It’s hard to believe we’ve made it to March already, but Spring brings new and exciting learning opportunities for all of us and our students.

February was fabulous with all the opportunities to meet, collaboration, and learn with many library media specialists across the state. See the February Travels Spotlight for details!

I know March will bring many more opportunities to learn and collaborate with even more LMS, and most of you will get a much needed and deserved SPRING BREAK!

This March issue of the newsletter will provide you with information about First Fridays, upcoming PD opportunities, ASLA information, and a tech tip to use in the library.

If you’d like to submit photos of activities, celebrations, etc. from your library for the Spotlight, you can email them to cdillard@alsde.edu.

I would love to work with your school system for professional development, please reach out or have the central office library media contact/supervisor reach out.

Read the rest of the newsletter below. It's worth the scroll.

Check out the descriptions and applications for ASLA awards at http://www.aslalib.com.

Consider nominating a deserving library media specialist, administrator, or yourself for an ASLA award. Nominations close on May 3, 2019.

It could be you receiving recognition on stage!

Title: Book Talks - Diverse Books, Award Winners, & Find New Favorites

Description: Participate in book talks from librarians on a wide array of topics, grade levels, and genres of books. Book nominated for the Camellia Children's Choice Award will be featured during the session focused on elementary books.

If you are interested in providing a 3-5 minute book talk on one of your favorites, please use the form linked below to submit a book title. You can also record your book talk in case you are unable to present live.

We would be excited to hear from you on the next First Friday! Please share this Google Form if you have some public librarian friends who might be interested in providing a book talk as well! It is always great to partner with public librarians.

Google Form to Submit a Book Talk Title - Submit by March 1, 2019!

Target Audience: K-12 Library Media Specialists

9:30 AM Live Session - Join the WebEx

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a library collection that is responsive to the needs of students and other patrons.

STIPD# ALSDELIB129

Presenter: Tammi VanBuren, Gale/Cengage Trainer

STIPD# AVL101

Gale Elementary Resources in the Library & Classroom

Title: AVL: Gale Elementary Resources in the Library and the Classroom

Date and Time: March 8th at 1:00pm CT (30 min. session)

Description: Alabama Virtual Library and Gale are excited to share with you how content from Gale resources such as Kids InfoBits and Research In Context encourage curiosity and facilitate learning within elementary-aged children. We will explore features like finding content at multiple literacy levels and new research tools, like Highlights & Notes. Join this webinar to learn to learn how Kids InfoBits and Research In Context supports the way kids learn! 30 min.

Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7519605499310504461

Gale Middle & High School Resources in the Library & Classroom

Title: AVL: Support Middle and High School Curriculum with Your Gale Resources

Date and Time: March 8th at 1:45pm CT (30 min. session)

Description: Your Alabama Virtual Library Gale resources provide tools to enrich classroom content and enhance learning outcomes. This webinar will explore your In Context and InfoTrac Literature resources, highlighting key support for middle and high school users. You’ll learn how shared navigation and search features build opportunities for information literacy development and differentiated instruction. You’ll also walk away with ideas for using document tools to build unique classroom activities. Join this session to learn how your AVL Gale resources support middle and high school students and teachers. 30 min.

Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2433884833803448587

View the Library Media Shout Outs using the link to the Google slide below.

Submit any shout outs, events, photos, etc to cdillard@alsde.edu to be featured in the next newsletter shout outs.

The Alabama School Library Association (ASLA) presents the 2019 Summer Conference on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Foley Elementary School. This year's conference theme is "Better Together" as we explore the role of the school library in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.

Mark your calendar, and make your case to attend!

ASLA 2019 Summer Conference Information

The Alabama Virtual Library received a make over that not only makes searching easier, but definitely more user-friendly. (Shout-out to the AVL Council for making the amazing changes happen!)

Bookmark AVL & take some time to rediscover databases and the new discovery search that makes searching easier than ever for your patrons.

https://www.avl.lib.al.us/

Did you know the AVL has Career Tech databases for students to use as research for career exploration, professional learning on the job, and CTE teachers to use with students. Check out these amazing CTE resources that can be used in a variety of ways.

INTERACTIVE - AlabamaWorks Success Guides help students explore career and interest clusters, see success stories from Alabamians in that career. These are great to get students to see the career options for STEM.

Texas Workforce Solutions - When I Grow Up curriculum is great for all students (grade bands K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) to explore careers, research, and help to shape a career path.

Do not hesitate to contact me with questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions!

Also, don't forget to send in shout outs and publicity to be included. Alabama School Libraries are amazing with many great events, instruction, and projects going on. I would love to share that with others.

Email: cdillard@aslde.edu
Website: http://bit.ly/ALMO1
Phone: 3346944768
Twitter: @Mrs_Dilly