The Alabama School Librarian is a combined association newsletter and peer-reviewed (refereed) journal published by the Alabama School Library Association (ASLA). It is devoted solely to the field of school libraries and technology as related to school libraries. Contact Information: Carolyn Jo Starkey, Editor alabamaschoollibrariansubmission@yahoo.com
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
In this Issue: Association Business ··············· 2
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center
2 Greetings from the President 3 Summer Conference 4 Voting Guide: Slate of Officers 5 Call for Annual Award Nominations 6 Report from AASL Affiliate Assembly 7 Legislative Committee Report 8 Improving Literacy Grants 9 Edcampbham 10 School Library Snapshot Day 11 National Library Snapshot Day 12 ASLA NBPTS Mentor Workshop
Librarian in the Limelight ······· 14 Molly Bates
Take-a-Tour Featured Library ·· 16 Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center: A Photo Essay of Buckhorn High School’s Crown Jewel
Author Instructions··············· 28
Pages 16-27 Spring 2011
1
Michelle Wilson ASLA President Librarian, North Highland Elementary School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Greetings from the President Here we are again on the glorious cusp of spring! It is so good to enjoy both warmer weather and the awakening of our students from their winter lethargy. Spring time also tends to bring with it a feeling of urgency as we all count down the teaching days to standardized testing. With our schools feeling the pressure to squeeze out the most of every single instructional millisecond, we should strive to do all that we can to support both the giving and receiving of knowledge. As federal, state, and local budget belts tighten, life in the education world will likely get more difficult for all educators before it gets better. As school library professionals, we have the distinct privilege of being in contact with and service to every student and teacher within our schools. Let us be thankful for the opportunity to
2
serve them, and actively toil each and every day to become even more essential members of our learning communities! One method of better helping students is to hone your own skills as a school librarian. ASLA’s summer conference is the perfect opportunity to learn from one another and discover ways to tweak your services, programs, and techniques. Make plans today to attend Alabama School LibrariesCheck Them Out on June 13, 2011. Back in the fall, I had the incredible experience of spending several weeks in Africa. It was not my first encounter with another culture, but it was most definitely a life-changing adventure in a multitude of ways. As I took in the sights, sounds, and smells of this slice of that great continent, I could not help but notice that the only time I saw the word “library”
at all was on the side of a portapotty sized shanty where pirated DVD’s were sold for what amounted to roughly a dollar each. Whenever I asked the people there if they had libraries in their schools or within their cities, they did not even know what I meant! Africa reminded me how beautiful this earth is, how wonderful it can be to experience other civilizations, and it also reminded me that one of the best things about liberty is the freedom of information. Let us be thankful for the resources we have in our schools. Let us be grateful that we can be an essential part of our learning communities. And let us constantly seek ways to serve the students, families, and teachers within our schools. Let’s make the most of Spring 2011!
Michelle The Alabama School Librarian
LeeAnna Mills ASLA President-Elect Librarian, Northside Middle School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Alabama School Libraries-Check Them Out Summer Conference Oh, how we have changed and exactly what do we do now? This is the theme of this year’s ASLA Summer Conference and I am so excited about our keynote speaker, our own Wendy Stephens of Buckhorn High School. Wendy is a rising star in the library world and a master of using technology to connect with students, her learning community and the world. She is also an exciting and dynamic speaker who is eager to share tips and ideas with her colleagues. I look forward to hearing her speak and implementing some of her ideas. I am sure we will all be motivated to make our programs more technology rich and spotlight them in new and exciting ways so others will become aware of what school libraries are now! This year’s conference is shaping up to be a great one. We will be
Spring 2011
offering sessions targeted to all age groups, focusing on reading, collaboration, integrating technology and growing as professionals. We are still seeking presenters. Please consider sharing your ideas and programs that have worked for you with your colleagues. The request to present forms can be found on our website at http:// www.alasla.org. Mark your calendars now for Monday June 13th to be a part of this awesome conference dedicated totally to school librarians! Invite your colleagues and make your plans to join us for this day to learn, share and grow together! The conference will be held at Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham. You do not want to miss this event! Registration forms can be found on our website also. You may register online or download and mail it. I urge
you to take advantage of the early bird discount and register today. I look forward to seeing you all there! After questions of whether the Alabama Library Symposium started by Dr. Ginger Eastman would continue, ASLA has stepped in and is helping to plan and promote this library professional development event in conjunction with Terry Atchison and Dr. Fuller at the State Department and as part of AETC. The Symposium will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday June 14th at the BJCC. Your registration for this event will also allow you to attend the AETC conference. We are still getting details finalized for this event and will keep you updated as to where and how to register and what speakers and sessions will be offered.
LeeAnna 3
ASLA Nominating Committee Michelle Wilson, Jennifer Anders, and Phyllis McClure Librarian, North Highland Elementary School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Conference Voting Guide Voting for ASLA officers and board members will take place at the Summer Conference. The results of the election are announced immediately. The slate of officers proposed by the Nominations Committee is as follows:
Secretary Kassie Millwood
Board Member (2 years) Molly Bates
Big Spring Lake Kindergarten Albertville, AL kmillwood@albertk12.org
Russellville Middle School molly.bates@rcs.k12.al.us
President LeeAnna Mills, NBCT
University of West Alabama scordell@uwa.edu
Northside Middle School Tuscaloosa, AL LeeAnna takes the position of President from her current position as President-Elect. lmills@tcss.net
Board Member (2 years) Nicole McMickens
President-Elect Elizabeth Hester, NBCT
Board Member (2 years) Holly Shepherd, NBCT
Irondale Middle SchoolBirmingham, AL ehester@jefcoed.com
4
Treasurer Dr. Susan Cordell, NBCT
Bottenfield Middle School rnmcmickens1880@bellsouth.net
Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School hshepherd@tcss.net
Returning Board Member (completing 3rd year) Jennifer Anders West Jefferson Elementary School janders@jefcoed.com
Returning Board Member (completing 3rd year) June Chandler Fairview High School jchandler@ccboe.org
Returning Board Member (completing 3rd year) Phyllis McClure Aliceville Elementary School
The Alabama School Librarian
Tywanna Burton ASLA Award Committee Chairman Librarian, Vestavia Hills Elementary School West
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Annual Award Nominations Due April 8th The Alabama School Library Association is accepting applications for several awards that honor outstanding librarians and administrators in Alabama . Please review the awards that will be given at the Alabama School Librarians Summer Conference (June 13,2011) and nominate someone today! The deadline for all applications is April 8. Visit the ASLA web site: (www.alasla.org) to download the applications for these awards. You must click on Awards and Scholarship tab to print an application and the criteria for each award. Email (preferred) or snail mail your award applications to: burtontb@vestavia.k12.al.us or Tywanna Burton NBCT, Chairperson ASLA Awards Committee 607 Candle Lane Birmingham, AL 35214 Award Descriptions The Coatest Carter Past President Award is awarded by the ASLA board to the immediate past
Spring 2011
president in recognition of service to the organization. The Carrie C. Robinson Award honors an Alabama librarian who provides an innovative, creative, and exceptional library program for children or young adults. Membership in ASLA, service to the organization, educational background and degrees earned are not criteria for this award. The award is based solely on the quality of an individual's library program. The Ruth H. Johnson Award is given for cumulative services to the library profession by a recently retired Alabama library media specialist. The nominee must have served in the library profession for at least ten years and must have been a member of ASLA. The Lois E. Henderson Presidential Award is given to a member for outstanding contributions to library service and to ASLA. The Distinguished Service Award For School Library Media Specialists is granted to a person who has shown outstanding leadership in ad-
vancing the theory and/or practice of school librarianship over a substantial period of time. The nominee should a member of ASLA. This award may be given posthumously. The Distinguished Library Service Award for School Administrators is a citation made by the Alabama Instructional Media Association annually, to an administrator of a school or group of schools, for developing an exemplary school library media program and for having made an outstanding and sustained contribution which has advanced the role of the school library media center as an agency for the improvement of education. The Charles E. Carr Award is given to an outstanding library media student who is currently enrolled in an Alabama college library media program. The ASLA School Library Media Intern Scholarship is a $500.00 scholarship will be awarded each summer to a member of ASLA for financial assistance during their internship.
5
Annalisa Crews ASLA Webmater and Intellectual Freedom Chair Librarian, Homewood High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Report from the AASL Affiliate Assembly In January I had the privilege of attending the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Affiliate Assembly as the representative from Alabama. The assembly took place at the American Library Association Mid-Winter meeting in sunny San Diego. This privilege also allowed me to miss the great ice storm that hit Birmingham in favor of sixty degree weather! Everyone told me that when I went to San Diego I wouldn’t want to come home, and they were right, for many reasons. First of all, AASL’s national conference will be held in Minneapolis on October 27-30, 2011. If you have never attended a national conference, then try to make plans to go this year. You will find tons of great
6
speakers, informative sessions, authors, exhibits, and more. My experience going to the national conference in Charlotte last year was definitely a positive one. Registration is already open, so go to http:// www.aasl11.org/ for more information. Also, the next national conference site has been announced. It will be held in Hartford, Connecticut November 7-13, 2013. On the Intellectual Freedom front, Choose Privacy Week will be held May 1-7, 2011. Resources are available for this on www.privacyrevolution.org and through the ALA store. One video you can purchase is about Facebook and privacy called “Facebook Killed Privacy,” which could be great to show to students.
Nationally, the association is in the process of merging our Standards for the 21st Century Learner with the National Common Core Standards. They are almost done with English and will start on math next. More information about that will be coming soon. And lastly, AASL is always looking for volunteers for committees. Many of these are virtual committees, so if you are an AASL member, please consider volunteering a little of your time as a committee member. It is very rewarding and you get to meet great people from around the country. Go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/ mgrps/divs/aasl/aboutaasl/ aaslcommunity/volunteeropps/ aaslvolunteeropportunities.cfm to
fill out a volunteer form today!
The Alabama School Librarian
Barbara Bowling ASLA Legislative Chair Librarian, BTW Magnet High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Be a Legislative Advocate For legislative updates on the national level, go to http:// capwiz.com/ala/home/. At this American Library Association (ALA) website, you can advocate for school libraries by:
Keeping up with legislation that affects school libraries. Adding a “Write to Congress” widget to YOUR website.
Staying current on issues affecting school libraries via RSS alert.
Signing up for E-List, email notification on time sensitive issues.
Sending a note to a friend about an issue affecting school libraries.
Spring 2011
A Day at the Alabama Legislature Plans are being made for the Booker T. Washington (BTW) Magnet High School library assistants to go on a walking field trip to the Alabama legislature to advocate for school libraries. Any notes or letters that you would like for these students to deliver to your legislature must be in a sealed envelope with the legislator’s name and your return address on the front of the envelope.
The deadline for the project is March 31st. Please mail sealed envelopes to: Barbara Bowling BTW Magnet HS Library 632 South Union Street Montgomery, AL 36104 You can call Barbara at 334.269.6185 or email her at Barbara.bowling@mps.k12.al.us.
The ASLA Legislative Page Not sure how to get started with legislative advocacy for your Alabama school library? Check the ASLA Legislative page at http://tinyurl.com/4nxgahe. Resources include a 2010-2011 Legislative Flyer and hints for starting an advocacy program.
7
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Grant The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program gives grants to school districts to improve reading achievement by purchasing technology and resources. This year’s priority focuses on turning around persistently lowachieving schools. Approximately $19 million will be distributed through this program. Grant awards range from $30,000 to $500,000, with an average grant amount of $350,000. Grant funds can be used to: purchase up-to-date school library media resources; acquire and use advanced technology that is incorporated into the curricula of the school in order to develop and enhance the information literacy, information retrieval, and criti-
8
Application Deadline: March 28, 2011
cal-thinking skills of students; facilitate Internet links and other resource-sharing networks among schools and school library media centers, and public and academic libraries; provide professional development for school library media specialists;
This year’s priority focuses on turning around persistently lowachieving schools.
provide activities that foster increased collaboration among library specialists, teachers, and administrators; and provide students with access to school libraries during non-school hours including before and after school, weekends, and summer vacation. The deadline is March 28, 2011. For more details, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/ lsl/index.html.
The Alabama School Librarian
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Free Professional Development for Educators by Educators EdCamp Birmingham is an unconference. "Its a free, democratic, participant-driven professional development for teachers." This is the only edcamp in the Southeast!
Saturday April 30, 2011 Samford University Birmingham
What Does That Mean? Come enjoy a day with colleagues from Alabama, the Southeast, and beyond. Arrive with an idea for a session that you would like to lead or with the anticipation of a full day of learning. A session might explore a technology tool, a discussion about best practices, or a collaborative presentation with multiple facilitators. During the first hour, you will have time to meet other passionate educators. There will be an empty session board where you and all attendees can post session titles.
Spring 2011
Over the course of the day, you will have the opportunity to attend up to four sessions. The rule of the unconference is to “vote with your feet”. If a session doesn’t meet your needs, simply get up and move on to another room. You will learn something new, maybe make a new friend, and receive information that you can immediately apply in your classroom and professional life! What is the Cost? EdCamp Birmingham is free. Lunch will be provided by our
sponsors! What Should I Bring? Bring a friend! Also, laptop with wireless Internet is useful. It will allow you to view the session board online, take notes, and view websites discussed throughout the day. How Do I Register? You can register at http:// edcampbham.eventbrite.com/ or
you may visit our website http://edcamp.wikispaces.com/ edcamp+Bham and register at
the bottom of the page to reserve your space. Registration is limited. Questions? Please feel free to send an email to edcampbham@gmail.com. —Submitted by Amanda Dykes via Carolyn Starkey
9
June Chandler Board Member, ASLA Librarian, FairviewHigh School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
ASLA Sponsors Alabama School Library Snapshot Day April is School Library Media Month and many school libraries will celebrate National Library Week to be held April 1016 as well. Spring gives us the perfect time to have all Alabama school library programs take a “snapshot” of their library on any given day between the dates of March 1st and May 2nd so that we can share the data from this event. This is a great way to advocate for our programs by each librarian hosting a Library Snapshot Day in conjunction with ALA’s National Library Snapshot Day. Review the data form that is located on our wiki site so you will know what statistics to collect. Determine a day that
10
will work best for your school and then tally the stats from that day. Complete the form entering the numbers then click submit. It’s that simple! If you plan any activities for the day, take pictures and then upload them to the wiki. We would love to show others
what we are doing in our school library programs. Pictures will really highlight your “snapshot” day! Visit the ASLA wiki and go to the Library Snapshot pages at http://alasla.wikispaces.com/. Please share with others so everyone can be involved.
The Alabama School Librarian
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
ALA Sponsors National Library Snapshot Day 2011 What is Library Snapshot Day? (From the ALA website) “Library Snapshot Day provides a way for libraries of all types across a state, region, system or community to show what happens in a single day in their libraries. How many
Spring 2011
books are checked out? How many people receive help finding a job? Doing their taxes? Doing their homework? This initiative provides an easy means to collect statistics, photos and stories that will enable library advocates to prove the value of their libraries to decision-makers and increase pub-
lic awareness.” The ALA Library Snapshot Day initiative is co-sponsored by the Committee on Library Advocacy’s (COLA’s) Advocacy Coordinating Group, the ALA Chapter Relations Committee (CRC), the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). For more information on the Library Snapshot Day, visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/ snapshotday or http://www.ala.org/ala/ issuesadvocacy/advocacy/ statelocalefforts/snapshotday/ index.cfm.
11
Tywanna Burton ASLA Award Committee Chairman Librarian, Vestavia Hills Elementary School West
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
ASLA Sponsors NBPTS Mentor Workshop for Members The Alabama School Librarians Association will sponsor a series of monthly meetings for those school librarians who are interested in applying for National Board Certification in the 2011-2012 school year. This study group supports librarians who are interested in becoming a National Board Certified (Library Media / Early Childhood through Young Adulthood) teacher. The first meeting of the 2011-2012 National Board Mentor Group for Alabama Librarians /Media Specialist will meet on August 21, 2011 (1:30pm) at the Vestavia Hills Elementary West School (1965 Merryvale Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216). For more information, please contact Tywanna Burton (burtontb@vestavia.k12.al.us).
12
There will also be Question/ Answer sessions at the Alabama School Librarians Conference (June 13 at the Moun-
tain Brook High School) and the Library Symposium (AETC at the BJC on June 14).
Important NBPTS Dates and Deadlines for 2011-2012 www.nbpts.org 1-800-22Teach When you apply $65 Non-refundable application fee December 31, 2011 $500 materials fee due (applied to assess ment) January 31, 2012 $2,500 Full fee and all eligibility forms due March 15, 2012 Deadline for extended payment plan March 31, 2012 Last day for first time candidates to submit Portfolio April 15, 2012 Last day for retake candidates to submit Portfolio Jan 3- June 15, 2012 Assessment Window (Remember to schedule a test date) Dec 31, 2012 Results TAKEONE! Candidates Calendar (Entry Two Only) December 31, 2011 Submit application and pay fee $395
The Alabama School Librarian
Interested in applying for National Board Certification during the 2011-2012 school year?
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Candidate Support Provider: Tywanna Burton Meeting dates - Sundays Time:
1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Place:
Vestavia Elementary West 1965 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Contact:
burtontb@vestavia.k12.al.us
June 13, 2011
General Information and Q&A session at ASLA Summer Conference at Mountain Brook High School June 14, 2011 General Information and Q&A session Library Symposium AETC August 21, 2011 General Information and Q&A session September 25, 2011 Entry 4 DEA October 23, 2011 Portfolio #2 November 13, 2011 Portfolio #3 December 11, 2011 Portfolio #1 January 22, 2012 Portfolio #2 February 26, 2012 Portfolio #3 March 11, 2012 Portfolio #1 March 21, 2012 Packing Day April 21, 2012 Assessment Study Session May, 2012 TBA Additional Session (if desired)
Spring 2011
Topics for Discussion June/August Getting Started Support Mentoring Organization Take One September Glossary, Standards Description, Analysis, and Reflection Video October Student Work Samples Written Commentary November Test Taking Rubric Language Scoring December Make assessment Appointment
13
Michelle Wilson ASLA President Librarian, North Highland Elementary School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Molly Bates knows the value of being an indispensable school librarian. Serving nearly 600 students at Russellville Middle School in the northwest part of the state, she has a continuous and deep impact on student learning through helping teachers locate resources for creative lessons, and by assisting students in meaningful and evaluative academic research. Molly works tirelessly at this primary portion of her trade but also wears many other hats, which include the Scholars’ Bowl coach, school newsletter editor, technology representative, grant writing, and serving on several committees. Molly is an essential member of her faculty, and from whom we can all learn a great deal. As her school’s librarian,
14
Molly has the vital role of serving as a central point in the school to present lessons with classroom teachers and provide essential resources that
support the curriculum of every subject and grade level taught within her school. One long-term project she has been working to complete is com-
pleting a list of electronic resources which correlate to every Alabama Course of Study standard for all three grade levels. Molly says, “The resources are available through my web site for teachers to use to supplement their instruction, for students to review and practice, and/or for students to further explore a topic. These sources are also used by our after school program, with students in in-school suspension, and alternative school.” When asked about a difficulty she has faced this year, Molly replied, “At RMS I face the challenge of meeting the needs of students who can speak no English to students reading on a college level, and supporting the teachers who are teaching these students. Developing a
The Alabama School Librarian
Librarian in the Limelight: Molly Bates The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
collection that meets their diverse needs and interests is another challenge. Also, we need an additional computer lab. We’re fortunate to have a lab of 30 computers, but teachers have to schedule their time weeks in advance.” Sound familiar to anyone? Because of the economy and lack of Fundamental Library Funds from the state department, we are all feeling the effects of limited resources within our collections. Molly Bates doesn’t take “No funding” for an answer, though. She works tirelessly to supplement the lack of state funds by writing grants and local legislator requests specifically for her school library. “I’ve been fortunate to receive grants from Dollar General and Senator [Roger] Bedford which
Spring 2011
allowed me to continue purchasing new books. I’ve added a collection of graphic format fiction and nonfiction books, and will soon launch a collection of e-books.” Because of Molly’s efforts at securing funds to continue improving her school library’s collection, and because she works hard to promote a welcoming and open culture in her library, she is seeing students read more and more. She gets to smile when she sees students reading a library book during the three minutes they have to change classes, and she even gets to hear how much these middle schoolers are enjoying their books. But Molly says that what she loves most is when a student comes to her and says “This is the first book I’ve ever read.” Connecting students -
regardless of language barrier, learning challenges, or interests- with the first book that really hooks them are the moments of which she is most proud. One method she uses to help students find that book which grabs their attention is to do book talks. She is currently reading several young adult novels that she is planning to book talk, including Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins and Give Me Liberty by L.M. Elliott. Like most librarians, Molly has a pretty thick stack going all at once. She is also reading Strategies that Work by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvi, Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker, and The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Molly also enjoys writing book reviews for abookandahug.com. 15
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center: Buckhorn High School is a National Blue Ribbon institution with about 1,250 students in Grades 9-12. Located about 14 miles northeast of Huntsville in the mountains of rural North Alabama [Map 1], the school’s student body is both racially and ethnically diverse. Approximately thirty percent of students are from families below the federal poverty threshold. Map 1: Map of Madison County, AL showing location of Buckhorn.
16
The library of Buckhorn High School is located on the second floor above the main school entrance. At the top of the central stairway, the double doors of the Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center [Photo 2] are open from 7:30-3:30 to welcome students and faculty. The library was renamed in 2010 in honor of Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Photo 2. The double doors of Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center are open from 7:30—3:00 weekdays.
Sarah Fanning [Photo 3], a longtime advocate for literacy and a strong library program at Buckhorn High School. With reading as a school-wide focal point, Buckhorn serves as a demonstration site for the Alabama Reading Initiative and is a nationally recognized model for improving adolescent literacy. The Buckhorn library is staffed by faculty members Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, librarians, and Sherry Ricketts, library aide [Photo 4]. Photo 3: (opposite top) Mrs. Sarah Fanning Photo 4: (opposite bottom, left to right) Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, librarians, and Sherry Ricketts, library aide.
The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
A Photo Essay of Buckhorn High School’s Crown Jewel Sarah Fanning: Buckhorn’s # 1 Literacy Advocate By Wendy Stephens, Librarian, Buckhorn High School
Photos 3 (above) and 4.
Spring 2011
Assistant principal Sarah Fanning has done much to promote collaboration between the librarian and faculty in implementing print-rich curriculum for all subject areas. Mrs. Fanning advocates the library’s acquisition and use of level text for students reading at different levels of mastery and highinterest titles that generate real student interest instead of politically-neutral pabulum. She opened access to the collection so that students can visit the library for checkouts and research at any time of the day, defending this policy when teachers have requested individual students be excluded as potential distractions. Mrs. Fanning also encourages new teachers in particular to collaborate with the librarian in improving their own research and information literacy skills and in designing assignments to make the best possible use of both digital and print resources. A staunch first amendment advocate, Mrs. Fanning has defied district directives prohibiting the teaching of controversial materials and wrangling with parents who challenged the merits of Romeo and Juliet. She has completely allayed any anxieties about building a progressive and contemporary collection for young adults. Practically courting controversy, she supported an innovative senior English research project focusing on the history of challenges to particular books. The project proved so successful at promoting higher-order analysis, Mrs. Fanning expanded it to a school-wide event in conjunction with Banned Books Week. Not only does Mrs. Fanning offer tremendous support for both the enduring values of the library as institution, but she also anticipates the new and important role school librarians must play in developing digital literacy as well. She also fought for librarian participation in an innovative state-wide fellowship program, originally limited to classroom teachers, designed to create teacher-leaders in 21st Century Technologies. Mrs. Fanning has promoted the librarian’s work with teachers on next-generation projects using blogs, wikis, and other social network technologies in the classroom and grants leave time for the librarian to train teachers in other schools and systems. She also sat on the committee which chose the librarian as the school’s 2006-07 Teacher of the Year, the first time that a librarian in our system achieved that honor. When the state legislature eliminated school libraries from the 2003-2004 fiscal year budget, Mrs. Fanning sought community support to offset that critical shortfall. Mrs. Fanning, herself a 1965 graduate of the school, began a letter-writing campaign netting $3500 from the families of current, past, and present students, a considerable sum for our rural hamlet of New Market, Alabama. During a 2000 renovation, Mrs. Fanning was influential in re-creating the physical plant, resulting in a marked change from the single, boxy room that had been the school's library since the late 1950s. Mrs. Fanning also chose the library as the setting for a grant-funded program supporting the families of agricultural migrant workers in an effort to increase literacy in the family. Mrs. Fanning provides the time, space, funds and support for a top-notch, traditional library program while supporting the librarian’s role in increasing information literacy in its digital incarnations. The library would not be the center of intellectual life at the school without her unconditional support.
17
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Wendy has been a librarian at Buckhorn since 2003 and Carolyn joined the faculty in January 2011. Wendy and Carolyn are both very active in professional organizations, including ASLA, ALLA, AASL, YALSA, ALA, and ISTE. Wendy is wellknown for her work on the national library scene and will serve as the keynote speaker for ASLA’s Summer Conference 2011. Both Wendy and Carolyn are strong advocates of technology in library and in school programs. Library patrons are greeted by a bank of 14 student computers centrally located as they enter the library [Photos 5 and 6]. Two additional student computers are positioned in the rear of the library [Photo 7]. These 16 computers are on
18
the district network and all students are issued individual passwords for access. Students are given a small amount of space on the district server for their personal file storage.
Photos 5 and 6: (above and below) Centrally-located student computers
Located behind the circulation desk [Photo 8] are four more computers, three fitted with barcode scanners for circulation and the fourth set up as an OPAC search station for
Photo 7: (below) Student computers in rear of the library.
Photo 8: The circulation desk has three check out stations, one OPAC search station, and 2 printers.
The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
students. Two printers, one black-and-white and one color, provide output for all the library’s computers. Students pay a .10/page fee for black and white copies and .50/page fee for color copies. This money is used to purchase toner for the printers and the copier, also located behind the circulation desk [Photo 9].
Photos 10 and 11: (above left and below left) The Reference section contains about 1,300 items.
Photos 12 and 13: (above right and below right) The Fiction section contains about 3,800.
Photo 9: The circulation desk copy machine is available for student use at .10/page.
Buckhorn’s main collection contains around 12,400 book items in the Reference [Photos 10 and 11], Fiction [Photos 12 and 13], and Nonfiction [Photo 14] sections.
Spring 2011
Photo 14: The Nonfiction section contains about 7,300 items. This includes the Biography section with some 800 items. The largest section is the 900s with about 1,730 volumes. Our very popular 700s section contains 400 volumes of manga and graphic novels.
19
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Newly catalogued popular fiction is made available on a book cart [Photo 15] near the circulation desk. Frequent visitors always know where to find the next new book in their favorite series. Extremely popular book series are often displayed on the top shelf of the circulation desk for easy access [Photo 16]. Photo 15: The new book cart makes finding newly catalogued items easier for students. Photo 16: Popular book series line the top of the circulation desk.
20
Also located near the circulation desk are the graphic periodicals [Photo 17].
Photo 18: Periodical section.
Photo 17: Students eagerly await monthly updates of the manga periodicals in this boxes.
Other periodicals are made available to patrons on shelving [Photo 18] near one of the two table seating areas in the library [Photos 19 and 20]. This section of table seating has 12 tables and 48 chairs arranged to facilitate use of a ceilingmounted LCD projector and a pull-down screen.
Photos 19 and 20: This seating area is arranged to facilitate use of a ceilingmounted LCD projector and the pulldown screen.
The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
The second section of table seating, located in front of the eastern-facing windows, has 13 tables and 52 chairs [Photos 21 and 22]. This ceiling-to-floor window bank provides a panoramic view of the beautiful North Alabama mountains, much to the pleasure of the students who utilize the six comfortable cushioned benches positioned in front [Photos 23 and 24]. These benches are a popular gathering place for small groups before school and during break. For students who desire privacy for reading or work, five study carrels are available for their use [Photo 25] in a sheltered nook of the library. The student project in the carrels displays a history of the local area surrounding Buckhorn High School in pioneer days. Spring 2011
Photo 21 (top) and Photo 22 (below)
Photo 23 (top) and Photo 24 (below)
Photos 21-24: The ceiling-to-floor eastern-facing windows provides a panoramic view of the North Alabama countryside. Buckhorn High School is tucked in alongside the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Photo 25 (below)
Photos 25: Study carrels are available for students needing work privacy.
21
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Also located on the library’s eastern wall are two small conference/study rooms [Photos 26 and 27]. The 750-volume Professional collection [Photo 28], housed in one of these
rooms, is available for faculty use throughout the day. Flanking the conference rooms are two glass exhibit cases [Photo 29] for displaying student and school-related projects.
Photos 26-27: (above left and below left) Two conference/study rooms are available.
Photo 28: Professional collection. Photo 29: One of two exhibit cases.
22
The AV/Equipment collection houses approximately 1,000 media items including dvds, videocassettes, playaways, audiobooks, cd-roms, and film kits [Photos 30 - 32]. Additionally, over 100 pieces of equipment are available for loan including boom boxes, laptops, headphones, microphones, overhead projectors, 16 -mm projectors, filmstrip projectors, slide projectors, LCD projectors, projector screens, televisions, dvd players, vhs cassette players, and Mobis [Photos 33-36]. A portable media cart with speakers and a portable interactive whiteboard [Photos 37 – 38] may be checked out. Also accessible in the AV/Equipment room is a laminator and the Channel 1 media station [Photos 39 and 40]. The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Photo 33 (right): Boom boxes, laptops, headphones, microphones, and LCD projectors. Photo 34 (below left): Overhead projectors. Photo 35 (below middle): Televisions, dvd players, and vhs players. Photo 36 (below right): 16-mm projectors, slide projectors, and filmstrip projectors.
Photo 30 (above): Videocassette and DVD items. Photo 31 (right): Playaways, audiobooks, and CDROM items. Photo 32 (below): Film kits and supporting curriculum items.
Photo 37 (above left): Portable media cart with speaker system. Photo 38 (above middle): Portable interactive white board. Photo 39 (above right): Laminator and the books-in-waiting shelves (extra copies of popular books often lost or damaged). Photo 40: (right) Channel 1 satellite system.
Spring 2011
23
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
The workroom of the library contains a variety of craft and classroom supplies, a book binder, two art wax machines, a television with a satellite feed, a video editing station, two work tables, and a small kitchen area for staff lunches [Photos 41 – 44]. There are also storage drawers for the maps, atlases, charts, and posters that are not on display on the atlas stand in the main library
[Photo 45].
Photo 41: The work room has a book binder, storage face, and storage space for AMSTI materials. Photo 42 (top left): The video editing station and craft supply storage. To the right are the storage drawers for maps, atlases, posters, and charts not on display. Photo 43 (bottom left): The television with the satellite feed, the art wax machines, and miscellaneous equipment. Photo 44 (top right): Kitchen area has a sink and microwave and storage for plates, napkins, utensils, etc. Photo 45 (bottom right): Atlas and map display stand in main library. Items not on display are stored in the workroom.
24
The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Additional storage is available in the Periodical storage room. Here past issues of periodicals are stored and a supply of discarded issues is maintained for classroom projects [Photos 46 and 47]. Past editions of “The Buckeye”, Buckhorn High School’s yearbook, are also shelved here. A portable lectern makes its home here as well. The glassed-in library office is utilized primarily as a storehouse for items needing to be catalogued or processed, library records and files, and professional development items [Photos 48 and 49]. A small collection of picture books are also located here. The office houses a scanner as well as the school’s second floor server [Photo 50].
Spring 2011
Photos 46 and 47: (top left and top right) The Periodical room stores past issues of magazines and journals. A supply of discarded magazines is maintained for classroom use. Photos 48-49: (bottom left and bottom right) Rarely do you see a librarian in the office! They are out working with students at the circulation desk or among the stacks. Photo 50: (right) The network server for the school’s second floor is located in the office.
25
Article and Photos by
Carolyn Jo Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian Librarian, Buckhorn High School
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
A final area of storage is in the book drop room [Photo 51]. This room provides a small amount of storage as well as access to the book drop built into the west wall of the library [Photo 52]. Photos 51 and 52: (top) Book drop room has a small about of storage space. The chute empties into a rolling book cart from the deposit area on the outside western wall of the library (bottom).
To read more about Buckhorn High School and its library and literacy programs: Alabama State Department of Education. (2006). Board of education resolutions. Available at http://www.alsde.edu/ html/ boe_resolutions2.asp? id=1143. Alliance for Excellent Education . (2005). Case Study: Buckhorn High School Alabama Reading Initiative: Using ARI to Address and Tackle Literacy Problems. Available at http:// www.all4ed.org/files/ CaseStudy_BuckhornHS.pdf.
Eagle Forum. (2010). Story hour
26
for teenagers. Available at http:// www.eagleforum.org/ educate/2010/feb10/ teens.html. Gewertz, C. (2009). An Ala. high school makes literacy a schoolwide job; an Alabama school that is seen as a national model shows how to teach reading and writing in every subject. Education Week, 29 (10), 20-23. Klein, Gil. (2006). Teen literacy: turning the page students struggle to understand books, so reading is new focus. Available at http:// www.redorbit.com/ news/display/? id=416846.
The Alabama School Librarian
Take-a-Tour Featured Library Buckhorn High School Sarah Fanning Literacy and Learning Center Wendy Stephens and Carolyn Starkey, Librarians Sherry Ricketts, Library Aide
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
National Association of Secondary School Principals. (2005). Intervention: Meeting the Needs of ALL Students: School Profile 5: Buckhorn High School in Creating a culture of literacy: a guide for middle and high school principals, (pp. 57-67). Reston, VA: NASSP. Phillips, M. (2003). Going for broke--100% literacy. Principal Leadership (Middle Level ed.), 4 (3), 22-28. Stephens, W. (2007). Digital frontier: schools, libraries, and adventures. Knowledge Quest, 35 (4), 70-72.
Spring 2011
Stephens, W. (2008). Evidence of student voices: finding meaning in intellectual freedom. Knowledge Quest, 37 (2), 44-48.
Buckhorn High School Street Address: 4123 Winchester Road New Market, AL
Contacts: Carolyn Starkey cstarkey@madison.k12.al.us admin@jojo-starkey.com. Wendy Stephens wstephens@madison.k12.al.us Sherry Ricketts sricketts@madison.k12.al.us
Take us on a tour of your school library! Submit your Take-a-Tour Featured Library photo essay to The Alabama School Librarian at alabamaschoollibrariansubmission@yahoo.com.
Text and photos should be submitted as separate files. 27
Instructions for Authors Carolyn J. Starkey Secretary, ASLA and Editor, The Alabama School Librarian
The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
The Alabama School Librarian: ABOUT THE ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARIAN The Alabama School Librarian is a combined association newsletter and peer-reviewed (refereed) journal published by the Alabama School Library Association (ASLA). It is devoted solely to the field of school libraries and technology as related to school libraries. Although all submissions are welcome, those that clearly focus on issues and topics related to Alabama school libraries have publication priority. The Alabama School Librarian is published digitally four times per academic year and is sent electronically to all members of the Alabama School Library Association and supporters of Alabama school libraries. AUDIENCE Readers of the Alabama School Librarian are primarily school li-
28
brarians and/or technology specialists. Other readers include university faculty members, vendors, and supporters of Alabama school library programs. CONTENTS OF THE ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARIAN The contents of the Alabama School Librarian falls into three categories: (1) Association News Includes articles, newsbriefs, program descriptions, activity suggestions, and reviews of ASLA events and Alabama school library program activities. Articles for this section will undergo General Editorial Staff review only. (2) Libraries and Librarianship Articles Includes general articles on library and technology topics. Articles for this section will undergo
General Editorial Staff review only. (3) Scholarly Referred Articles Includes research studies, learned essays, professional papers, literature reviews, literature/book critiques, and other professional topics. Submissions for this section will undergo a blind review by at least two members of the Academic Editorial Board. MANUSCRIPT FORMAT Manuscripts for General Editorial Staff Review [(1) and (2) above] have no length limitations but should be submitted in 12-point Calibri font with a .doc or .docx file extension. A title page with author’s name, affiliation, address, and a short professional biographical sketch should be included. An author photo should be submitted as a .jpeg attachment. Pages
The Alabama School Librarian
Authors Wanted! The Alabama School Librarian Journal and Newsletter of the Alabama School Library Association
Instructions for Authors should be numbered. Authors are responsible for obtaining releases from all persons appearing in submitted photos. Authors are also responsible for obtaining releases for all copyrighted material included within submissions. Manuscripts for Academic Editorial Review should follow the format guidelines as in (1). Additionally, the author should meet these elements: Author name should not appear on manuscript pages other than the title page. Original tables and figures should be placed on a separate sheet at the end of the manuscript and notations for proper placement of tables and figures should appear in the text. Manuscripts should reflect APA, 5th edition styling.
Spring 2011
SUBMITTING THE MANUSCRIPT Articles and accompanying materials should be submitted electronically in a .doc or .docx format to Carolyn Starkey at alabamaschoollibrariansubmission@ yahoo.com. If the author would like a blind review for a scholarly submission, this should be noted in the submission email. Manuscripts submitted to the Alabama School Librarian should not be under review at another publication. REVIEW PROCESS Each manuscript will receive appropriate review for the type of submission. Usually, authors should expect to hear the results within two to eight weeks, depending on the type of submission.
PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES The Alabama School Librarian assumes that accepted manuscripts have not been published previously in any other journals and/or books. Manuscripts accepted for publication may be edited for clarity, accuracy, readability, and publication style. Publication usually occurs within 6 months of acceptance. DEADLINES Article Deadlines for Issues FALL BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE Deadline: July 1. WINTER ISSUE Deadline: October 1. SPRING ISSUE Deadline: March 1. SUMMER PRE-CONVENTION ISSUE: May 16.
29
Alabama School Library Association http://www.alasla.org
30
The Alabama School Librarian