take a look:

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/newgeneration

Stuck for what to read next?

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Are you stuck for what to read next? Take a look at Bookseer!

LINK

Thing 14

2011-09-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've had a look at all three of the examples given, but I've experimented with CiteULike. It's very good! Might be able to share this with some other people. Maybe they'll find it useful as well. Another week completed! Great!

Library Newsletter

2011-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

In the middle of writing a Library Newsletter. Now, what should I write? Hmm.....

National Libraries Day

2011-09-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

4th February 2012 is National Libraries Day. What will your Library be doing? Have a look at the news link below-
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/national-libraries-day-set-4th-february.html

Thanks LD

Thing 13

2011-09-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Google Docs, Wikis and Dropbox

I've tried out Google Docs, and got the hang of it straightaway! It looks as if it could really come in handy! I've also had a look at Dropbox, very interesting too!
As for Wikis, I've already used these. I've helped to look after the School Library Wiki, on Wikispaces.
Theses are all great tools and the best bit is they are so easy to use.

Thing 12

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Putting the social into social media-

I've worked on my Twitter account, following a few profiles which interest me. I can think of both advantages and disadvantages. It's interesting to experiment with, you can spread word a different way. However, it is does have it's disadavantages. Can it get hold of everyone?
As usual, I've placed a link relating to Social Media.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/social-media

Thing 11

2011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mentoring

I think it's important to have a mentor to help with your development. There's loads of information on the net, so I've just quickly jotted some down:

http://www.inc.com/guides/growth/24509.html
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/entrepreneur/article4925460.ece
http://www.peer.ca/mentorpartnertips.html

Glogster

2011-09-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Try experimenting with Glogster-it's a great tool!

Thing 10

2011-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

A little while since my last post!
Routes into Librarianship-

Graduate traineeships-

Information on these traineeships is available in various places on the interent, but a few good websites I found were:
http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/trainees ( this is the University of Oxford's page about the traineeships they offer and a little info about them)
Perhaps even better is their blog, which follows the traineeship( http://oxfordtrainees.wordpress.com/)
Of course, it does'nt take long to hunt round for information on these.

Masters Degrees-

There are a number of masters degree's accredited by CILIP, the link given on CPD23's blog. An example of a degree is here.

Chartership-

A number of library jobs person specification list chartership as either desirable or in some cases, essential. So they we are. Of course, there is more information on chartership on CILIP's webpages.

It's been very interesting learning more about the differnt routes into Librarianship. Now onto Thing 11!

Library Closures

2011-08-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

This is a super website all about Libraries, the role of librarians and why they are still needed in this age. There are people's stories about what libraries mean to them and what they feel about the closures. It's well worth a look:

http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/?page_id=270

Save our libraries!

Thing 9

2011-08-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Evernote Thing 9-

I have had a look at the Evernote website and plan to set up an account shortly. Read through some other people's views on the tool as well, and sounds as if it could be a great help!

Library Article

2011-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to an interesting article about why we still need libraries in the digital age:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/13/internet-age-still-need-libraries

Gardening advice

2011-08-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a good website with gardening advice:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/calendar/

Thing 8

2011-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Trying to catch up with the course!

Thing 8-

I have created my Google Calendar! And it’s easy to use as well! One click and an event is added-Great stuff! Hopefully, this will enable me to plan my time more wisely as well. I have to admit though; I will still be keeping my diary close to hand!

Thing 7

2011-08-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thing 7-

Face to face and professional organisations

I haven’t had much involvement with professional organisations; however I do follow their websites and news. For example, the CILIP website has some helpful pages about careers advice. As previously mentioned, I have had a look at LISPN website, which also has some helpful advice and interesting news as well. So the professional organisations haven’t affected my career much! However, I’m glad I’ve learnt more about the number of professional organisations out there! Another Thing completed!

Reviews

2011-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a website with lots of book reviews. It's worth a look:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/books+tone/reviews

Thing 6

2011-08-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Online Networks-

I’m trying to catch up on the course, so I’m really trying to speed along!

LinkedIn- I have’nt tried Linkedin myself, although I have had a look at it.

Facebook-I do have a Facebook account, although I do not use it very regularly. I use it to keep in touch with people who I don’t see very often and organise various events, however I do prefer using e-mail!

LISPN- I have had a look at LISPN, although I have not set up a profile. I have had a browse through some of the forums, which are very intersting.

So I’ve learnt more about the number of Online Networks available and how different one’s are used. Another Thing completed!

Thing 5

2011-08-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Reflective practice-

So far, I've sorted out my blog, got to grips with Twitter, Evernote and RSS, investigated some other blogs, searched and learned about my Personal Brand and now reflecting on my progress.

I've learnt more about how to blog, what blogs can be used for and how to interact with other blogs. I've learnt more about the way people see 'me' and my personal brand and how we should use our personal brand. I've started to understand about how Twitter works and how to follow people and tweet. I've learnt how to suibscribe to RSS Feeds and how to use Evernote.

I've really enjoyed the course so far, and nothing has gone wrong(so far!)

I can now feel more confident when blogging and assist other people. The first part of this course has gone well!

Thing 4

2011-08-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just created my account on Twitter. Already starting to get the hang of it-although slowly! Tried pushnote as well-you can experiment for hours with these tools! And I've managed to subscribe to the posts on the blog-so all is well! Now it's just a matter of getting the hang of using these tools! It's amazing how many useful tools are out there,just waiting to be used!

What to read next...

2011-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hmm...I've just finished a book and wondering what to read next. I'll have a look at bookseer:

http://bookseer.com

A little quote

2011-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Books to the ceiling
Books to the sky
My pile of books is a mile high
How I love them! How I need them!
I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them.

By Arnold Lobel

Thing 3

2011-08-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

I've checked my personal brand, and nothing appears until I start to type in the region I live in. I'll be checking how I appear to other people in the different tools...

National short story week....

2011-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

November 7th-November 13th is National Short story week. Have a look at the website, which looks packed full of information about different books.

http://www.nationalshortstoryweek.org.uk/about-national-short-story-week.htm

Thing 2

2011-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've had a look at a number of other blogs. I've gone through a few other CPD23 participant blogs, but I've also had a look at some blog that especially interest me! I've also commented on a few blogs.

Thing 1

2011-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Why I'm taking part in cpd23?- I'm taking part in this course to understand more about the online tools available and how to use them for different purposes. I'm looking forward to learning about the different tools available to use(like Google calendar and wikis) and about Librarianship training options, as I'm only a volunteer in the school library. I'm got a little bit of experience in blogging-I looked after a blog for someone for a few months and I started this blog in June.

Gardens

2011-08-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful sight:

Gardening and web 2.0

2011-08-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting text explaining the relationship of gardening with web 2.0 world. If your interested, have a look

LINK

William Hussey Website

2011-08-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Have a look at author, William Hussey's website:

http://www.witchfinderbooks.co.uk/

My workspace

2011-08-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm experimenting with yet more Web 2.0 tools. I'm sure the list of tools is never-ending! Have a look if your interested! And any comments on how to improve it(please!)

http://libraryassistantblog.pbworks.com/w/page/43961974/FrontPage

Feeling unlucky?

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you feel unlucky, have a read about these people and how luck has treated them:

http://him.uk.msn.com/in-the-know/the-unluckiest-men-in-history

Student tools

2011-08-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting website with a good list of tools available to use. I've put the link below:

http://heyjude.wordpress.com/student-tools-let-them-fly/

Visuwords

2011-08-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Have a look at this website. It's a graphical dictionary so its great for people who think visually:

http://www.visuwords.com/?word=library#

The vegetable and herb expert-book review

2011-07-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

To start off, what a great book! Dr Hessayon never fails to impress! The book contains lots of information on all the veg which is grown in the garden, including some rarer types, like cardoon and Chinese artichocke. It also includes some information about types of herbs that can be grown. I'd certainly give it 5/5. Super! Have a look at the Expert's website:

http://www.expert-books.co.uk/expertbooks.asp?ean=9780903505468&title=the_vegetable_&_herb_expert:_the_world%E2%80%99s_best-selling_book_on_vegetables_&_herbs

Art

2011-07-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting webpage all about drawing simple images-have a look and get drawing!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/jul/25/video-marion-deuchars

Online Tools

2011-07-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Are you experimenting with online tools like Livebinders, Blospot, Tagul etc. I've came up with a list of some Online tools on the Wiki Page:

http://libassistantblog.wikispaces.com/Online+Tools

If you think of any more, comment below!

The World Book Night Top 100 Books

2011-07-26T08:58:00.001-07:00

The World Book Night 2012 have got a list of the top 100 books. Take a look:
http://www.worldbooknight.org/your-books/the-wbn-top-100-books

Thanks LD

Pleasing Results

2011-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

I came across this document regarding a Library in Lincolnshire. And it's good-

More interactions
A higher number of new members
A higher number of interactions an hour
Lower costs overall
Lower costs per book loaned out

Have a look-

http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/popidownload/62959

Video Link...

2011-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Reading is serious stuff! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuRuwR2JSXI

Library Closures...

2011-07-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Have a read of what Patrick Ness has to say about Library Cuts.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/jun/23/patrick-ness-carnegie-prize-libraries

He explains about what the government is and is'nt doing, how he is related to the Library world and what he thinks of all the Library closures.

Posters

2011-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have a look at some of these great posters:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/philbradley/sets/72157625923493122/with/5416929471/

Books

2011-07-16T05:49:00.001-07:00

Summer

2011-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

What will you be reading this summer?

Book for summer hols...

2011-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea for reading over the holiday. Follow Measle and find out what happens to him, when he gets into some very sticky situation...

Have a look at the website:

http://www.measlebooks.com/

Interesting Fact...

2011-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's not related to Libraries, but did you know?-

A snail can sleep for three years

Source:The Curious gradeners almanac by Niall Edworthy

Fun Fact...

2011-07-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know?-

Days were only 18 hours long a billion years ago

Source: National Geographic kids geography games page.

National Literacy Trust

2011-07-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Have a look at the National Literacy Trust's website, which has a special area for Libraries:

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/libraries

Guardian Children Books Twitter

2011-07-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

Keep up to date with all the latest children reading news at:

http://twitter.com/#!/GdnChildrensBks

Another sign of the times...

2011-07-05T09:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-14028539

July

2011-07-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

And now we are into July!

School Libraries

2011-06-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a webpage all about School LIbrary closures in a certain area:

http://alangibbons.net/?page_id=4103

Help with your jobs...

2011-06-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Why not do a bit of shelving with some music?It might not suit the Library silence rules though so you may need earphones!

LINK HERE

A little message...

2011-06-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

A Library without a librarian is like...

2011-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

A library without a librarian is like

A beehive without bees

A tree without leaves

A brownie without chocolate

A forest without trees

A head without a brain

A book without words

An ocean without water

A bird without wings

A zebra without stripes

A tailor without clothes

A barber without scissors

Blood without iron

A bank without money

A fish without gills

A turtle without a shell

Have a look at the link: LINK HERE

Reading

2011-06-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a message from Bart Simpson...

The real Librarian...

2011-06-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's not sshhh-ing and stamping!

http://librarianavengers.org/worship-2/

Thanks LD.

Stixy Page...

2011-06-13T10:45:00.002-07:00

This is an ongoing project but here's my stixy page!

STIXY PAGE

Knowledge...

2011-06-13T10:45:00.001-07:00

Cookies in the Library...

2011-06-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a Sesame Street video about the Library and what you can get their-supposedly cookies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ZHPJT2Kp4

Book Reviews...

2011-06-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here's enough book reviews to keep you reading for hours(not literally!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/books+tone/reviews

Wiki Page...

2011-06-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Have a look at the Wiki page:

WIKI

Shelfari

2011-06-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Have a look at my Shelfari shelf.It's a great tool, letting you add books you've read, reading at the moment and are planning to reads in the future:

Shelfari

Cooltext

2011-06-10T09:53:00.001-07:00

Create your cool text now using this online tool:

http://cooltext.com/

Calling all Library Assistants...

2011-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a group(still establishing) that is for all Librarian, Library Assistants and mainly pupil Librarians. Have a look, and if you fancy, join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SLANet/

Stuck for ideas?

2011-06-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Stuck for ideas of what to read next. Have a look at the following webpage tool...

http://bookseer.com/

Thanks LD for this recommendation

Teenage book ideas again...

2011-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another helpful webpage with information for teenagers into reading...

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/newgeneration

Library Map

2011-06-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

This map shows all the closures and changes to various Libraries around England. Have a look-

http://libraries.fromconcentrate.net/

Teenage book ideas...

2011-06-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Stuck for ideas of what to read next? Have a look at the following website:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/teen-books

Future of Libraries?

2011-06-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting website all about public Library news-

http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2010/12/there-are-more-uk-libraries-closing.html

LibraryThing

2011-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Try out LibraryThing. It's really interesting!

http://www.librarything.com/