Professional Learning Opportunities August 2021
Welcome to August. Almost. Seems like the year is just flying by, but then again we always seem to say that.
Once again I have collected professional learning links to share with you for the upcoming month. I’ve decided to start grouping them by topic instead of type, so we’ll see how that goes. These links are perfect for school librarians, public librarians, teachers, education leaders and anyone interested in the wonderful world of literature, reading and education. I hope they have some value for you. Please do feel free to share and a massive thanks to all the people who have created these webinars, podcasts, articles, posts and more.
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Webinars
Genrefication
Okay, so I might be a bit keen on genrefication. I’m so excited to be collaborating with EduWebinar (a fantastic source of PD) to present the webinar Genrefication: Beyond the Buzzword. Join us on September 15, 2021 at 7pm AEST. It’s free for EduWebinar members and $30 for non-members. You can find about more about what we’ll be discussing and register on the EduWebinar website.
The pandemic changed how we operated libraries. Some things we had to do and some things were fantastic opportunities to reach out clients in new ways. Every Library Institute is offering a free, on-demand webinar that covers things like patron expectations, safe spaces, reengaging communities, and flexibility.
Designing the Post-Pandemic Library – Webinar – Future Library Institute – Free – Online anytime.
I know graphic novels are super popular in my school library but I’m not a massive reader of them myself (I’m trying!!) so check out this webinar about developing your graphic novel collection.
ALIA Schools has offered some fantastic webinars this year. Next up is Information Literacy.
Dr Kay Oddone is a prominent voice in the world of school libraries and she will be discussing leadership and leadership skills in this webinar.
Are you ready for the future? What about your library? The Follett team have collated and shared a range of free on-demand webinars and posts about preparing for the future of librarianship. Topics include coaching, storytelling using technology, strategic digital resources, digital access, innovation and change and many more.
Future Ready Webinar Collection – Webinars – Follett – Free – online, anytime.
Do you use the National Library of Australia? They have some fantastic resources but the many options can seem daunting, so check out their webinar recordings and learning videos. Access them via the National Library of Australia website.
Okay, are you webinar-ed out? Too much learning? Never! Check out the on-demand webinars from OverDrive. Some of the topics are related to the company, but you’ll also find webinars on supporting students with additional needs and social media use for your library.
On-demand Webinars – OverDrive – Free – Online, anytime.
Courses
Karen Bonanno, National Director of EduWebinar, is hosting a 3-hour master class to encourage educators to take action on their professional pathways, identify natural talents and capabilities and take action to develop a professional strategic plan.
Elizabeth Hutchinson, school librarian in the UK is offering two online courses. I have already worked through the first course and can highly recommend it.
Podcasts
Speaking of genrefication, I was so excited to hear that Kelsey Bogan, school librarian and blogger at Don’t Shush Me, joined Amy Hermon on the School Librarians United podcast to talk about Ditching Dewey. I know I’ve shared her blog posts before, but it’s a great conversation to listen to.
Ditching Dewey – Podcast – School Libraries United – Free – Listen anytime.
So, you might have read the STEM ED bi-monthly publication, but have you seen the new STEM ED podcast?!? Fantastic.
STEM ED – Podcast – Fi Morrison – Free – online
Love Australian Middle-Grade Fiction? Check out the Middle Grade Mavens podcast. There are over 89 episodes, so lots of listening to enjoy.
Middle Grade Mavens – Podcast – Julie Grasso and Pamela Ueckerman – Free – Online, anytime
Loved this podcast from The Book Show featuring Angie Thomas and Maxine Beneba Clarke. I love listening to Maxine, she has such pearls of wisdom to share.
Magazine
I love my local and national school library and library organisation publications. However, I can’t afford to subscribe to the many state organisations around Australia and the world. That’s why I love it when they share their publications for free for anyone to access. SLAV have shared their Synergy magazine archives. From 2021 to 2009, there are some fantastic articles to read.
Synergy – Magazine – SLAV – Free – Online
Conferences
Calling all library technicians. This conference is a chance to connect with tech from around Australia. The program is still being organised, but registration opens in August. Check out the details on the ALIA website.
Want to listen to some of the world’s top YA authors? For free? Check out SLJ Teen Live. From Michelle Obama to Marissa Meyer, this has something for everyone. There are even school librarian sessions, panels, keynotes. And everything will be recorded and shared. Not to be missed.
SLJTeen Live! What’s Next – Conference – SLJ – Free – Online, 5 August 2021
Articles
Librarians often book talk but have you thought about the messages you send during your book talk? This article of Swedish librarians and their book talks is an insightful look into the messaging of book talks and it’s effectiveness.
I love having D&D clubs in the library. After a teacher started one in my previous school library I was absolutely blown away with the engagement from the students and how playing this role-play game significantly increased their reading and writing abilities. Lucas Maxwell shares why you too should create a Dungeons and Dragons club in your library.
Trying to genrefy your collection? Curious about teaching students genres and not sure how to explain them? Check out this article about the top 35 genres. Interesting reading. Not sure I agree with some of the titles or divisions, but interesting none the less.
Advocating for your library can seem like a full time job. Here’s an article with a few tips to make it a little easier.
How to advocate for your library – article – Princh – free – online
Incorporating the maker movement into your library might be on your to-do list or maybe you need some fresh ideas for your makerspace. Eduporium shared a white paper about how school librarians can use the maker movement for their libraries. You do need to sign-up to be able to download the paper, but it is free.
If you are a librarian, educator or reader, you know the power of school librarians, but this might be a great article to share just how powerful they can be.
The Power of School Librarians – article – Elizabeth Hutchinson – free – online
As school librarians, sometimes we have to choose where to shelve a book and which students have access. Do we limit students based on their age and the book’s content? It’s often a heavily debated argument. I thought this article about how we classify books and the judgements we make.
How do you attract teens to your library? This is an interesting article that suggests how tech can be used to attract some of your more reluctant clients.
Newsletters
Have you subscribed to my fortnightly newsletter? I share all my latest book reviews, post and ideas. Subscribe here
ALIA Children and Youth Services have share their latest SCOOP newsletter – June/July 2021. They share book reviews, interviews with librarians, teachers, authors and researchers and list some great PD opportunities.
ALIA CYS Scoop – Newsletter – ALIA – Free – Online
Websites
I’ve just recently discovered Lucas Maxwell on Twitter @lucasjmaxwell and his amazing website. Lucas is a school librarian in the UK and continually shares some amazing posts and resources, which he allows you to reuse in your own libraries.
Glenthorne High School Library – Website – Lucas Maxwell– Free
Check out the amazing resources and learning that Anastasia Hanneken, a school librarian from the USA shares on her website 21st Century Librarian. I especially love her professional presentations – everything from using SeeSaw to Makerspace activities.
21st Century Librarian – Website – Anastasia Hanneken – free – online
I’ve been enjoying these blog posts from Judi Morellion on the website School Librarian Leadership. Recent posts include topics around consent, social justice and core values of school librarianship. She also shared free webinars and resources.
School Librarian Leadership – Website – Judi Morellion – free – online
Advocacy, activist, school librarian, Martha Bongiorno shares her professional learning, resources and posts on her website Discovering The Remarkable.
Discovering The Remarkable – website – Martha Bongiorno – free – online
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