SLJ’s New Site

Have you been to School Library Journal’s newly designed site? If you haven’t, I suggest you check it out. SLJ online has undergone a major facelift, and I can honestly say that the site is more useful for those in the field. I’ve gone from never checking their site at all to visiting it on a daily basis.

They’ve moved content around, overhauled the navigation and layout, and have added a couple of new features that have me addicted. Take for example their new blogs/talkback/podcasts feature. Four bloggers (Chris Harris, Diane Chen, Amy Bowlann & Brian Kenney) regularly make posts that connect teacher librarians to new ideas and new tools that help with instruction and keep you on the bleeding edge.

Not only does SLJ post all of their reviews online but they have a “pick of the day” feature which serves as a mini-review for a newly released K-12 books. Many of their picks have ended up on my order list over the last few months.

So if you’re trying to wade through the Internet sludge and determine which resources and web tools are valuable enough to grab a few seconds of your time, put School Library Journal’s website high on your list.

Lamenting Chicago

Have you ever made a poor professional decision? I have. In fact, I’ve done it many times. And I can’t help but think that I made a very bad decision by not accepting an invitation to attend School Library Journal’s Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL. I let a golden opportunity slip through my fingertips and I’m pissed.

I’m just starting to read the initial feedback and reaction from the Friday sessions from Chris Harris and David Warlick. This brain trust seems to be right up my alley. So, if you’re reading the libraryland feed and you’re in Chicago at the Drake Hotel, keep the updates coming. I’m living through you guys….and gals.

I’ve also been intrigued by Negroponte’s 2B1 laptop project, so reading about David Cavallo from MIT is an absolute pleasure. I’m aware of some of the criticism this project is facing from some of my fellow librarians. But I must say, as someone who has grown up digital, this project will change the face of libraries and information. The OLPC project will provide the opportunity for increased knowledge sharing and global collaboration. And, anyone who doesn’t see this has blinders on to the world.

I’m looking forward to reading more about the summit and hearing the reflections from my digital colleagues.

 

Image borrowed from Gallagher.

Up Next

After my first full year of being a school librarian, I promised myself that I would take time in the summer to rest and recharge my batteries. Other than the central New York weather (High of 54 degrees today), summer has been great. I spent a few days on the shores of New Jersey and a few weeks in the mountains of Northern New York.

One of the brightest spots of the last few months was working with the fine folks at School Library Journal on my very first published piece. It is a 1500-word article addressed to all first year school librarians and is going to be in the September 2006 Issue of SLJ.

So keep your eyes open for that.