School Library System
April 20- 24, 2020
Support Others, but Support Yourself Too
Based on the information in the two articles and hearing from you, the librarians in our region are doing a fabulous job of meeting teacher and student needs. Whether it is providing resources to teachers through a Google Classroom you've created or hosting Google Meets with your students to read a book, you are all doing AMAZING things. Give yourself a pat on the back!
These days are surreal and mind boggling so please remember to be graceful with yourself. Everyone is doing the best that they can do, including you. It can feel daunting, lonely, and downright overwhelming. Trust me, we are all having those feelings. Some days are better than others. The important thing is to take care of yourself. Go for a walk, meditate, listen to uplifting music, play with your kids (if you have them), indulge in that extra piece of chocolate...whatever it takes to help you stay positive and keep the faith that this too shall pass and we will all get through it together. Please know that you can reach out to us. Amanda and I are here to help you so please lean on us. It makes our day to see and hear from you too!
Above all, we will learn so much through this process and we will be stronger and better able to handle whatever comes our way. I wish you all health, happiness, and laughter because we all need those things now more than ever.
~Kerrie
Professional Online Journals Provided by SLS
Flipster is an easy-to-use digital magazine newsstand.
Flipster is what we use to bring professional journals to all librarians in the region. Through this SLS provided subscription you have full access to new and back digital issues of School Library Journal, Computers & LIbraries, Booklist, and Horn Book.
For access, please visit https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&custid=s5589207&groupid=main&profile=eon
Username: questar3
Password: reading#1
Events
DNA Day Celebration Today!
PBS Books is teaming up with libraries across the country to celebrate DNA Day for teens/tweens. Please confirm your library's participation by clicking here.
In Celebration of DNA Day (April 25, 2020), PBS Books will offer an interactive event on PBS Books Facebook Live on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 2pm EST. DNA Day celebrates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of the double helix in 1953. This event is just one of many being held nationwide as part of National DNA Day, a national observance promoted by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The event will include animated shorts created by PBS WETA National Digital Production and the National Human Genome Institute, a discussion with kids and experts, and interactive activities (Kahoot Poll and Origami DNA). We've secured an amazing female scientist Dr. Nadine Vincenten, who is a Science Associate at Personal Genetics Education Project, Harvard Medical School. Encourage your tweens/teens to respond they are going!
Here is a link to an online ad:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/9bee2ff0-1518-4cf0-8d61-c6ab28d4a70c
· Reminders ·
Database Orders Due May 15th
The Library Resource Manager (LRM) is open for you to be able to put together your 2020-2021 database orders. Please note the following: The FINAL order must be signed by the Business Official and the Communication Coordinator for each district. Scan and email the signed order to Kimberly Harris (kharris@questar.org). Please make sure that the document is printed and scanned in portrait format, not landscape Do not send .jpg or .png files. All files sent should be PDF files. If you are unable to send a scanned PDF file, please make a copy of your order for your records and then send the original to Kimberly Harris, School Library System, Questar III BOCES, 10 Empire State Blvd., Castleton, NY 12033. In addition, with school closures, please email Kimberly Harris if you have mailed your order so we can be on the lookout for it. If you are running into issues with the above due to working remotely, please contact Amanda Karian for help. ALL FINAL ORDERS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MAY 15, 2020. Failure to turn orders in by this date may result in loss of access to your databases. The student numbers are set based on the most recent BEDS data we were able to acquire. Please do not change student numbers.
Changes in LRM (from last school year)
All products are now listed:
Vendor nameNew (if renewal price was received): Product name Building name (for specific building quotes)
Example:Gale CengageNew: Biography in ContextXYZ HS
Discovery Ed is a streaming service. In the past it was purchased through the Database CoSer (516). This year we have moved it to the Multimedia CoSer (511) so when you purchase it this year, please note that the CoSer number for Discovery Ed is now 511. This is more important for your business official to know so they allocate the money to the correct budget line, so please make sure they are aware.
You are now able to purchase from the Multimedia CoSer directly in the LRM. For example, if your district would like to purchase the Enhanced Multimedia CoSer at $2.25 per student, you can order that directly on the LRM. Other options include NBC Learn and the basic package which includes only Learn360.
If you are interested in purchasing OverDrive Advantage for your school, you can place that order through the LRM as well.
NEW DISTRICTS: select the product listed that says “startup fee”. If you would like to purchase above that amount then select the other option in addition to the startup fee and add in the amount that you which to add.
CURRENT DISTRICTS: select “OverDrive District Funds for Content Please make a note in Product Notes of the amount you would like to spend on content.” Please write the amount you would like to spend on content in the Notes section.
Please note that the total price at the bottom of the signature page will NOT include this amount from the Notes section so please adjust the final total accordingly. Please initial next to the handwritten amount.
Business Officials have access to view the LRM. They have been made aware that the process for ordering is the same and that the librarians should be reaching out to them for their signature on the final order.
Ed Law 2D:
Most products purchased through SLS are part of consortium pricing which requires vendors to sign an agreement that they will be Ed Law 2D compliant. There are only a few products purchased through SLS that are not part of that consortium pricing. For these products (see list below), we are working with the vendor to ensure compliance. If the vendor cannot meet our requirements for compliance then we will not be able to allow purchases of that product through SLS. At this time, the vendors we are working with include:
Visual Learning (Science Direct)
Elsevier
Country Watch
World Trade Press
Product Purchasing Changes:
Flocabulary: This product no longer falls under SLS and must be purchased through Model Schools. For a quote, your district should contact Kerrie (Kerrie.Burch@questar.org).
Renaissance Learning - MyOn: This product no longer falls under SLS and must be purchased through Model Schools. For a quote, your district should contact Kerrie (Kerrie.Burch@questar.org).
Learning A to Z Vocabulary: This product is no longer available as a stand alone product. It is only available in Collections. Contact Amanda with any questions.
NewsELA: In October of 2019, Newsela began testing a completely new product hierarchy and pricing structure. After analyzing the test market feedback completed in December 2019, Newsela will be giving schools and districts the choice between Newsela ELA, Newsela Social Studies, and Newsela Science. This just means that schools and districts have more options when it comes to purchasing Newsela. Schools and districts will have the option to renew into Newsela Essentials (the new name for Newsela PRO), or upgrade to one of the core subject products that provide additional content and features. Contact Amanda Karian (Amanda.Karian@questar.org) if you need more information or have questions.
BrainPOP: You may notice a relatively large increase in the price this year. That is because BrainPOP has included Creative Coding for all school level packages.
PebbleGo:
Packages are now listed as:
Bronze = All 5 PebbleGo Modules
Silver = All 5 PebbleGo Modules +1 Add-on product
Gold = All 5 PebbleGo Modules +2 Add-on products
Platinum = All 5 PebbleGo Modules + All 3 Add-on products
Notes:
PebbleGo Dinosaur is now part of the Animals module adding 150 articles
PebbleGo Health - NEW
PebbleGo Health in Spanish - coming soon
Information About Scanning or Mailing Signed Orders
It is important that you connect with your business official to relay this message. That includes those who have already sent their orders to their business official. Please do contact them to let them know the above information. Thank you.
Questions?
Please contact Kimberly Harris and/or Amanda Karian.
· Articles ·
· Librarian of the Week ·
Each week we will showcase a librarian from our region.
Who: Sarah Colwill
What: K-8 School Librarian
Where: Woodland Hill Montessori School
Favorite Hobby: I enjoy baking and to the delight of my family I am currently trying to master a good cheese danish. And of course, reading.
Book Recommendation: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. It is a lovely book about friendship and the importance of being welcoming and kind. I did a book talk with the Upper El students this week and they loved the idea of the narrator being a tree. For myself, I really enjoyed Ninth House by Leigh Burdogo
Recent Library Happenings: WHMS was fortunate to complete a major expansion for the start of the school year, this included having a formal library space for the first time. We started with an empty room in August and by October were able to offer our students a peaceful space for reading our new collection and offer programs that enhanced classroom learning. This required a substantial amount of work in a short period of time and was only possible because of the support and dedication of the WHMS community.
What drew me to school librarianship: My professional background includes academic, public, and now school library experience. I was honored when WHMS choose me to lead the development of their new library. I find it rewarding to help students develop a life long love of reading and learning how to find answers to some of the big questions that life offers.
· Books of the Week ·
Adult
K-12
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus
Grade Level: YA
Daily Librarian Chat
Monday at 10 am - Regional SLS Meeting - a Zoom link will be sent to the listserv each week before the meeting
Tuesday at 12 pm - Tech Tool Tuesday - send tech tools you would like to learn more about to Kerrie. If you would like to present a tool that has been particularly helpful to you let Kerrie know
Wednesday at 10 am - Elementary Roundtable - Elementary librarians will share ideas, ask questions, and work together to find ways to best help teachers, students, and others
Thursday at 12 pm - Secondary Roundtable - Secondary librarians will share ideas, ask questions, and work together to find ways to best help teachers, students, and others
Friday at 10 am - Open Mic Friday - Bring your questions, challenges, successes, and more for this “open mic” session
Sora Sweet Reads
Wednesday, 5/6 from 1:00-2:00 PM
The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants on the morning of the webinar.
Follett Automation Service Members
During this virtual meeting, you will learn the process of creating a Collection as well as how to add curriculum standards, multiple types of resources and how to collaborate with others during remote learning. We will also go over your submitted questions.
Register Here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3473668
Library Media Specialist Summer School
Job ID: CRBN0172005-7020
Application Deadline: 05/08/2020
Start Date: 07/06/2020
Job Description
Location:
Cobleskill-Richmondville High School
Basic Function:
Duties involve responsibilities for carrying out the basic functions of a school library. The school library media specialist works collaboratively with classroom teachers to create experiences for learners to introduce and develop information literacy skills across grade levels and content areas.
Qualifications:
A. NYS Certification in School Library Media Specialist
B. Experience preferred
Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with building faculty and administrators to design, develop and deliver library services and instruction in information literacy skills for students in Grades 6-12.
2. Assist with technology as needed.
Start Date:
July 6, 2020 – August 14, 2020 (dates may change depending on enrollment and State guidelines) Monday thru Thursday @2-4 hours each day There will be a mandatory training on Thursday, July 2nd from 8 AM to 12PM location TBD.
Application Deadline:
May 8, 2020
Starting Salary:
$43.53 per hour (salaries are paid on an hourly basis)
The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.
Apply here: https://olasjobs.org/JobDetails?jobNumber=CRBN0172005-7020
Mohanasen - Library Media Specialist - Elementary
Job ID: MOHN0172146-0000
Application Deadline: 05/05/2020
Start Date: 09/01/2020
Job Description:
The Rotterdam Mohonasen Central School District seeks a certified library media specialist for our elementary schools.
The successful candidate will be able to
- Inspire and support the reading lives of both students and teachers
- Create inclusive collections that acknowledge and celebrate diverse experiences and provide instructional opportunities to empower learners as effective users and creators of information and ideas.
- Lead in the selection, integration, organization, and sharing of digital resources and tools to support transformational teaching and learning and develops the digital curation skills of others.
- Build Instructional Partnerships
- Partner with educators to design and implement evidence-based curricula and assessments that integrate elements of deeper learning, critical thinking, information literacy, digital citizenship, creativity, innovation, and the active use of technology.
- Empower Students as Creators
- Encourage and facilitate students to become increasingly self-directed as they create digital products of their learning that engage them in critical thinking, collaboration, and authentic real-world problem solving.
- Invest Strategically in Digital Resources
- Leverage an understanding of school and community needs to identify and invest in digital resources such as books and ebooks to support student learning.
- Design Collaborative Spaces - Provides flexible spaces that promote inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and community.
Schenectady City School - School Librarian
Job ID: SCEN0171669-0000
Application Deadline: 07/01/2020
Start Date: 07/01/2020
Job Description:
Please apply both on OLAS and the Schenectady City School District website http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/ to be considered for this position.
About Schenectady City Schools
With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.
Librarian Role
This position will report to the Principal in a midsize urban school district located in the Capital region of Upstate New York. The Librarian will manage the school library and ensure it serves as the hub of the school. The Librarian therefore must have the ability to develop, maintain, and sustain relationships and partnerships with colleagues and the community. The Librarian will plan culturally responsive activities to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. The Librarian will maintain a Library environment that excites students about learning and engages students lived experiences. This position requires a high degree of flexibility, caring attitude and a culturally responsive equity-based mindset.
Librarian Expectations
- Serve as tech support in our buildings and is seen as an innovator in the implementation of technology in our schools;
- Maintain the library for effective distribution/circulation of materials, coordination of services, and effective instruction for building staff and students;
- Knowledge of how the library supports/maintains growth in student achievement and tireless commitment to that effort;
- Knowledge of differentiating for a variety of learning needs (both adult learners and child learners);
- In depth knowledge of the CCLS, especially in the area of complex texts and close reading;
- Teach essential skills such as: Microsoft office programs, database research, internet research skills, source evaluation tools, library catalog search and resource retrieval, keyboarding, reading skills, literature/non-fiction appreciation;
- Facilitate student (and adult) access to information-rich resources for research;
- Encourage students to explore the world around them through print and online resources;
- Serve as teacher resource through collaboration on Common Core aligned curriculum;
- Knowledge of enrichment education research using the CCLS (TIE).
Librarian Key Qualities
- Demonstrates an imagination that is contagious;
- Teaching approaches are driven by innovation and equity;
- Facilitates library interactions that foster intellectual, cultural and social emotional learning;
- Independent thinker that thrives in interdependent environments.
Minimum Qualifications Please apply both on OLAS and the Schenectady City School District website http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/ to be considered for this position.
- New York State certification.
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred).
The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the District’s recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Human Resources Office at 881-2000 ext. 40133. The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and By-Laws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.
Please apply both on OLAS and the Schenectady City School District website http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/ to be considered for this position.
Apply:https://olasjobs.org/JobDetails?jobNumber=SCEN0171669-0000
Troy City Schools
Job ID: TRYN0171852-7020
Application Deadline: 08/31/2020
Start Date: 09/01/2020
Job Description:
Library Media Specialist - Anticipated 2020-2021 School Year
With approximately 4,000 students, Troy is a small urban school district in NY’s Capital Region. Our learning community values our ethnic, social and cultural diversity.
The Troy City School District has an anticipated opening for the 2020-2021 school year and is now accepting applications for a full-time probationary Library Media Specialist. Please apply through OLAS by sending your letter of interest, resume, NYS certification and all supporting materials. This will be an on-going recruiting process until filled.
Apply: https://olasjobs.org/JobDetails?jobNumber=TRYN0171852-7020
Catskill Central School
Job ID: CATN0171497-7020
Application Deadline: 04/30/2020
Start Date: 09/01/2020
Job Description:
Position: Library - Media Specialist
Assignment: Catskill Central School District
Qualifications: Valid N.Y.S. Library Media Specialist Certification
Effective: September 2020
Deadline:April 30, 2020
Salary:Per CTA Contract
Apply: https://olasjobs.org/JobDetails?jobNumber=CATN0171497-7020
Questar III School Library System
Amanda Karian, School Library System Specialist
Website: http://libguides.questar.org/SLS
Location: 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, United States
Phone: 518-479-6976
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QIIISLS/
Twitter: @QIIISLS