Professional Learning Opportunities December 2024 – January 2024
We have almost made it to the end of 2024. Well done to everyone. It has been a big, challenging and hopefully wonderful year in many different ways. My professional learning list for December is a bit late, but I have put together a bumper edition to help get you get through the festive season. Whether you are enjoying an extended summer break or a quick mid-term holiday, switching off from work or using the time to refresh and reinvigorate your practice, I hope you find the time to rest and recharge.
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Conference
The Edcamp Cardigan Camp is on again. This 24 hour international online conference is open to all and free. January 25th, 2025. Presenter applications are now open.
Podcasts
Your Kid’s Next Read – recent episodes include YKNR Fave Reads 2024, 10 Minutes with Louise Park and Mo Johnson, 10 Minutes with Erstwilder, Books about Creativity
School Librarians United – recent episodes include Influential Literacy Leaders, FAME 24, Elementary Book Checkout, We Need Short Middle Grade Books!!!
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries – recent episode Are You Teaching Research Skills or Inquiry?
School Librarian Learning Network Podcast – recent episodes include Writer’s Week, School Librarians Supporting Student Writing, and Shared Adventures: Bridging Special Needs Education and Library Resources.
Cult of Pedagogy – Curating a More Inclusive Library
New books to discover
We Can Teach That – Information Literacy for School Librarians edited by Ewa Dziedzic-Elliott
101 Seeds for Library Joy by Rebecca Hass
Articles and Blog posts
Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education at the Open University explores Narrative Poetry – Creativity at Play. What is narrative poetry and how can we use it to connect young people today with poetry, creativity and play.
The Library’s Value is Increased in the Age of AI by Nick Tanzi.
This review article from Dr Margaret Merga explores the implications of TikTok and digital health literacy. TikTok and digital health literacy: A systematic review
Empowering Teen Readers: The Positive Role of Parental Involvement in Reading – Gabrielle Mace.
Investing in School Libraries and Librarians To Improve Literacy Outcomes by Tania Otero Martinez. This American-based report explores the current state of literacy, and research around the impact of access to school libraries and library staff.
Digital and Information Literacy: The Bigger Picture Schools Cannot Ignore by Dr Kay Oddone.
How do libraries support wellbeing? Here’s a case study from the New York Public Library on how libraries support wellbeing through 6 key ways. Libraries and Well-Being: A Case Study from the New York Public Library by Dephna Blatt and Dr. E.K. Maloney
Curating a More Inclusive Library – Jennifer Gonzalez
Auckland University of Technology has done some great research on children and young people’s motivation for reading. You will find their completed and current research reports here, including relationships between reading for pleasure and wellbeing, and making reading for pleasure visible in primary schools.
The Importance of Student Choice Across All Grade Levels – Stephen Merrill and Sarah Gonser
This is a thought-provoking article. Do we spend too much time focusing on reading for pleasure and not enough supporting a reading identity in our young readers? Reading for pleasure, or developing reader identities?by Andy Sammons
Lucas Maxwell shares his tips for Getting Boys to Read
In the rapidly changing information sector, how do information professionals stay current, keep up with trends, engage with stakeholders, and grow skills? How Should iSchool Leaders Approach the Future? Sandra Hirsh
In fostering a love of reading, Nudge, Don’t Shove says Kelly Ashley
The importance of school libraries and qualified librarians in fostering a love of reading among teenagers – Kimberley Pecino
School libraries in Australia: A preliminary analysis of the Knowledge Bank of Australian and New Zealand School Libraries by Mary Carroll, Kasey Garrison, Kay Oddone and Simon Wakeling.
Implementing an AI reference chatbot at the University of Calgary Library by Rebecca Bryant
12 Days of Techy Tidings by EdGenie Heather Turner
News
The Librarians – a documentary about librarians fighting book bans in America is set to be released in 2025. Sarah Jessica Parker talks about producing the Sundance Doc.
Book Lists
School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2024
Your Kid’s Next Read Fave Reads 2024 – podcast and book lists
Awards
School Librarian of the Year Award – School Library Journal. Applications close December 18, 2024.
Australian School Library Association Early Career Teacher Librarian, School Library Advocate Award, School Library Professional of the Year. Applications close 14 March 2025.
Want more professional learning?
Have a look through last month’s professional learning list.