Why do school libraries matter? by Jane Lofton https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp Please record and upload a short video (30 seconds max) telling or showing why school library programs and teacher librarians are important. Include concrete examples. Or, type a short text testimonial. Also, encourage students to make videos, and you can scan and upload letters they write (please get permission and exclude full names). Do be sure to add your name, position, & email so we can contact you. Please submit only material that California School Library Association may send to stakeholders and publish on our website. en-us 2016-10-30 22:16:04 UTC 2025-10-14 13:52:15 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padletuploads.blob.core.windows.net/aws/7493/61e82a7da9eca7e4d583076edb44cd26/CSLA_logo_red_2.jpg JaneLofton https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134115257 Teacher librarians often serve as the bridges that connect students with authentic audiences and experiences to help them connect with and better understand the world outside their schools and classrooms. For example, I have helped classes create and author blogs to write about their experiences and interests and get feedback from readers around the world via the comments feature. I have also mentored teachers connecting their classes with other classes outside their schools using Google Hangouts and Skype to learn about each other and work together on projects together.
- Jane Lofton, TL, retired, jane@lofton.com

]]> 2016-10-30 23:05:02 UTC https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134115257 sueheraper https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134119367 The current state of libraries in California varies widely from school to school. ALL students should have equitable access to qualified teacher librarians, digital tools, resources, and books. An effective, fully-funded school library program plays a crucial role in bridging digital and socioeconomic divides, and provides the learning environment necessary for every student's well-rounded education.
-- Sue Heraper, TL Newbury Park High School, President CSLA, sueheraper@gmail.com

]]> 2016-10-31 00:02:58 UTC https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134119367 lisabish https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134123018 Safe, comfortable, free, non-judgemental, fun, interesting, satisfying, curiousity galore, research support, project-based learning, knowledge building, information seeking, pleasure reading, open mic/spoken word venues, publishing center for student writing, design-thinking, idea gathering, creative collaboration, teamwork or individual, digital citizenship, evaluating web sources, digital platforms for presenting, creating and publishing, International connections, skill building, writing, keyboarding, typing, painting, drawing, ALL learning styles welcomed, Teacher support, Family Support, Admin Support- what did I leave out?
-Lisa Bishop TL Aptos Middle School, Past President CSLA NR 2015-16
lisabish@gmail.com
@LisaBishopSF]]> 2016-10-31 00:57:23 UTC https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134123018 JaneLofton https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134345608 2016-10-31 20:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/134345608 chwms1 https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/137116956 Most California schools do not have teacher librarians running their libraries, many don't have libraries at all so that large percentage of students have NO access to books, media, databases nor teacher librarian instruction. When it comes time for them to go to college, they do not know how to use information effectively, have never seen databases nor been expected to create reports or projects that use that kind of information.  IF we really desire creating college/career ready students graduating from K-12 schools, they need access - and teaching to - this kinds of info.  
 
Our job in libraries includes getting the best, most complete information to all - everyone. There is so much information available.  Having access to great material and the teacher librarian to teach them how to use it well ensures that our students can participate in civic discourse, extend their imaginations, and become the creators that build ideas - and things - that make our communities great. 
 
Do I think that libraries will save the world? Just might. Educated, engaged people care about things and are more likely to help their communities thrive; and the more information of worth that they can access gives them the opportunity to do just that.
Connie Williams
NBCTeacher Librarian
]]> 2016-11-12 06:41:47 UTC https://padlet.com/JaneLofton/4dgvcuixxbtp/wish/137116956