School Library System
April 27- May 1, 2020
Audible Free Audiobooks for Kids
STORIES HELP!
They entertain. They teach. They keep young minds active, alert, and engaged.
For as long as schools are closed, Audible is open. Right now, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across eight different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Click here to explore the collection, select a title and start listening.
It's that easy.
#HarryPotterAtHome offer extended through May 31
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 ·
The One and Only Bob Book Launch with Katherine Applegate
Celebrate the publication of The One and Only Bob with a talk, reading, and Q&A with Katherine Applegate!
Return to the unforgettable world of the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture) in this incredible sequel, starring Ivan’s friend Bob. With the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby, Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had, and he learns the true meaning of friendship and family. Watch the trailer!
School Library Journal raves in a starred review “In this story of true friendship, hope, and courage, Bob learns to appreciate and cherish those he loves. Driven by favorite characters from The One and Only Ivan, Bob’s story is delightfully heartfelt and adventurous.”
The event will be moderated by Kiera Parrott, Reviews Director for School Library Journal & Library Journal.
Presented by: HarperCollins & School Library Journal
Event Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
ZOOM with Noggin, the sled dog!
Karen Land—writer, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race across Alaska—and her Alaskan husky, Noggin, will be giving school and public library LIVE VIDEO CONFERENCE presentations this May through August 2020. Karen is open to using different video conferencing formats. Let's learn new things together!
2020 is Karen’s 20th anniversary year! She has given over a thousand talks in almost every state. Karen loves providing MUSHING talks for always-eager students and enthusiastic library patrons. Dogs, the sport of mushing, and Alaska inspire a diverse audience, making the event fun and interesting for all ages.
Karen and Noggin are now booking virtual 2020 SUMMER READING presentations!
Email Karen for more details.
Email: mymusher@gmail.com or mymusher@yahoo.com
Visit Karen's blog at www.stringofdogs.com
· 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 ·
*Congratulations, Judy & Ellie*
· Librarian of the Week ·
Each week we will showcase a librarian from our region.
Who: Caroline Buinicky
What: Director of Library Resources and Research (secondary)
Where: Emma Willard School
Favorite Hobby:
Right now, I am doing a TON of quarantine baking. We just did a virtual book club for The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter and we baked scones. I posted a recipe and a video of me going through the steps. We all then posted pics of our scones. It was such a fun way to connect with my library kids that I am seriously missing.
Book Recommendation:
Fiction: Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Non Fiction: Enough as She Is by Rachel Simmons
Recent Library Happenings:
All the online learning things! But, one specific thing I am really excited about is a project with 9th graders where we are pulling together a pandemic time capsule. I could go on and on about this project but essentially they are using the skills that we have been working on all year to identify questions they have about the pandemic, find trustworthy sources to help them answer those questions, then create their own primary sources for people who might be studying this pandemic in the future. I feel like it has been helpful for students to both have a space to explore the questions that are on their minds as well as to remind them that they have started to develop the skills needed to sift through the information overload we are all dealing with.
What drew me to school librarianship:
School librarianship is such a wonderful combination of things for me. I love teaching and supporting teachers, I love connecting kids to books, I love coming up with programming, and I love working to make the library a welcoming and engaging space for everyone on campus.
· Books of the Week ·
Adult
K-12
The Big Book of Experiments by Dr. Katie Biberdorf
Grade Level: 3-7
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
Creating HyperDocs: a Step-by-Step Guide ELA & MATH
Join Kerrie Burch, School Library System and Model Schools Director, Susan Marks, Senior Math Specialist, and Kim Inglee ELA Specialist as they showcase the step-by-step process for creating a HyperDoc using the Google platform. This webinar will focus on how to incorporate content that is engaging, differentiated and fun into a HyperDoc.
May 1st, 9:00-10:00 AM
Register here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3476994
May 6th, 12:00-1:00 PM
Register here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3477911
Using ThingLink to Create HyperDocs
HyperDocs engage students in authentic learning experiences, are visually stimulating, and provide for student agency. Join Kerrie Burch, Director for School Library System and Model Schools as she shows participants how to create HyperDocs using Thinglink, an interactive learning tool. Participants should bring an existing HyperDoc they want to improve or have an existing plan for creating a HyperDoc based on a current lesson with them as this will be a hands-on session.
May 4th from 12:00-1:00 PM
Register here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3478565
May 12th from 10:00-11:00 AM
Register here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3481424
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.
Navigating Education Law 2D for Beginners
Friday, May 8th, 12:00-1:00 PM
Join Kerrie Burch, Director for School Library System and Model Schools, as she helps librarians navigate the murky waters of Ed Law 2D. In this beginner session, participants will learn what Ed Law 2D is, why it is important, and what steps to take when asked about Ed Law 2D compliance. This session is designed specifically for school librarians.
Register here: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&H=1&I=3477035
Follett Automation Service Members
Friday, May 8th, 1:00-3:00 PM
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