I really want to get this blog going, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. I think I am going to have to make a time commitment each day. I have started my EdD studies so, not only am I being physically crafty I have been learning to be digitally crafty. I promise more to come and sooner posts.

Saving Time

It seems that in order to connect to everyone online you have to have multiple personas. Not only do you have to post to multiple sites, but you have to read the posts to stay connected. In order to free up more time while staying/ getting I am trying HootSuite. I am hoping if it works well for my personal accounts I will try it with my school accounts. If this works it will give me a lot more time to work on the things I enjoy. Do you have a favorite way to organize your social networks?

Creative Technology

For class today I watched the 2014 Tech Share opening speakers. Now why as a crafty person with a crafty blog would I be writing to tell you about my homework about a tech conference....because of an awesome app I learned about and the family has spent the day playing with. The app is called coLAR and can be found at www.colarapp.com . With this app you print pictures to color then using the app you are able to see your coloring in 3D. Hard to explain here, but go to the site and watch the video. Once you see it you have to try it yourself. The app and some of the coloring pages are free. Other coloring packages are $2.99. Technology and creativity together is awesome!

The nice thing about taking classes in instructional technology is that I get to learn about and try out a lot of new programs and apps. Maybe you have seen Bit Strips on Facebook or other social media. They are fun little comic strips you create yourself. They have a web site for schools/ educators which is nice because it does not limit the amount you write (at least not that I have found) and allows the teacher to preview before anything is posted. Here is the Bit Strip I created for an assignment The instructor wanted us to create our report/ paper using web 2.0 tools. I want to try Bit Strips with my students, but I think I am going to have to be very specific with time limits so they do not waste time creating characters. Which I have to admit is fun.

I am in my second semester as a doctoral student. This is a new challenge with work and family, but it is something I have wanted for a long time. What it is really forcing me to do is sit down and learn all the tools that are available to help me stay organized and connected. I was also made the social administrator for my school and I have decided with a birthday approaching I better take my health seriously so I have started working out. This does not mean the crafting is stopping it just means I will be trying some new things digitally. My newest love is Google+. It has so many features I am finding helpful as a teacher and student. Have you tried any Google Communities?

Not a good Blogger.

Why is it so hard to keep up with my social network. I started with this blog as a way to keep track of what I am doing in the library and get ideas from others. Seems I am only blogging at the end of school vacations when I am facing a new semester. I really need to get better at this.

What is a school librarian?

It is almost the end of my winter break and I am preparing for the spring semester.  These preparations have me reviewing what I have done so far.  I tend to do a lot of reminiscing this time of year.  Another thing that has me thinking is that I ran into a former student this afternoon.  Even though it has been a little over four years since I've seen her she needed my help. 

All this leads me to a set of questions I often find myself answering for myself and trying to explain to others; "What is a school librarian?"  "What does a school librarian do?"  "How would you describe a school librarian?"

What is a school librarian:  We are teachers, book peddlers, multi-taskers, technical support, protectors of freedom, friends, cheerleaders, presenters, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, someone to share a laugh with, and a general problem solvers.

What does a school librarian do:  We collaborate with and assist teachers with lessons, resources, and research.  We help students reach their potential, become literate citizens, learn to share, become creative, discover who they are, and on occasions learn a new talent.

How would you describe a school librarian:  A passionate, caring, creative individual who is always seeking to become a more knowledgeable person in order to better serve their community.  We are young, old, tall, short, conservative, and sometimes a little edgy.

I did not set out in life to become a librarian...I wanted to be a Rock Star.  Little did I know that the satisfaction I desired would be found in a career that is ever changing and often misunderstood.  After helping a teacher or student I often feel like a super hero.  Silly I know, but there is something gratifying about helping someone.

By the way.  I was able to help my former student with the help of another librarian.... ;)

So...what is your definition of a school librarian?