Wakemedia Monthly
Volume 10: February 2021
Congratulations!
Julie Stivers (Mt. Vernon Middle) was named School Library Media Coordinator of the year at our virtual celebration on January 15th. You can read more about Julie’s work in the article posted on WakeConnect and in this month’s DLC newsletter, the Digital Learning Digest.
You can view a recording of the celebration, which also honors finalists Angie Headley (A.B. Combs Elementary), Christine Zaccardi (Fox Road Elementary), and Heather Fields (Wake Forest High).
Responsive Library Services Guidelines REVISED
To continuously assess our operations as the landscape of information and decisions around us shifts, we have revised the Responsive Library Services guidance created last summer. In doing so, we consulted with a focus group of WCPSS library media coordinators, accounted for new information from DHHS specifically for libraries, examined the practices of the Wake County Public Library, and, as always, had a consultation of all proposed revisions with WCPSS Health Services and Kelly Creech.. Please read through the document carefully. Changes are noted in pink text at the top of the document. We’ve also updated the COVID-19 Guidance page linked on the top of the Library Media Services site. Reach out to Kendra or Susan with any questions.
NEW on the Library Media Services site: Cataloging support
In response to your frequently asked questions, we’ve added a section to the Destiny page on the Library Media Services site to support you with cataloging. Here, you’ll find an explanation of the most recent district cataloging specs and tips sheets for common cataloging situations.
It’s important to understand that we are not asking you to make any changes to your catalogs if you find that your cataloging is not aligned with district specs. We’ve posted this information so that you are aware of the specs that are on file with major vendors and to support you with maintaining alignment with these standards as much as possible.
As always, reach out to Deb Bonner if you have any cataloging questions.
NCTIES
Digital Learning and Libraries will cover the registration for NCTIES for all School Library Media Coordinators and Tech Contacts. Look for an email from Allison Reid with directions for how to register.
WakeForward
Our first WakeForward Virtual PLC was held on January 27th. We spent time getting to know one another as a group, and began a discussion about ways we can use action research to help us work toward our WakeForward goals. You can view the agenda and slides from that meeting here.
We encourage anyone who is interested to still register for the course. It’s self-paced, so there is no way for you to fall behind. You will be able to view the Canvas course after registering in WakeLearns. Participants can earn up to 1.3 Digital Learning Credits for completing the course. Partial credit will be awarded.
New content will be posted near the beginning of each month. You choose which content you want to complete, and can work through it at your own pace. You have the option of joining a Virtual PLC Meet at the end of each month to discuss your work with your colleagues. Our next Virtual PLC meeting is scheduled for February 24th from 4pm-5pm.
As a reminder, all WakeForward information, including the School Library Program Assessment survey and the form to submit your focus area, can be found on the Library Media Services site under WakeForward.
WAKE Up and Read Book Drive
The WAKE Up and Read 8th Annual Book Drive runs through the end of February. View their site for information related to book drop off, making a monetary donation, or purchasing new books from their book drive wish lists. Consider encouraging your school community to support WAKE Up and Read’s efforts to build the home libraries of children in Wake County.
Yearly reminder: Please do not donate weeded library materials to the WAKE Up and Read Book Drive. The WCPSS Finance Manual states that “Items may not be donated or given to other groups or organizations” (Chapter Five, p.7, Surplus Disposals). In addition, materials that have been thoughtfully weeded from a school library collection due to condition, age, or lack of circulation are not ideal for supporting WUAR’s mission.
Digital Learning Day Live Chat
NCSLMA is hosting another opportunity for SLMCs who want to come together in a virtual space to support each other and discuss topics of interest. The intent is for the conversation to be driven by participants learning from each other. NCSLMA will be using Google Meet for SLMCs to connect and the registration information is linked below. This will not be recorded as the purpose is to have a "safe" space for SLMCs to talk openly with each other. It is just an informal chat between SLMCs scheduled on February 25, 4-5pm. SLMCs should consider joining the gathering and supporting other SLMCs in our state w/their ideas, experience, empathy, etc. It's also a great way to celebrate #NCDLDay! https://ncslma.wildapricot.org/event-4148368
Follett Community Webinars
Follett offers free webinars through their Follett Community site. Upcoming webinars include:
February 26 2pm-2:30pm Ask Andrew! What’s new in Destiny Discover [live chat]
April 20 12pm-1pm Destiny Library Manager Training - Building Custom Reports
May 18 12pm-1pm Destiny Library Manager Training - Support Summer Reading Initiatives
If you register for a session and can’t attend, a recording of the session will be emailed to you. You can also find archives of previous sessions on their site.
Celebrate Digital Learning
The Digital Learning Coordinators are looking for “Good News” to share related to digital learning. They want to celebrate the great things that are happening, and know that SLMCs are often some of the first to know of "good news”! They hope to gather examples of digital learning both from your work as SLMCs, as well as examples from teachers in your schools. When you have good digital learning news to share, please fill out the form below: