MBDesens

=**Graphic novel research:**=



http://www.squidoo.com/graphicnovelsinlibraries

http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/reviewsgraphicnovels/858753-317/graphic_novels_rule_the_latest.html.csp

http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/how-graphic-novels-thrive-high-school-libraries-discussion-roundtable

http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/graphicnovels.asp

http://www.time.com/time/columnist/arnold/article/0,9565,542579,00.html

ALA 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens List: []

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 * For Online Reading:**

[|www.mangastream.com]

These are 30 second bunny videos of popular books and movies. []
 * Fun, not exactly graphic novels, but use as you wish:**

Mary Beth Desens CED 575 March 2, 2011 Article Review: Management

“Leadership for the Hard Times” School Library Monthly March 2011 Library leadership in hard times really challenges the best in the LMS profession. In the ‘best of times’ an LMS has the freedom to acquire some wants and needs. In the ‘worst of times’ this is not always possible. The ‘worst of times’ allows for an LMS to show creativity and visionary leadership. Each LMS must have an order or idea of what is important. Items of importance are gained sometimes by losing battles, but winning wars and never giving up on their ultimate goals. In some districts, library directors are taking over leadership not only in the library, but in other areas as well due to budget constraints. “In these situations, a visionary leader must think in terms of creativity, compassion, and collaboration to reach the ultimate goals” (Coatney 38). However, if the Board of Education does not adequately keep all (teachers, library staff, parents, students, administrators) informed, then it is up to the LMS to do so. This circle of information not only helps the LMS keep their sanity, but also allows the LMS to advertise all they do in their positions. Having the leadership of LMS was key to letting students realize goals and that every year of a student’s education cannot be wasted. No matter what the budget, all students deserve the best library and the best library services possible. Steps that can be helpful in the process are: 1. Create a team, 2. Do a needs assessment, 3. Identify problems and brainstorm solutions, and 4. Implement and reform. The overall solution is to follow the previously mentioned process and enlist creativity, collaboration, and compassion of the entire group (mentioned in the previous paragraph). In schools and districts where the LMS and the LMC staff work together to use the visionary leadership and involve all in the learning community, solutions can and will be found.

“Involving High School Students in Read Across America Day” Library Media Connection March/April 2011

Read Across America Day (RAAD) is a day that is near to my heart for a few reasons. My birthday is the same day as Dr. Suess’s as well as the fact my parents instilled in me a love of reading. RAAD began and word spread, just like all good programs should. Opportunities that involves students reading should be available to all. The founders of RAAD felt the same. They did not limit the participants in high school to any one group of people (high GPA, service requirement, financial contribution, etc.). This allowed even non-traditional and/or at risk students to be a part of something fun that involved learning and the love of a good book. This experience can be just as valuable as any on the classroom. In addition to student volunteers, the program uses busses to bus students from one local to another (high school to whatever elementary school), parents, and church members as chaperones. The local PTA donates money for book mark making supplies and even some new children’s books. Here good communication from all involved is needed so that everyone knows the job and set up for the day. Elementary LMSs are also vital to this process so that there is an in charge person in the building as well as someone to advertise and organize the teachers and classrooms.

Blabberize: []

Write or Die: So I am trying write or die on [|www.writeordie.com]. This is the free edition, not the desktop edition that comes with more bells and whistles. The sides will change color and then a song starts to play before the words start to dissappear. If it starts to sing, and then you type again, the song will pick up where it left off before. it may be best to maximize your screen as then you can see both the timer and the word counter at the bottom. This does work best with speakers and/or headphones because then you can hear the song and it should be an auditory signal that you need to hurry it along. Speakers in a loud or large class may get a bit distracting, so maybe you could have kids use headphones with only one earbud in. Downsides might be that if a person is a bad speller and is dependent upon the spell check iside an office software product, they will be dissappointed as there is not a spell check here. In the free version should you choose to keep your work, you will need to copy and paste it into another program. Why then use this? Well, it does make writing a little more fun because you are trying not to hear the song or see your hard work dissappear. I suppose a student could just write the same word over and over. This would prevent the song and the erasing text, but eventually if there is a grade attached, they will need to get the work done. In case of emergencies, there is a pause button, so that should help in case someone just has to go to the bathroom or whatever the case may be (unplanned fire drill say?). At any rate, it does put a performance pressure on to make sure they don't lose the work they actually do.

Roboform: Have trouble remembering all those passwords? Me too. Problem solved: []