june 2013 reflections

June 2013 - reflections on the critical questions

1. 21st Century Learning  - includes topics related to online databases; social media; safety & ethics; e-books; hand-held devices; authenticity & authority; role of the librarian
1. Reflection:
1. have a clearer understanding of the EBSCO tools - some resource guides prepared, need for more in all subject areas
2. no decisions made about a Twitter or Facebook presence for the library - more exploration needed 
3. safety issue presented excellently by Darren Laur - may need to add an extension component to Planning 10 - CommonSenseMedia a good source for resources
4. e-books - awaiting the Learning Team grant results on this  project 
5. hand-held devices - will be ordering 10 Surface RT devices as well as two charging stations
6. authenticity - CRAPP test information posted on website but more systematic instruction necessary at all grade levels 
7. continue to explore ways to provide leadership to help teachers and students gather the skills to be comfortable in a digital environment
2. Post- secondary Transitions - includes topics related to post-secondary transitions; tools for success
1. Reflection
1. successful year 12 field-trip to UNBC library - need to continue to promote and organize this activity
2. need for more in-depth instruction at all levels on the online databases, including the "peer-reviewed" concept - to include training for teachers on how to access professional resources
3. Learning Commons - includes topics related to dynamics & library changes; personal learning networks; use of Google Apps; Web 2.0 tools
1. Reflection
1. reluctant to change the name to "Library Commons" - think that all the elements of it are present in the current library -  drawings of a new physical layout posted on the Learning Commons page however the larger project to reconfigure the physical layout may be delayed due to anticipated budget constraints to purchase technology -  have completed a reconfiguration of the library website - did not change it to "Library Commons"
2. need to confirm the reliability of the wireless connection; confirm electricity update potential for charging stations
3. Google Apps are a no-go for our district due to FOIPOP issues  - awaiting a direction or alternative from the district
4. PLNs [Personal Learning Networks] also a challenge due to FOIPOP issues - awaiting direction or alternative  from the district
5. need for more training and pro-d demonstrations for teachers on the variety of and use of Web 2.0 tool although this initiative may be compromised by  FOIPOP issues
4. Inquiry-based Learning - includes topics related to impact on library collections; availability of online tools
1. Reflection
1. possibility of a project-based learning class at the grade 10 level for 13/14 will bring some clarity to a move to inquiry-based learning
2. non-fiction section has seen a serious weeding and will be downsized to accommodate more student learning space - individual reference titles shelved with and loaned as non-fiction; Reference moved to the beginning shelves of non-fiction; on-going evaluation of non-fiction purchases necessary - how relevant are print resources?
5. Literacy - includes topics related to audiobook loan; accessing the library collection; citing references; engaging readers; graphic novels
1. Reflection
1. to promote the audio element of literacy - a subscription to online audiobooks  needs to be considered - sites evaluated; Tumblebooks fills some of the demand but more options whereby students can download titles to portable devices are necessary
2. ongoing work necessary to ensure that all students are learning to summarize, paraphrase, quote and cite - a comprehensive scope & sequence still needs to be developed 
3. ongoing work necessary to ensure that all students are learning to access the library collection effectively and efficiently
4. much work ongoing with engaging readers - booktalks and displays are connecting students with literature -  need to be an ongoing focus on purchasing good, current fiction titles  - more teachers are exploring the literature circle concept - Faye Brownlie presentation in February heightened this concept -  resulted in purchase of her resources - junior focus with weekly booktalks in grade 8 classes was very successful - ongoing need to promote independent novels & lit circles  - Book Club a huge success - resulted in the development of multiple copies of titles that can be used for lit circles
5. develop of a good graphic novel collection ongoing - need for an exploration to see if graphic novel readers make the transition to fiction

dealing with databases

• I now have a clearer understanding of the EBSCO and non-EBSCO tools that are available.
• A detailed analysis of the determinations and solutions is posted under the 21st Century Learning tab.
• The layout that is available at Charles Best Secondary has the potential to simplify the interface.

top 20 circulating fiction titles

Annual circulation statistics have been compiled and these are the top 20 fiction titles for 2012/13.
Ellen Hopkins continues to be the favourite author with her "Crank" series.

Collins	Catching Fire	89
Dashner	Maze Runner	72
Collins	Mockingjay	67
Hopkins	Crank	56
Flanagan	Ruins of Gorlan	49
Dashner	Scorch Trials	47
Klavan	Last Thing I Remember	47
Dashner	Death Cure	44
Roth	Divergent	44
Forman	If I Stay	42
Hopkins	Burned	39
Asher	Thirteen Reasons Why	38
Clare	City of Bones	38
Grant	Gone	38
Hopkins	Tricks	38
Stiefvater	Shiver	38
Wells	I Am Not a Serial Killer	36
Collins	Hunger Games	35
Hopkins	Impulse	34
Klavan	Long Way Home	32

From the entire list of 115 titles that circulated more than 10 times - the favourite authors whose titles appear 3 or more times are:

Cast, PC - House of Night series
Clare, Cassandra - Mortal Instruments series
Colfer, Eoin - Artemis Fowl series
Collins, Suzanne - Hunger Games series
Dashner,  James - Maze Runner series
Dessen, Sarah -  various titles
Flanagan, John - Ranger's Apprentice & Brotherband series
Grant, Michael - Gone series
Green, John - various titles
Hopkins, Ellen - Crank series
King, Stephen - various titles
Klavan, Andrew - Last Thing I Remember series
Lore, Pittacus - Lorien Legacies series
Nylund, Eric - Halo series
Riordan, Rick - Heroes of Olympus &  Percy Jackson series
Stiefvater, Maggie - Forever series
Weeks, Brent - Night Angel series
Wells, Dan - Mr. Monster series

updating and expanding the First Nations resources

• I prepared a display of Aboriginal fiction, poetry and biographies during Aboriginal Education Week and was dismayed to discover that this collection was in serious need of upgrading and expanding.
• To this end I have prepared a comprehensive order from a BC-based First Nations jobber called "Strong Nations"  https://www.strongnations.com/
• I found the people working at Strong Nations to be helpful and knowledgeable and I would use their site again.