|
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:26 1997
From: Sharon Lamberson <mdu004@mail.connect.more.net>
ubject: quote origins
A patron has requested the origin of the quote "Do not judge a man until
you have walked a mile in his moccasins." I understand that it is an
American Indian proverb. If you have more information or if I don't have
the quote correct, please respond.
Thank you.
Sharon Lamberson
Hannibal Free Public Library
200 South Fifth
Hannibal, MO 63401
573-221-0222
"Missouri's oldest tax-supported library"
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:16:30 1997
From: "Monique A. King" <mking@snap.lib.ca.us>
Subject: Re: "Unanswerable" Questions
The particular Islam assignment is one that is more and more common in
CA schools, and, I believe, a part of the curriculum. So, while only
one teacher seems to be thoughtless in terms of what s/he is requiring,
there are probably many more who are not utilizing the library at all.
Going directly to the teacher is a good idea, and maintaining contact is
essential. I've often found that what students (and, more often,
parents) THINK they need for the assignment is more than even the
teacher had in mind.
Do you have a form that you can fill out for students, letting the
teacher know they were in the library, but that the library doesn't have
anything to meet their needs? We send this along, encouraging the
teacher to call, and perhaps we can discuss alternatives for the
assignment. We usually use this opportunity to talk about how we are
happy to put items on temporary reference for the length of the
assignment when we're notified in advance, or to put together a
bibliography for the class (we do it at a grade-appropriate level, so
that we can use again, if needed) including fiction and non-fiction
items that the class may want to consider, especially if they are a bit
out-of-the-ordinary.
Finally, I think we all get frustrated with this type of assignment.
And, what is a common assignment in one school district may not be done
at all in another, but perhaps other libraries in your area have had
this one for a while, and have ideas to help, a vendor (there are a few
that specialize in Islamic/Muslim materials, in LA, I think...that I'd
have to look up) or collection development lists that they may send you
to help prepare for next year.
Best of luck!
--
Monique A. King
Youth Services Librarian
Benicia (CA) Public Library
work: mking@snap.lib.ca.us
play: moniquek@goplay.com
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even
touched. They must be felt with the heart."
--Helen Keller
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:16:49 1997
From: Brenda Hauck <hauckbr@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Re: YA program incentives
Rosemary:
I have found that young adults love, love, love free things. If you want
participation, get the freebies together and get the word out. It does
work. I've come to find that in some cases it works too well, though. We
gave free pizza for our first Young Adult Advisory Committee meeting, and
I had more young adults show up than I prefer to have on a committee of
this type. So, in this case, I am going to cut back on freebies for this
committee until my core group is established.
Brenda Hauck
Young Adult Specialist
Swanton Public Library
On Thu, 23 Oct 1997, Rosemary Moran wrote:
>
> I've been asked by one of our branch librarians to ask about offering
> incentives to encourage or entice young adults to come to library programs.
> He's thinking about offering prizes such as posters or free books to try
> to encourage attendance. If any one has experience out there with such
> offerings, would you please reply directly to me and let me know what's
> been most successful? We'd really appreciate it. Thanks....Rosemary Moran
>
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:17:14 1997
From: Maureen Gormley <mgormley@dakota.lib.mn.us>
Subject: Teen Fiction Set in Caribbean
I have a patron who is trying to put together a supplemental reading list
for the geography teachers in her school. She would like titles of teen
fiction set in the Caribbean area, preferably published in the last ten
years (but please don't let this limit your suggestions). We have come up
with a few titles, but would appreciate any more you can think of. If
anyone is interested in the final list, I'd be happy to send it. Please
respond to me directly. Thanks in advance.
The Cay - Theodore Taylor
Timothy of the Cay - Theodore Taylor
The Taste of Salt - Frances Temple
Tonight By Sea - Frances Temple
Annie John - Jamiaca Kinkaid
Maureen Gormley
Dakota County Library
mgormley@dakota.lib.mn.us
(612)688-1525
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:39 1997
From: "Rebecca Smith" <rsps@hotmail.com>
Subject: impossible assignments
An article we might try to share with teachers appeared in the August
1987 SLJ and was recently reprinted in _School Library Journal's Best_
edited by Lillian Gerhardt. Neal Shuman, 1997 pg86
entitled "Cognitive Development and Student's Research" by
Carol Collier-Kuhlthau.
This short, one page article links Piaget's stages of development with
the kinds of assignments children are capable of completing at each age
level. According to the article children 8-10 can categorize and
classify items, and "can pursue research assignments that require one or
two sources of information. Properly designed, these assignments can
build the ability to recall, summarize and paraphrase information."
Middle School students assignments "can be designed to guide (note:
"guide") this age group through the steps of locating information
gathered from a variety of sources into a meaningful presentation of
ideas."
Students 15 through 18 are developing the ability to think abstractly.
This "enables them to gather information from a variety of sources and
combine it into a cohesive presentation. This complex and difficult
process must be practiced to be mastered, and students need a framework
and guidance to achieve proficiency in using these skills in libraries."
Maybe even if we can't get the teachers to listen to us about what is a
good or bad assignment, they would listen to a published expert.
Rebecca
*********
Rebecca S. Smith
Youth Services Librarian
San Carlos Branch
San Diego Public Library
rsps@hotmail.com
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:18:14 1997
From: KIDSTAFF <KIDSTAFF@mx.tol.lib.ca.us>
Subject: flannel stories -Reply
We find magnet board stories to meet our needs better than felt. Just
copy on card/cover stock any figures for your story. There are many
books with patterns & Acorn magazine has some great ones. Color with
bright felt tip pens. Cut. Write on the back the name of the story & I like
to
number the pieces in the order to be used. Laminate. Cut again. Add a
small piece of magnet tape. (This is purchased in the roll with adhesive
on the back. We use 1/2" x 10'. It cuts with scissors. Can be found in
catalogues, craft stores, stationery stores, lots of places. ) We use a
large oil drip pan purchased at an auto supply store for the background.
This can be painted or left plain. Other metal things can also be used. I
know you asked for ready made but they will be expensive. This method
is cheap and easy. Volunteers can do the coloring & cutting. The
pieces will stay on the background and not fall as felt does. Anyway
we no longer bother with flanned. You can trace pictures from the book
you want to use. Copy on card stack and proceed the same way.
Try it!
>>> Amy McLanahan <amclanah@freenet.columbus.oh.us> 10/23/97
03:38pm >>>
Does anyone out there know of a good source/company from which to
purchase
ready made flannel stories?
Thanks.
Amy McLanahan
Hilliard Branch
Columbus Metropolitan Library
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:53 1997
From: klchild@mail.win.org (KL Children's)
ubject: stumper-Video based on Sign of the Beaver
Hi...This listserv was so helpful with my last stumper, I'm trying again (is
2 in one week too much??). We have a patron who thinks he saw a movie on TV
(maybe a Hallmark Hall of Fame), based on the book The Sign of the Beaver by
Elizabeth Speare, but the title was probably not the same as the book. It
was on TV in the last few years. He is hoping to find a video of it. Any
ideas on what this could have been? I tried several video books, a ref. book
called "From page to Screen"
and some television history sourcebooks, and Something About the Author.
Thanks so much. e-mail me at:pmolina@mail.win.org. Patsy Molina
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:18:14 1997
From: StoryPage@aol.com
Subject: Re: pvc puppet stage
In a message dated 97-10-24 14:03:26 EDT, you write:
<<
Does anyone have directions/plans on how to build a small to medium puppet
stage from pvc pipe? We could adapt larger plans.
>>
Are you sure you want to go pvc? My experience is they are a pain in the
neck and not as easily assembled as you might think. A simple wood frame
stage hinged together with loose pin hinges covered by a curtain that you can
velcro to it is faster to assemble, has fewer pieces, and is just as light.
--Jim Maroon
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:16:48 1997
From: czlr@musica.mcgill.ca (L. Bowler)
ubject: Canadian authors
The field of Canadian children's literature is pretty extensive.
For bibliographies and lists of suggested reading and award winning books
the following sites might be helpful:
- The National Library of Canada. Children's Literature Service.
Check out the READ UP ON IT kit at http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/pubs/ruoi.htm
- The Canadian Children's Book Centre. A helpful publication is OUR
CHOICE, an annual review of the best in Canadian children's lit. Address is
http://home.echo-on.net/~ccbc/. They provide other services related to the
area of English Canadian children's books as well.
- Communication Jeunesse provides a similar service for French
Canadian books. The address is http://www.alexandrie.com/CJ/
- The Children's Literature Web Guide lists the winners of Canadian
children's book awards, such as the Governor General's Award and the
Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award. Address is
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/index.html
Hope this is helpful.
Leanne Bowler, Children's Librarian
Reginald J.P. Dawson Library
Town of Mount Royal, Quebec
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:55 1997
From: Elizabeth Fry <efry@co.arlington.va.us>
Subject: Position announcement:
The following announcement has been posted to PUBYAC, LIBREF, and PUBLIB:
ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Position: ASSISTANT LIBRARY MANAGER/CHILDREN'S SPECIALIST*
(Part-Time: 20 hours per week), Department of Libraries
FILING: Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m.
on the closing date to: Department of Personnel
#1 Courthouse Plaza, Suite #511
2100 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22201
FURTHER INFORMATION: Weekdays 8 - 5:(703) 358-3500
(New) 24-HOUR JOB LINE: (703) 358-3363
TTY Users:(703) 358-4613
(24-HOUR Message - staffed 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. weekdays
WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.co.arlington.va.us/pers
Announcement No: 7012-8A-LIB Salary: $16.89 per hour**
Closing Date: NOVEMBER 20, 1997
Work Hours: Schedule will be set upon hiring. It will require
work anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., including two
nights per week and alternate Saturdays. It may require ork on
Sunday in the future.
Worksite Location: Glencarlyn Branch Library, 300 S. Kensington
Street.
NOTE: This is a reannouncement to expand the pool of applicants.
If you have already applied for this position under the former
closing date of 09/25/97, there is no need to reapply unless you
wish to update your application.
KIND OF WORK: This is a professional position in the Department
of Libraries, Glencarlyn Branch. The incumbent is responsible
for assisting with the management of the Branch and for planning,
organizing, implementing and evaluating a complete program of
library services for children. Specific duties include: acting
as branch manager in the absence of the manager; assisting with
administrative duties, including the supervision of shelvers and
volunteers; reviewing, selecting and maintaining a balanced
collection of materials for children; providing reference and
readers' advisory services for children, young adults and adults
of diverse backgrounds, including some with limited English
skills; preparing, presenting and evaluating library programs for
children; speaking to school and community groups about library
services; and ensuring that materials and services are responsive
to community needs. Employee will participate in meetings and
activities of library teams; cooperates with other departments
and community providers of services for children; monitors the
use of library materials and facilities; and performs other
duties as assigned. Supervision is provided by the branch
manager. Professional development is coordinated with the head
of the Central Library Children's Services. Collection
development guidance is provided by the Children's Selection
Specialist.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To be considered for this position,
you must meet minimum qualifications. Applicants who also meet
desirable qualifications will be given preference. An incomplete
application form may be cause for rejection.
MINIMUM: Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited
college or university plus two years of professional experience
in providing library services.
SUBSTITUTION: A Librarian's certificate issued by the Virginia
State Board of Certification Librarians may substitute for the
Master's degree.
DESIRABLE: Preference may be given to candidates with one or
more of the following: a) experience in a public library
providing services to young patrons; b) coursework or experience
in children's literature; c) experience coordinating the work of
others; d) training or experience in reference techniques or
resources; and/or e) experience working with persons with limited
English proficiency.
* The official title of this position is Librarian II.
** The salary scale (grade 9) for this position is from $16.89
per hour (normal entrance) to $23.83 per hour (maximum). With
satisfactory performance, employees are considered for periodic
(step) increases up to the maximum of the range. The
probationary period for this position is one year.
EXAMINATION MAY INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: (1)
Evaluation of Training and Experience; (2) Written and Oral
Examination; (3) Performance Test; (4) Personal Interview; (5)
Physical Examination; (6) Group Discussion Exam.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer/Reasonable Accommodation
Upon Request"
!
!
!
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:16:17 1997
From: Smith <lsmith@suffolk.lib.ny.us>
Subject: Flannel Stories-Source
The Storyboard
Route 2 Box 345
Swall Meadows
Bishop, CA 93514
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:17:37 1997
From: Dzierzbicki <dzierzbi@sls.lib.il.us>
Subject: sociology of librarianship(long, but important)
Hi Everyone, I have a BIG favor. I'm doing research for a paper coming
from the "sociology of library-work" perspective and am looking for
your
point of view. It all started from a post I read on PUBYAC on the MLA
curriculum changes in some Univ./Colleges- from public to business/special.
(btw---I plan on siting anyone's comments I include in the final paper, let
me know in your post if that will be acceptable---t.y)
What I am especially interested in, is how you feel about the future of
the profession of Public Librarians, (esp. Youth Services), public
libraries and books.
* Specifically, I'm wondering if you see the trend of the
computer, online servers, communication, technology, and marketing industries
who use, as a selling point, the idea that librarians, the p.l. as an
institution, and books as a format,--- is/or will become (w/in the next 5 -
10 years) outdated and unnecessary.
*Is this, combined with the historical general stereotype of Public
Libraries and Librarians (we do nothing but read and tell people to be
quiet, while wearing our buns and sensible shoes---therefore way pay them
compensatory to their level of education [not to mention the size of our
student loans {:-0]), adding to this trend of "library bashing"(my
term)?
*Added to all of this, Is the increase in leisure services and
opportunities, i.e.,., Noodle Kidoodle, Zany Brainy, storytimes at Park
Dist., children's museums, Borders and Barnes & Noble; that are now
springing up like weeds, creating a greater competition to what services a
p.l. feels they NEED to provide just to stay viable to the community?
And is this a reason for p.l. to consider asking for corporate funding
to support any programming efforts that could not be met with-in a
library's budget? (I realize that in less urban or sub-urban areas this
question may not be an issue.)
LASTLY, (Hurrah!!) Is the change in MLA curriculum's supporting the
idea that, financially and realistically, the Public Librarian is to go the
way of the dinosaurs?
NONE OF THESE QUESTIONS ARE TO SUGGEST MY PERSONAL VIEWS, OR THE
VIEWS OF PALOS PARK LIBRARY.
I welcome any thoughts, questions or comments, please send all
responses to me and THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU.
******************************************************************************
"But wherever they go , and whatever happens to them on the way, in that
enchanted place on the top of the Forest, a little boy and his bear
will always be playing." A.A. Milne
Monica A. Dzierzbicki dzierzbi@sls.lib.il.us
Children's Librarian (708)448-1530
Palos Park Library
Palos Park, Il
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:43 1997
From: "Gale W. Sherman" <gale@poky.srv.net>
ubject: Re: picture books for older kids
In addition to *Worth A Thosand Words: An Annotated Guide to Picture
books for Older Readers* (Libraries Unlimited, 1996) Bette and I have a
website with many links at http://www.poky.srv.net/~gale/older.html
Hope you'll take a look.
Gale
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Children's Literature: Beyond Basals
http://www.poky.srv.net/~gale/beyondbasals.html
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Gale W. Sherman / gale@poky.srv.net
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Beyond Basals, Inc. * Early Childhood Librarian
4685 Flora Drive * Marshall Public Library
Pocatello, Idaho 83204 * 113 S. Garfield
* Pocatello, Idaho 83204
PHONE (208) 233-9717 * PHONE (208) 232-1263
FAX (208) 232-3603 * FAX (208) 232-9266
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:03 1997
From: Andria Amaral <AMARALA@charleston.lib.sc.us>
Subject: YA novel stumper - solved!
Thanks to Susan and Sharyn for identifying _The Bewitching of Alison Albright_
by Alan Davidson, as the story I was seeking about the brainwashed girl.
You've made our teen-age patron very happy!
Andria
Charleston, SC
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:40 1997
From: "Lisa Prolman" <lprolman@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: printer charges
Hi all:
At our library we have signs on all our printers that state that it
costs five cents a page to print (which is cheaper than the ten cents to
photocopy in terms of internet information.) In the children's room, we
occasionally negotiate with the kids, ie. bring it next time and that's
fine. We find this tends to cut down a bit on the extraneous printing
of paint program pictures.
Hope this helps.
Lisa Prolman
Assistant Children's Librarian
Greenfield Public Library
Greenfield, MA
(413) 772-1590
lprolman@hotmail.com
"Nothing is impossible to anyone impervious to reason."
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:17:38 1997
From: "Susan Moore - Children's Outreach"
<MOORE@louisville.lib.ky.us>
Subject: internet mobile
I am looking for libraries who have Internet on mobile vans that service the
community. If you have or know of a system with such a vehicle, would you
please let me know. I am interested in some general information:
Cost
How many internet stations are on the van?
Areas serviced and length of visits
Who is using the service?
How long has this service been in effect?
Thanks,
Susan Moore
Louisville Free Public Library
301 York Street
Louisville, KY 40203-2257
502-574-1604
e-mail: moore@louisville.lib.ky.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:17:28 1997
From: Erica Sternin <hip@spl.lib.wa.us>
Subject: Re: Impossible assignments
We have a form I fondly call the "Psycho Teacher Form". It informs the
teacher that ______________________(childs name) came to the library
on_________(date) and that I/we______________________(my name) couldn't
find any resources on that subject. I usually do not give the kids this
form when they have come at the last minute to do their assignment, but
rather as a way of letting the teacher know that that information is not
readily available.
I have also found that very wonderful things can be found on the Internet.
My latest truimph was finding a picture of a baby red-winged blackbird
("I'm doing a report about red-winged blackbirds and my teacher says I
have to have a picture of the babies....")
Yours in good cheer,
Erica
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Erica B. Sternin Outside of a dog, a book
High Point Branch Is a man's best friend.
Seattle Public Library Inside of a dog
6338 32nd Ave SW Its too dark to read.
Seattle WA 98126
hip@spl.lib.wa.us ---Groucho Marx
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:18:25 1997
From: Catherine.Balkin@harpercollins.com (Catherine Balkin)
ubject: Harper Listserv Instructions
Sharon -- I'm glad to hear you're hearing nice things about the HarperCollins
listserv. I am the moderator, and here below are the instructions on how to
subscribe, as well as a brief description of the listserv:
HarperCollins Children's Books' electronic news subscription is dedicated to
serving teachers and librarians for children from K-12.Among the services we
provide are:
• Information about books nominated for state awards and other awards.
• Information on author appearances in local areas when authors are interested
in other tie-in school or library visits.
• The listserv acts as a supplement to our world wide web site, by providing
biographical information on authors & artists. (Visit our website at
http://www.harperchildrens.com)
• Information on new, upcoming titles.
• We welcome any criticisms on any of our books, which will be shared with our
editors.
• Author/Illustrator Q & A sessions will be posted ahead of time to take
questions from children, teachers, and librarians. (We are currently taking
questions for Karen Cushman, so if you have a question for her, be sure to
send it in!)
• We'll be happy to answer specific questions related to our books, authors
and illustrators. Any questions should be directed to
catherine.balkin@harpercollins.com.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:
There are two ways to subscribe:
Option 1: Digest-Format
This option lets you receive several messages all at once on the same posting,
with a list of "contents"at the top.
Send an email to:
lists@info.harpercollins.com
Leave the subject blank, and in the body of the message, type: subscribe
childrenslibrary-digest
Option 2: Single-Message Format
This option lets you receive each message separately, receiving more than one
each day.
Send an email to:
lists@info.harpercollins.com
Leave the subject blank, and in the body of the message, type: subscribe
childrenslibrary
I'm also posting this to PUBYAC in case any other PUBYACers might be interested.
Catherine
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:41 1997
From: Erin Gallagher <gallaghe@noblenet.org>
Subject: Re: Scale Stumpers & Unanswerable Questions
Dear Patricia,
As one of those librarians that fumed about teachers' careless planning,
what really gets me is that we have done all of those things you suggest.
The reference librarian and myself made copies of Assignment Alert and
sent it to every teacher in the city. (8 elementary schools, 1 very large
middle school and 1 large high school.) I have so far received about 3
alert sheets back. I even put a virtual Assignment Alert up on our
website, which has not been used at all, even though every teacher was
given the web address. We routinely go into schools, and are met with
enthusiasm from only a handful of teachers. I do not understand this
mentallity, and I find it very disappointing. It does not stop us from
trying however, and I hope that are persistance will eventually pay off.
Thanks again for listening,
Erin
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Erin Gallagher | Peabody Institute Library
Head of Children's Services | Peabody, Massachusetts
gallagher@noblenet.org | *North of Boston Library Exchange*
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:32 1997
From: Leslie Hrejsa <lhrejsa@starbase1.htls.lib.il.us>
Subject: Pumpkin Stumper
To all of you wonderful, wonderful storytellers out there. A patron is
looking for a story she heard told - she remembers it was about a pumpkin
who grows bigger and bigger. When he is mistreated - kicked- by a boy the
pumpkin comes to life and chases the boy. That is all she remembers.
Does this ring a bell with anyone out there? If so, where can it be
found? Thanks so much for your help.
Sincerely,
Leslie Hrejsa
lhrejsa@starbase1.htls.lib.il.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:16:53 1997
From: Brenda Hauck <hauckbr@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Re: Library Teen Newsletter
Dear Erin -
I have just recently started working with the young adults and have just
started an advisory committee. I am interested in starting a newsletter
and wondered if you could send me a sample copy of yours. My address is:
Swanton Public Library
Attn: Brenda Hauck
305 Chestnut St.
Swanton, OH 43558
TIA
Brenda
On Thu, 23 Oct 1997, Erin Gallagher wrote:
> Dear Samantha,
>
> I have been doing a "Young Adult Happenings" newsletter for
several
> months. I have the ya's write it, but then I do the final editing and
> word processing. Topics usually include Activities to be held for teens
> during the month, reports on last months programs, new books, and then I
> tell the YAs they can report on school or other events if they wish, but
> this rarely happens. The kids enjoy writing it.
>
> Erin
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Erin Gallagher | Peabody Institute Library
> Head of Children's Services | Peabody, Massachusetts
> gallagher@noblenet.org | *North of Boston Library Exchange*
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:39 1997
From: Barbara Stringer - Rochester Hills <stringeb@metronet.lib.mi.us>
Subject: YA summer programs
Hello - We are going to separate the YA students away from our regular
summer reading program this summer and run a separate summer reading
program just for the YA's. Our YA's will be grade 6 +.
We would welcome any advice you may have on popular programs,
registration forms for the YA's, and popular prizes. What are your
reading rules?
Please send help to: Barbara Stringer at stringeb@metronet.lib.mi.us
Thank you! Barb
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:15:39 1997
From: WILLETT@rowan.edu
Subject: Re: Problem solving
Hi, all--
I've received some very interesting responses to my response to Carrie's
response about the scale stumper, in which I noted that sometimes
teachers deliberately assign a problem to which they do not know the
answer.
Of course, I was not referring to the kind of assignment that public
librarians have been gnashing their collective teeth over for 100 years
(and that is not an exaggerated period of time!), in which a teacher
blithely assigns an entire class the same topic, requires obscure
answers, and does not consult with the local public librarian. (The
fact is, they frequently do not consult with their school librarians,
either, as I found when I was a school librarian.) This seems to me to
be due either to ignorance or hopefulness. In the latter case, the
teacher has been told that public libraries can help anybody with
anything. We may have gotten ourselves into this one, in other words,
with our own marketing--take a look at ALA publicity materials.
Be that as it may, what I was referring to was a different phenomenon
entirely, in which a teacher sets a real world problem but truly does
not know how it can be solved nor does the problem have a single answer.
It is usually assigned as a group project. For example, Walencik
mentioned a shop teacher who had been in the habit of everyone making
the same bird house in cooperation with a biology class. He changed the
assignment: He told the students that the birds who used to come to NJ
no longer came because of loss of habitat. How could they attract these
birds back? The students wanted to know which birds--he didn't know.
First they had to find the kinds of birds, then they had to learn about
them to build feeders and houses appropriately. They then discovered
that some creature was visiting their setup after school hours. How
could they find out what it was? They engaged some older students to
set up a video camera with a shutter release. And discovered they had
attracted a squirrel. All of this was done without direction from the
shop teacher or the biology teacher. The students defined potential
solutions, constructed them, and tested them through group process. I
do not know if they used any libraries, but I suspect they did.
The scale question seemed to me to be of the same class of assignments:
There was no single answer and students were expected to work together.
I am sure we'd all love to have this kind of "juicy" assignment to
work
with--I get excited thinking about it. Now, how can we discourage the
kind of assignment we all hate and encourage these far more thoughtful
and creative assignments? We have to stop talking among ourselves and
get to teachers and teacher ed programs.
Erin Gallagher said she had been told that before a teacher made an
assignment, she should do it herself and consider what would happen if
20-30 other people had been given the same assignment at the same time.
But i wonder if she was told this in a teacher education class.
Thank you for hanging in for so long with me.
Holly Willett
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:19:42 1997
From: mcollin@ccgate.sos.state.il.us
Subject: Aviation
I have an eighth grade student who loves aviation but hates reading.
Are there any good fiction titles on aviation?
Margaret Collins
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Fri Oct 24 19:17:54 1997
From: Sandy Farmer <sfarmer@sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us>
ubject: impossible assignments
The impossible assignment is something that we all suffer. My
question is why don't schools of education spend a semester
teaching teachers about how to use the library. The problem seems
to be a lack of education on resources and what a library can
provide. I have had many teachers tell me "I don't have time to
research every project I give out ahead of time nor can I fill out
a form and mail it I don't have time." Our latest winner of the
most complicated and impossible assignment was a 5th grade teacher
who assigned a comparison of the educational systems of Africa and
the United States. When called and asked which country in Africa
she had in mind and which educational system in the U.S. she had in
mind just for starters her answer was "Africa". If teachers spent
a semester learning about the library and its resources they might
not assume so much and might give better more workable assignments.
------------------------------------
Name: Sandy Farmer
E-mail: Sandy Farmer <sfarmer@hpl.lib.tx.us>
Date: 10/24/97
Time: 16:38:20
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