School librarians have the enormous satisfaction of instilling the love for lifelong reading in children. Many adults have fond memories of their school librarians for the extra attention they received from this often overlooked staff member. School librarians who wish to stay up to date with book trends and news for library professionals will find the following websites for librarians helpful.
1. American Library Association (ALA)
The American Library Association is the essential organization for librarians and the oldest library organization in the world. Its annual conference is a gigantic gathering of over 60,000 ALA members, book lovers and educators from around the world. The ALA also gives out a wide variety of book awards each year.
The American Library Association website and its sub-websites are the best websites for school librarians. It constantly updates content on library trends, book news and online learning possibilities. For school librarians who want more education, the ALA is the premier accreditation body for Library Information Services programs. The website lists these accredited programs and information on librarian scholarships.
2. School Library Journal (SLJ)
The next best school librarian website is School Library Journal. SLJ is a sub-publication of Library Journal, founded by the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System in 1867. SLJ ceased print publication in 2015, but its full archive is still available on their website.
SLJ is a prime resource for classrooms and school library collections for all ages. The publication is one of the most credible reviews a children’s or young adult book can receive. School librarians refer to these reviews to decide on ordering new books. SLJ also offers tech reviews for technology-minded educators.
3. Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
The Young Adult Library Services Association is an ALA subgroup. It developed to address the unique concerns of increasing literacy in young adults. The YALSA’s prime benefit is its annual lists of books for all ages, such as “Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers” and “Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults.”
Starting in February 2017, the YALSA’s Teen Book Finder will become one of the most exciting school librarian online apps. The app will allow parents, educators and teens to explore the past five years of the YALSA award titles. School librarians can encourage the app’s use to make reading more fun.
4. The New York Public Library (NYPL)
One of the world’s largest library systems, the New York Public Library is second only to the Library of Congress in the number of items in its collection (53 million). The NYPL’s unprecedented community programming includes book clubs for teens, special author book signings, English classes and the NYPL Young Lions Fellowship to up and coming writers.
The New York Public Library is a robust but user-friendly website with links to the library’s archival research collections, special events and more. A highlight for school librarians is NYPL’s annual list of Best Books for Teens. The list includes school favorites and classics in the making.
5. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Sponsored by Microsoft, The International Society for Technology in Education is currently the only world organization aiming to equip educators to privilege technology with mobile and digital-minded youth. The society’s principal belief is educator collaboration with technology is not the exception, but the rule, for today’s learners.
To adapt literacy and book initiatives to today’s new digital learners, school librarians may go to International Society for Technology in Education to download the “Mobile Learning Mindset” program. The ISTE blog frequently updates rich content outlining new technology products for educators and digital library tools. ISTE also offers online courses to train education professionals in new technologies.
Related Resource: 5 Great Books for School Psychologists
Becoming a member or sponsor of these websites’ organizations will increase benefits and experiences school librarians gain for professional growth and collection strategies. Following the social media channels on these librarian websites will keep library educators connected to updates and new information. These websites give school librarians a tremendous advantage to become even more essential than they already are.
