AkASL News and Events

2010 Book Bonanza Essay Contest Open for Entry!

How will new books make a difference to kids in your library? Tell your story and WIN! Entry Form PDF RTF -- Deadline June 30, 2010 Downloadable Pamphlet See Guidlines and Criteria on Book Bonanza Page.

2010 School Librarian of the Year & Linda K. Barrett Awards

SLOY Award Winner - Read the Details
Joan McMains, Northwood Elementary, Anchorage

Leslie McClusky from Follett Library Company presents Joan McMains' Principal, Greg Balcao,
with the SLOY 2010 award and $500 check in Anchorage. Balcao later presented the award to McMains.

Linda K Barrett Award Winner - Read the Details
Suzanne Metcalfe, Diamond High School, Anchorage

AKLA 2010

Alaska Empty Shelves!

February 18, 2010

Don’t delay, write your legislator today!

AkASL is once again hard at work to secure funding for the school library collection development grant officially titled   Public School Library Collection Development Grant (Sec. 14.56.360 through .375). This initiative was passed into law during the 2008 legislative session, but NOT funded. The Grant did not receive funding again during the 2009 legislative session.

Alaska school libraries need your support now to secure this much needed funding. Check out this recently created website to give you the information you need to write those letters and convince parents, co-workers and building administrators to do the same.  For more information contact Erika Drain at erikad@mehs.us or checkout the Alaska Empty Shelves site at http://www.alaskaemptyshelves.com/

See the Legislative Action page at left nav bar for sample letters, POMS and tips for contacting legislators.

AkASL Announces Winter Puffine is here!

February 4, 2010

http://www.akla.org/akasl/puffin/puffinhome.html

Featured in this issue:
• Tidbits from the AASL 2009 Charlotte Conference
• AkASL eBoard Candidate biographies
• Highlights and Registration Info for the 2010 AkLA Conference

AKLA State Library Conference... coming right up!

January 23, 2010

AkLA Conference 2010 Highlights for School Librarians

This year AKLA will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the AKLA 2010 conference in Anchorage March 4-7, 2010. The conference, which will be held over Iditarod weekend, has attracted several notable speakers. Below is a sample listing of breakout sessions and meetings that AkASL members may want to attend. Register before Feb 14 for Early Bird Specials! Go to http://akla.org/anchorage2010/index.html for more information. * denotes AkASL member

Thursday March 4 Pre-Conference Sessions:
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Preconference: Influence Even When You Don't Have Power or Authority - Pat Wagner, Co-owner, Pattern Research, Inc., Denver [fee]
1:00 - 4:00 PM Bus Tour #1 School Library Tour: Eagle River High, Clark Middle & Mt. View Library  Mary Jo Iagulli*. & Staci Cox* will host. [fee]
1:30 -4:30 PM Preconference: Negotiating Skills- Pat Wagner, Co-owner, Pattern Research, Inc., Denver   [fee]
2:15 - 4:30 PM Walking Tour of National Archives & Anchorage Museum Library
7:00  - 9 :00 PM Author Appearance - Sherman Alexie, author, poet, and film-maker [fee]

Friday March 5 Sessions
8:00  - 8:55 AM First Time Conference Attendee Orientation - Christie Ericson
8:00  - 8:55 AM Science in and beyond the Stacks - Maeghan Kearney, Alaska State Library
8:00 - 8:55 AM Second Life Libraries: Global Connections in the Virtual World - Ann Morgester*, Anchorage School District
9:00 - 10:20 AM BREAKFAST KEYNOTE: The Mind of the Researcher -- Keynote - Daniel Russell, Research Scientist, Google [fee]
10:40 - 11:40AM Service Issues of Gaming in Libraries - Jenny Levine, Internet Development Specialist and Strategy Guide, American Library Association
12:10-1:10 PM Everything Audio for Kids: From Promotion to Programming - Sara Saxton, Tuzzy Consortium Library, Barrow
12:10 -1:10 PM Games and Libraries - Wendy Leseman*, Anchorage School District
1:15 - 2:45 PM STATE OF THE STATE LUNCHEON - Linda Thibodeau, State Librarian [fee]
2:50 - 3:50 PM Battle of the Books Tips and Tricks - Erika Drain*, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and Shelly Logsdon*, Wasilla High School
2:50- 3:50 PM Collaboration: What Makes it Work? (Vendor Program) - Stan Winters, Follett Software Company
4:00 - 5:00 PM Libraries for All Children - Kari Sagel* and Ginny Blackson*, Sitka School District, Sarah Jones, Kettleson Memorial Library
4:00 -5:00 PM Successful Grant-Writing for School Librarians - Laurene Madsen*, formerly Kodiak High School

Saturday March 6 Sessions
9:10 -10:10 AM Catch the Alaska Spirit of Reading - Ginny Blackson* and Kari Sagel*, Sitka School District; Erika Drain, Mt. Edgecumbe High School
9:10- 10:10 AM Trip the Light Fantastic, or Discovering the Path to Resource Enlightenment -- Lorraine Monprode, Region 8 Director, American Association of School Librarians`
12:30 -2:00 PM AUTHORS TO ALASKA LUNCHEON - [fee]  Chris Crutcher, Speaker
2:10- 3:10 PM Using Gaming for Instructional Purposes - Jenny Levine, Internet Development Specialist and Strategy Guide, American Library Association
3:40-4:40 PM David Petersen: An Introduction - David Petersen, graphic novelist, Michigan
3:40-5:10 PM Battle of the Books Title Selection Workshop - Shelly Logsdon*, Wasilla High School and Erika Drain*, Mt. Edgecumbe High School
5:15-6:15 PM Banned: When Real Life Fiction Meets the Censor - Chris Crutcher, novelist
7:00-9:00 PM AKLA AWARDS BANQUET [fee]  -

Sunday March 7 Sessions
7:45-9:00 AM AkASL General Membership Meeting - Suzanne Metcalfe*, Convener
9:10-10:10 AM Rev Up Learning...Reports from AASL - Robin Turk*, Matanuska Susitna Borough School District, and Others
10:20-11:20 AM Graphic Novels: Genres, Advantages, and Possibilities of Graphic Storytelling - David Petersen, graphic novelist
10:20-11:50 AM Collaborative  Online Tools - Ann Morgester* and Martina Henke, Anchorage School District
10:20-11:50 AM Smart Boards in the Library - Kerri Geppert*, Anchorage School District
12:00 Noon-1:30 PM ENDNOTE LUNCHEON - Don't Forget the Old Trails -- Jack Dalton, spoken word artist, Anchorage

AkASL E-Board Elections Open

January 15, 2010

It's time to vote for new a AkASL E-Board. All current AkASL members will be receiving email from Region Representatives with a link to the online voting site. If you do not receive this notification please contact your area representative. The ballot: President in Waiting, Robin Turk; Treasurer in Waiting, Kerri Geppert; Region 4 Candidate (Southeast), Ginny Blackson; Region 3 Candidates(Anchorage), Wendy Leseman and Maureen Burris; Region 2 South Central Candidate, Carrie Day; Region 1 Candidate (Northern), Suzanne Richards.

2010 Professional Development Grants

November 30, 2009

AkASL will offer Professional Development Grants to assist our member to attend the annual Alaska Library Association Conference. Grant recipients will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for the cost of round trip transportation to Anchorage, lodging and $125 toward conference registration. Grant recipients must be AkASL members by January 1, 2010. Complete applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on January 5, 2010 (application link http://www.akla.org/akasl/grants/conf_grant.html)

Grant recipients will be required to submit appropriate receipts, an AKASL Professional Development Reimbursement form, and an article for the Puffin newsletter by March 27, 2010 to receive their reimbursement funds.

New Fall Puffin Ready for You!

November 30, 2009

This issue is loaded with news and information important to school librarians. Check out these great stories - and more in the Fall Puffin

• AkASL elections - join the eBoard!
• Roland Smith and Alaska Spirit of Reading
• Region News including simulcast with illustrator Mo Willem
• Banned Books Week
• Theater in the library
• AKLA 2009 highlights

AASL National Conference starts Wednesday Nov. 4

b there - Your Virtual Track Pass

Don't miss your chance to be a part of virtually the biggest event for school library media specialists outside of Charlotte. b there – Your Virtual Track Pass to the AASL 14th National Conference & Exhibition and earn up to 3.0 graduate credits while you "Rev up learning @ your library."

Also check on the AkASL wiki for notes and links from Alaskans at the conference in Charlotte!

AkASL eBoard Needs You!

October 24, 2009

Have you ever wondered why on earth the AkASL board decided this or that????
Have you thought it would be good to give back to your profession (or to get a WOW on your resume)?

Come join a motivated group of professionals dedicated to school libraries and library/information programs in the schools of Alaska. The Alaska Association of School Librarians is looking for candidates to run for Regional Representatives, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

• Regional Representatives are elected for 1 year and is responsible for communications with members, support of association initiatives and leadership – Click on link: <http://www.akla.org/akasl/assoc/policymanual.html#region>  to see the job description or contact your current representative for details
• Secretary is elected for 2 years and is responsible for keeping the minutes of meetings, maintaining the current archive of association minutes and helping with communication - click HERE <http://www.akla.org/akasl/assoc/policymanual.html#secretary> to see the job description or contact Kari Sagel for more details ( Kari Sagel <sagelk@mail.ssd.k12.ak.us>)
• Treasurer is elected for 3 years  and is responsible for maintaining the budget, payment of bills and taxes and audits- Click HERE<http://www.akla.org/akasl/assoc/policymanual.html#treasurer> to see the job description or contact Janet Madsen for more details (Janet M Madsen <jmadsen@northstar.k12.ak.us)
• President Elect is a 3 year commitment with different duties as you move from President Elect to President to Past President - Candidates must have served on the AkASL board and be good communicators and organizers. Click HERE <http://www.akla.org/akasl/assoc/policymanual.html#pres>to see the job description or contact Ann Morgester/Suzanne Metcalfe/ for more details <Morgester_Ann@asdk12.org> <Metcalfe_Suzanne@asdk12.org>
  

New Legislative Priorities and Association Goals

October 13, 2009

AkASL eBoard has approved new goals and priorities for this year. The board will continue to focus on funding for the Collection Development Grant, supporting the State Library, and working through several goals to support school librarians across the state. See links in left navigation bar for details

Win a Kindle in our membership drive!

October 13, 2009

Join AkASL Now!  If your membership is received before November 14th, you will be entered into a drawing to win an Amazon refurbished Kindle!  The winner of the drawing will be announced November 16th.  

Remember that membership runs from July 1st—June 30th of each year.  If you have not yet paid this school year and haven’t received an email with a receipt from Nicole Roohi, then you are not a member!

Don’t chance being left out!  With your membership you can:
1.  Be eligible for a grant to attend the AKLA conference in Anchorage in March, along with other periodic travel grants that come up for professional development.
2.  Be eligible for two scholarships for further library studies.
3.  Read the Puffin and learn about all the exciting things other librarians are doing around the state.  
4.  Follow and contribute to AkASL on their wiki!
5.  Know that you’re helping AkASL’s programs: Battle of the Books, Book Bonanza, and Alaska Spirit of Reading.
6.  Help promote and effect change for school libraries on the state level.  Are you concerned with what type of certificate you will get when you renew?  Are you excited about the prospect of getting a $3000 collection development grant next year?  All these issues are ones that AkASL has been working on for you!  

All these perks can be yours for only $20!  Join now and receive all that plus the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to make us a more noticeable, more effective force!  Membership forms and information can be found at:
http://www.akla.org/akasl/assoc/membership.html

AkASL Professional Development Grant - Apply today!

October 9, 2010

Applications are open for the 2010 AKLA Conference Professional Travel Grant. Formerly known as the Travel Grant, the PD grant will refund AkASL members for up to $1,000 of travel, lodging and conference fees. This year's AkASL Professional Development Grant Scholarships are
made possible by the Alaska State Museum and Library Services and Federal
Source CFDA 45.310.

See the AkASL Grants page for more details and application links.

AASL National Conference in Charlotte, NC Nov. 4-8

October 5, 2009

Are you planning on attending AASL this year? Let us know your travel plans, so Alaskan librarians can stay in touch in Charlotte. If interested fill out this form to share your travel info.

Time to Join or Renew AkASL Membership for New School Year

AkASL membership runs from July 1 through June 30th of each year. Your membership helps AkASL deliver the Puffin newsletter, Battle of the Books support, various awards, Leadership Academy, and more. AkASL was instrumental in organizing the successful passage of the School Library Collection Development Grant and continues to work for members and librarians across the state.

"The mission of the Alaska Association of School Librarians (AkASL) shall be to advance a high standard for the school librarian profession and the library information program in the schools of Alaska.

For more information about AkASL see the Membership page and the Association Information page.

Membersip renewal forms: (pdf doc rtf)

Alaska State Library Job Opening

Deputy Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, Alaska Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums, Juneau, Alaska

Under direction of the Director of the Division of State Libraries, Archives and Museums, this position directs the state research library program in Juneau. The position has Division-wide and Statewide responsibilities, assisting the Director in planning, coordination and execution of fiscal and administrative policies and responsibilities for the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums. In assisting the Director in overall development and execution of long-range management plans for the Division, this position provides innovative leadership and strategic planning.

see full job description

Welcome Piper Coulter AkASL's New Puffin Editor

July 29, 2009

Thanks to Piper for volunteering to take on the job as Puffin Editor! As Editor Piper will be a voting member on the AkASL Executive Board and work to publish the three issues of the Puffin newsletter. Piper is the librarian at Ocean View Elementary School in Anchorage. Piper is a regular attendee of the School Library Leadership Academy and a go-getter when it comes to tackling new challenges. What more could we ask for as we all get ready to start a new school year?

Look for the Fall issue of the Puffin October 20, 2009!

New Puffin Editor Needed

July 22, 2009

Want to be more involved with YOUR state organization? Would you like to be "in-the-know" for Alaska school library activities, events and other goings-on? Would you enjoy editing exciting and informative articles of interest to Alaskan school librarians? Want to be a member of an innovative, active executive board?

If so, please contact Suzanne Metcalfe, AkASL president (metcalfe_suzanne@asdk12.org).

AkASL is actively seeking an editor for The Puffin.

>From the AkASL Policy Manual:
THE PUFFIN NEWSLETTER
The Puffin newsletter serves as the official publication of pertinent AkASL business, news, and information, as well as to be a news and information source for Alaska's school librarians.

The PUFFIN EDITOR/PUBLISHER shall:
  1. attend all Executive Board teleconferences/meetings and solicit write-ups of pertinent association business and information.
  2. proactively organize the collection of articles and information as well as solicit writing on topics of interest for the Puffin throughout the year, especially at conferences.
  3. publish one volume of at least three issues each budgetary (school) year. These are traditionally named and due: FALL, due by October 30th; WINTER, due by February 1st; and SPRING, due by May 1st.
  4. publish a document of at least 10 electronic pages which follows the same format as that already online.

Join the AkASL executive board.... and become a Puffin Editor!

New Spring Puffin!

April 26, 2009

This issue of the Puffin is packed with 22 pages of important news, fun stories, professional development opportunities, awards, info on the School Librarian Leadership Academy and highlights of the fantastic AKLA conerence in Kodiak. Pics from Kodiak!

Alaska Internet Circle of Safety

April 9, 2009

"The Alaska Internet Circle of Safety is a resource for adults who would like to
teach their children to be responsible online citizens. This project was funded
by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and is a joint effort of the
Alaska State Library and the Alaska Library Association." This link is also on our links page.

Book Bonanza Contest... Money!

March 18, 2009

Check out the criteria, guidelines and purpose of the AkASL Book Bonanza collection development essay contest.  Application deadline is April 30th, 2009!

Battle of the Books Selection Meeting

March 18, 2009

Battle of the Books Title Selection Workshop
March 28th
@ State Library in Anchorage
344 W. Third Avenue, Suite 125
(same building as the post office)
Time: 10:00 AM

Join us to help select titles for the 2010 Battle of the Books!

AKLA Conference & AkASL Wiki

March 8, 2009

Check out the official conference wiki for handouts and notes from session presenters. Visitors to the conference wiki will not be able to join, but can view and comment on pages. A great way to keep all of the conference info easy to access!

There is also a conference page on the AkASL wiki where you can add your own notes, materials, and share the wonderful ways you use what you learn at the conference.

Remember that a wiki is only as good as the members make it... and all Alaska school librarians members!

AkASL Election Results

March 5, 2009

Congratulations to new 2009-2010 officers! Elections will be officially certified at the AkASL General Membership meeting at the AKLA Conference in Kodiak on Sunday March 15 from 5-7 pm between the last session of the day and the awards banquet.

Be sure to join us in Kodiak to find out what is coming for AkASL in the coming year. Here's the results!

President Elect  --Ann Morgester
Region 4 Representative (Southeast) -- Ginny Blackson
Region 3 Representative (Anchorage)-- Kerri Geppert
Region 2 Representative (South Central) -- Katie Conover
Region 1 Representative (North and South) -- Susan Richards
Treasurer ­ Janet Madsen

Shall the constitution be changed to extend the Treasurer's term and include
a treasurer-elect?  Shall the constitution be amended to read: A treasurer
shall be elected every 3 years. A treasurer-elect shall be elected on the
second year in order to be trained and debriefed during the treasurer's
final year.
52 ­ Yes
1 ­ No

AKLA Conference Fast Approaches!

Kodiak, AK March 13-16, 2009 - Conference home page

The pre-conference offers sessions on advocacy and Copyright for schools, while the varied hosts of speakers include Roland Smith for the authors luncheon! YA lit, lots of technology and two sessions designed just to provide time to share what we love to do in our libraries.

If you have great things to share, be sure to bring along your ideas, samples and handouts to the conference. Digital presentations and docs are welcome. We will be able to gather and share all the great ideas.

Don't forget to use the AkASL Wiki to post your conference findings and items you may bring for the share sessions!

See you in Kodiak!

Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!

February 11, 2009

AkASL E-Board Elections close February 23-- Place your vote online today!

AkASL Awards:
SLOY & LKB Service Award Nominations close Friday Februrary 13.
Pat-on-the-Back Administrator Award Nominations close February 27.
Get those nominations in today!

Puffin Winter Issue Online

January 31, 2009

Check it out! The winter Puffin is available on-line for your enjoyment.
Find out what’s happening around the state by reading the regional news
pages; check out information about the 2009 AKLA conference in
Kodiak, information about elections and awards and much more.

Don’t forget; we’d like to hear from you too. You may submit area news
or an article any time before March 29, 2009 for the spring issue.

Website Makeover

January 25, 2009

AkASL is happy to begin a new and updated website for our members and others looking for information about school libraries in Alaska. As with any revision we will continue to move old pages over to the new layout, and will likely to have a few snags!

If you find any missing pages or links that do not work please report them to the webmaster below. We have found that some of the document links are broken in the process.

The new website layout is designed to be ready for viewing with handheld technologies, so you can keep up to date on school library new wherever you are. Thanks for your patience through this transition.

Also, send in any photos you have that you would like to share and we will start a slide show! (keep at web size images please)

AkASL 2009 Election January 23 - February 23

January 19, 2009

AkASL voting goes electronic! Voting information and ballot link will be emailed to all AkASL members through the Regional Reps. (See Regions)

The ballot will include eboard elections and a vote on a constitutional change regarding the length and progression of the term for the treasurer. The change will enable an incoming treasurer to spend one term overlapping with the outgoing treasurer to assure a smooth transition for this important job. See the new ballot language below, and view the existing AkASL Constitution to compare.

If you do not receive the ballot information by January 23 contact your area representative.
The ballot includes:
4 Regional Representatives, 1 year term each
Treasurer, currently a 2 year term
President-elect, 3 year Committment: president-elect, president and past-president
Constitutional Change:
Ballot Questions: Shall the constitution be changed to extend the Treasurer's term and include a treasurer-elect?
Shall the constitution be amended to read:
A treasurer shall be elected every 3 years. A treasurer-elect shall
be elected on the second year in order to be trained and debriefed
during the treasurer's final year.

2009 AkASL Award Nominations Open through February 13!

January 14, 2009

Nominations are now open for the following awards:

• AkASL School Librarian of the Year Award
• AkASL Linda K. Barrett Service Award
• AkASL Administrator: "Pat on the Back" Award

Visit the awards homepage, or the links above for information and nomination forms.

AkLA Conference Program and Registration Now Online

January 12, 2009

Check it out at the AKLA Conference Home Page

Start planning for AKLA 2009 with a Travel Grant
Application Deadline January 9, 2009

November 3, 2008

Alaska Association of School Librarians Travel Grant Application
2009 AKLA Conference – Kodiak, AK March 13-16, 2009
Application Deadline January 9, 2009 – Award Notifications January 16, 2009
Application pdf

Grant recipients will be reimbursed up to $1,100 for the cost of air or ferry transportation, lodging and $125 toward conference registration.  Grant recipients must be AkASL members.  Grant recipients will be required to submit appropriate receipts, an AKASL Travel Grant Reimbursement form, and an article for the Puffin newsletter by April 6, 2009 to receive their reimbursement funds.

Please e-mail or FAX your application or questions to: Ginny Blackson, AKASL Travel Grant Coordinator

Fax: (907) 747-3229            email: blacksong@mail.ssd.k12.ak.us

Help
get the
School Library Collection
Development Grant
funded this legislative session!

Write... Write... Write...

For sample letters and POMs see

AkASL Legislative Action Page

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New FAll Puffin is here

October 27, 2008
Be sure to download the new fall Puffin, the AkASL newsletter on Alaska School Libraries. In this issue you will find 20 incredible pages!

Renew your AkASL membership today!

Another great School Librarian's Leadership Academy!

Peggy Sharp presenting in Anchorage
for the Academy 2008

Ways to send comments on SLCD grant

Find prepared label sheets in MS Word format to attach to postcards and mail. Share with friends and colleagues to gather support for funding the School Library Collection Development Grant. See Legislative Action page for sample statements and labels!

New flyer on School Library Collection Development Grant

Gary Hartzell Anchorage workshop travel grant recipients.

October 8, 2008
Sharon Wolshen, Fairbanks North Star Borough
Lorrie Heagy, Juneau School District
Michael Matiatos, Sitka School District
Bonnie Laber, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Annice Bender, Kashunamiut School District
Congratulations.

Help get $1.1 million School Library Collection Development Grant FUNDED!

October 3, 2008
The Governor’s budget is being formulated right now... take action today!

Start writing today to support funding of Sec. 3 Chapter 55 SLA 2008 the "Public School Library Collection Development Grant." You can read or print out the law as enrolled at:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill_text.asp?hsid=SB0119Z&session=25
Alaska statutes AS14.56.360-375.

The law allows for an annual grant of $3,000 to be made available to Alaskan school libraries that meet the following criteria:

Provides physical space that can be identified as a library and is reserved for that purpose; 

Provides regularly scheduled library hours for all students;

Provides designated library personnel to staff the library; 

Provides evidence that library/information literacy standards are being promoted; 

Maintains an ongoing library budget to include library staffing and materials; 

See AkASL Legislative Action page for sample letters and POMs.

Update on Gary Hartzell Travel Grant
Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:09:29 +0000
AkASL will award five Travel Grants for Gary Hartzell?s October 18, 2008 presentation at the Anchorage School District Board Room. Grant recipients will be reimbursed up to $1000 for the cost of transportation and one night of lodging. Grant recipients must be AkASL members and live at least 55 miles from the City of Anchorage. Grant recipients will be required to submit appropriate receipts, an AKASL Travel Reimbursement form, and an article for the Puffin newsletter by November 18, 2008 to receive their reimbursement funds. Travel Grant Application Deadline October 3, 2008 Award Notifications October 6, 2008 Please e-mail or FAX your application to: Ginny Blackson, AKASL Travel Grant Coordinator Fax: (907) 747-3229 email: ginnynorrisblackson@hotmail.com Authored by akasl. Hosted by Edublogs.

Gary Hartzell Workshop & Travel Grant
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:47:49 +0000
AkASL is very excited to bring Gary Hartzell, a national presenter on the value of libraries, to Alaska in October. This opportunity was made possible by AkASL and a grant from the Alaska State Library. Gary will be presenting at the Principal’s Conference and conducting workshops for librarians in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Mat-Su. The Anchorage workshop is offered for one credit, and five $1,000 travel grants are available to attend the workshop. The workshop will cover using research to promote your library program, how to build influence and be more visible, and a look at collaboration from various angles and recognizing the profound differences between elementary, middle, and high schools. For more information about travel grant see the grant application form at right. Information about workshop registration will follow. Authored by akasl. Hosted by Edublogs.

New Membership
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:59:39 +0000
It’s time to renew membership! See application link at left and send in your membership today. Membership in AkASL provides: access to grants eligibility for awards a voice in future professional development representation at AKLA and the State Library legislative action such as SB 119 which was signed into law on June 4, 2008, and is now called SLA Chapter 55. Priority for this year will be to have funding for the new law passed. AkASL works for ALL school librarians to help coordinate the annual conference, various workshops and the School Library Leadership Academy. Authored by akasl. Hosted by Edublogs.

SB119 passes into law!
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:28:21 +0000
Hard work, collaboration and belief in purpose pays off. SB 119 was signed into law on June 4, 2008, and is now called SLA Chapter 55. While we recognize our success there is still work ahead of us to support funding of the law. The State Library will request the funding through the Governor?s budget for the 2009-2010 school year. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help when the next legislative cycle begins. Authored by akasl. Hosted by Edublogs.

2008 School Library Leadership Academy
Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:25:16 +0000
Happiness is… spending a whole week with a group of incredible school librarians, accepting the challenges of David Loertscher, using Web 2.0 tools in projects (instead of just learning about them), spending a very full day with Peggy Sharp, and meeting our new Commissioner of Education, Larry LeDoux a man who clearly believes in public education and the students we all serve. What a great way to bring the new school year into sight! The week of face to face time for Academy students is done! We continue to meet online till the end of September. Another great academy for school librarians on the move… Authored by robint. Hosted by Edublogs.

Alaska Library Association Conference 2009 - Kodiak
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:18:53 +0000
Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming Alaska Library Association conference in Kodiak. The dates are March 13-16, 2009. Pre-conference will be Friday, March 13, and the regular conference sessions will follow on March 14, 15 and 16. Although it is not yet posted, watch the AKLA website for detailed conference information in the next month or two. Last year’s popular online registration option will be available. (From Friday Bulletin, July 18, 2008) Authored by akasl. Hosted by Edublogs.

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