HTML/Javascrip Gadget with iHeartRadio embed code

At the bottom of the page, I added an HTML/Javascript gadget that includes code for the iHeartRadio widget. This gadget (with the provided code) gives viewers the option of listening to techno music. I selected an Electronic-Dance Music (EDM) station in keeping with the tech theme of the blog. Also, because when I need to concentrate, music can help me focus, so I'm hoping it helps anyone reading this blog to focus on what they're reading.

The widget does not autoplay,  so I've avoided annoying people by letting them choose to play the music. And it adjusts to different devices, so it works on a laptop or mobile device. (I tested on my iPhone 8.)

Happy listening!

Explore other library related sites

I have added a new gadget to our blog to list library-related links. This is a useful addition because it can further guide visitors of the blog to other valuable library resources and information. Visitors can use our links to help expand their knowledge in library information.

Contributor: Rosemary Rico

Now you can search

I have added the "Search this blog" widget to this blog . This will be helpful because it will enable our reader to search for a specific blog post instead of having to scroll through months of posts trying to find what they are looking for.
-Grant

Hi this is Azar
I contributed the translation gadget, which is located in the right of the screen. This gadget is useful for people who are speaking in other language, so they will be able to use our blog in their language.

Hi everyone!!! Happy Tuesday!

It's Erika again, and today's post will tell you about a new feature I have added to improve this blog. If you look over at the right sidebar column below the contributors section, you will see a section called "Tech Troubleshooting Pages". It looks like this:

This gadget will be a list of website links to troubleshooting pages created by our blog group. So far only my troubleshooting page is listed but hopefully my blog-mates will soon add theirs too. I think this gadget is useful to everyone because troubleshooting possible problems is part of learning to use technology. So if someone is having an issue with a machine, they can always check this gadget for links and possibly find a solution to their problem. 

Hope Everyone is having a great day!

~Erika

In the demise of school libraries, make a comeback!

Certificate provided by www.hooverwebdesign.com

It's pretty well known in the library world that public school libraries have suffered tremendous cuts in budget, staffing, and staff competency since the 2008 recession. What use to be the job of a bona fide Librarian – a highly respected, Master’s degree holding, specialized and sought-after resource – has, over time, become tasked to technicians, and in some cases, parent volunteers with no library science training at all. In the worst situations, these librarians are forced to move across several schools, providing less-than stellar service by being spread so thin. This is a huge problem. (There are many good articles on why this is a huge problem. I won’t cover that here. Check out Teacher Librarian online.)

Once a solution is identified, is society responsible to fix it?

The answer is YES! Unequivocally, children deserve the best possible education that can be provided. Arguments regarding budget don’t stand up to the reality that damage is being done to many of the children who are denied literacy services through their school libraries across the United States. Standards for school libraries have been set for a very good reason, but in the current age they are not being followed. Placerville Librarian and library best practices advocate Jo Avery organized a professional presentation to the board of education in her district to advocate for application of state standards into practice at school libraries. Her short article in CSLA Journal gives an bulleted outline of how to approach the issue in an expert manner. For the list of CSLA standards, visit their website: http://csla.net/

Across the country in Kansas, Lori Franklin suggests a “gracious and tenacious” advocacy model, which worked to re-staff the Olathe Public School District with full time librarians.  After the recession, they experienced a nine-year gap from the budget crisis resulting in staff sharing plans to the reinstatement of best practices. “I am convinced that by removing emotional response, the little advocacy army was able to competently voice expectations for best practices and doing what is right for students”, Franklin chimes, after the hard-won victory.

Take courage! It can be done! 

Plan it. Do it. Tell it: what's your comeback story?

References

Avery, J. (2005). Bringing the CSLA Standards to the Board Level. CSLA Journal, 28(2), 15-16.

FRANKLIN, L. (2018). Tactical Advocacy: How One School District Regained Optimal Staffing for School Libraries. Teacher Librarian, 45(4), 20-23.