by Sarah Deringer, Head Editor, INALJ Mississippi

School Librarians Not Done Learning: 5 Professional Development Resources

In the LIS 644 class I currently attend, an assignment brought to my attention the various professional development resources available to school librarians. As a future school librarian, I believe that learning is a continual process that involves applying and reflecting on the best possible professional development resources. Here I have listed five resources that I believe school librarians should take a look at when in need of professional development.

• Library Media Connection (http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/) is a professional magazine devoted to helping school librarians create 21^st-century learning environments for students. The magazine provides reviews, copyright answers, curriculum connections, and library and book news. The LMC website provides free webinars through edweb as well as a chance to write for LMC’s editorial section. A year’s subscription to LMC is $69.

• Knowledge Quest (http://www.ala.org/aasl/knowledge-quest) is the professional journal for ALA’s American Association of School Libraries (AASL). AASL publishes the journal bimonthly from September through June. It offers current research, trends, and best practices to better the school library. The website provides polls and webinars for readers to participate. To subscribe to this journal, you must join AASL or subscribe to eCOLLAB.

• The International Society for Technology in Education ( https://www.iste.org/) is a professional association for educators interested in using technology for bettering education. ISTE provides professional development, webinars, and other resources via their website. June 23 – 26, ISTE is hosting a conference in San Antonio to help educators become better advocates for technology in education. Memberships come in different packages: Premium Member $225; Standard Member $105; Retired Educator $65; and Student Member $45.

 

• School Library Journal (http://www.slj.com) is a journal devoted to keeping school librarians up to date on the newest trends, current research, and curriculum integrations. SLJ provides webcasts, newsletters, book reviews, job listings for school librarian positions, apps, eBooks, and other resources. A year’s subscription is $88.99 for 12 issues.

• Teacher Librarian (http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/) is a journal devoted to giving the best resources to school librarians and librarians dealing with children and young adults. TL provides reviews, strategies, news, lists of best books and media, and internet resources. TL also offers readers a chance to write for their magazine on certain library issues. A subscription is $56 for five issues; publication occurs in February, April, June, October, and December.

The search for reliable professional development can be a challenge, but by trying out some of these resources, school librarians can learn for life! Take your pick and read up on the latest library research and strategies to aid student learning.