Competency 2: Related Blog

Searching for blogs was something that I had not yet tried. I never realized the wide assortment of topics provided through blogging. I spent several days perusing the numerous blog results I encountered using keywords such as: librarian, school librarian, children's literature, and literature. In the beginning I didn't find many that related to my topic of interest, school librarian. My ADD kicked in as I became sidetracked reading blogs that I found interesting, but that didn't really complete the assignment. I used all the search engines provided and found three blogs that I would like to share and will continue to follow as I complete my degree and become a librarian.

I found the first one using the GoogleBlog search engine with "children's literature" as my subject. Children's Literature Book Club will be a helpful site as I continue to work towards becoming an elementary school librarian. Numerous lists of award winning books are provided. The blog's author, Stephanie Ford, leads a grownup book club where children's books are read and discussed. I will use this blog often when becoming a librarian because she not only focuses on picture books, but novels. I feel that my weakness as a librarian lies in the lack of prior knowledge of young adult authors. She provides discussion questions and ideas to follow up some of the books. I can read her selected books and participate in the book talks through her blog. In Ms. Ford's post titled January Favorites from our Youth she writes the following:

We're reading favorite books from our youth at January's meeting and everyone is welcome to bring along other old favorites to chat about.

The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin

The Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler - E.L. Konigsburg

Sideways Stories from Wayside School - Louis Sachar

Summer of the Monkeys - Wilson Rawls

I discovered two more interesting blogs. The first one discusses current advances in technology, readers opinions of the advances, and how librarians are affected. I found it using Yahoo Blog Directories using the keywords "school librarians". Cathy Nelson's Professional Thoughts also provides an opportunity for readers to voice opinions on current events. Most recently Ms. Nelson posted an event that took place in her classroom.

Sign of the Times...
A true interaction that I had with a student Friday:
Me: So, how are you liking your new classes this semester?
Student: They’re alright, I guess.
Me: Just alright? Why not great?
Student: 3 of my 4 classes are in locations in the building where my phone does not get a signal. So those classes are just alright.
Me: What about the other class–and I don’t need to remind you of the cell phone policy here at school, do I?
Student: My other class is PE, and well, I don’t have pockets in the school issued PE uniform, so having a signal on my phone isn’t, um, useful. And you know everybody does it. Geesh.
Oh that we could channel these phones properly. Kids are very savvy in their in class use. You know, if classes are so interesting that our kids want to be on their phones instead of participating in class, what does that say about the presentation of content. Hmmmm.

The last blog, found using 100 Best Library Blogs for Library Students, is full of fun quotes for when we are feeling overwhelmed or just need a good laugh. A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette provides daily advice such as the following quote.

Sick, Calling in

Take time during your sick day to call your library and ask for yourself using a fake voice. This will not only remind your coworkers that you are ill and deserving of their pity, but it will also make them think that you are in high demand.

Through this competency I have perfected linking pages (which I had never done before)and have found a whole new world of information through blogs.