YS Librarianship in the Era of Covid

I don’t know that anything during my time as a librarian has proven the adaptability of public library staff quite like the recent challenges we have faced with COVID-19. We have heard the calls of desperate moms at home, left with a permanent twitch from PTSD incurred by hearing the Paw Patrol theme song one too many times in the last six months. YS librarians answered with a host of different ideas---curbside story time, story-time to go, virtual story time. Anything to get their children back into a normal routine and anything to get a break from the pack of cartoon pups and their entirely-too-upbeat-for-this-early-in-the-morning intro song.

At the Barbara S Ponce Library we opted primarily for make-and-take packets in lieu of in-person programming. These packets are released bi-weekly and include various activities that relate to the theme of the week. They include book lists, crafts, STEM experiments, and activity sheets. We’ve had a blast putting together activity kits about pirates, Halloween, and holidays around the world. But even still with to-go programming on the rise, we noticed a significant dip in our circulation statistics.

Our next challenge was meeting the needs of hands-on learners and stepping up to also meet the needs of our apprehensive library visitors. Thus over several meetings and numerous pots of coffee, the idea for interactive book bundles was born. We started with curated book lists on popular topics—unicorns, dinosaurs, trucks, etc. These bundles could be picked up on-the-go or patrons could request a customized bundle on our website. After parents started to nibble on the book bundle bait, we integrated extension activities into the bundles (illustrated below). The objective is to continue to push not only for minutes spent reading, but creating an opportunity to put that reading to use with fun, practical applications.

To date we have infused our animal bundle with puppets, shadow puppet creation kits and information, and an insert with the benefits of puppetry as an early-learning tool. We have a space bundle that includes oreo moon phase activities, space flash cards, and space games. Our current undertaking is to pair our nature-themed picture book bundle with a handheld microscope, prepared slides, and flashcards. Our objective is that all of our book bundles will eventually be paired with activities within the next 3 months.

While we can’t completely soothe the ache we feel as a result of not hosting regular in-house library programs, we can help instill the lives of the families who used to regularly visit us with purposefully-curated book lists and activities that lend themselves to wonderful shared moments in the most trying of times---how better to do this than by reading “A Big Mooncake for Little Star” and nibbling chocolate cookies into various shapes of lunar phases? So we leave you with the wise words of the Cookie Monster, “Today me will live in the moment, unless the moment is unpleasant, in which case me will eat a cookie."

How Can Libraries Enrich their Communities?

As a writer, I tend not to write unless I am faced with a deadline. As an artist, I find myself sometimes apprehensive to produce when I have faced criticism from people I respect. Defense mechanisms.

But I have decided to impose deadlines on myself. To think critically and find a productive means of expressing these thoughts---perhaps generate dialogue and not live alone in my head with my compulsive overthinking habits.

I suppose that was a roundabout way of saying sorry for neglecting this page for the last few years.

Where are we now and where did I see myself 3 years ago?

Storytimes, of course!

Whimsical voices, teaching children engaged listening skills and reading comprehension and endless Raffi tunes.

This happened. I did and still do story times regularly and thoroughly enjoy the events. I hope to establish the reputation of "the crazy library lady who used to read us cat books and wear weird skirts when I was little." Isn't that what we all want? To be the reason someone still loves going to the library years later?

But it's so much more than that and it is so far beyond me!

Thomas Merton once said, "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

Isn't this the truth?

I enjoy stippling. I enjoy purposefully and tediously placing .03mm dots-by-dots onto a blank page until I have something figurative. It helps me tune into my thoughts but keeps me present with the task at the same time.

I coordinate a weekly event for kids called Wee Artists. I give the group a template, the supplies and let them have at it. I can't tell you the joy it brings to these 3-year-old kids to be able to customize their paper caterpillar with glitterbrows and pom pom buttons. They feel empowered. This is something they MADE!

And still we're facing huge federal budget cuts to the arts and humanities. A number of schools are phasing out art class altogether. Where does this leave us?

For me, it leaves us with the task of upkeeping the relevance of arts in the library and in the private sector. We have to insist how important it is for toddlers, teens, and kids of all ages to express themselves by way of glitter, markers and crayons. This stuff is just as important as math and science. Please keep it alive in any way you can.

Virtual Travel: Second Life

Below is a narrated depiction of the various things you can do in Second Life. I am going to quickly supplement the video, however, with some jotted down insights and opinions involving my own experience. I first used this platform in 2010 when I took the class Concepts and Practices at USF. We actually had to create an avatar and meet up during our scheduled class time one day, in lieu of coming to campus. Kinda neat in that regard.

Just as with the SIMS, one of my favorite things to do in a virtual game is create my avatar. Just as with Wii and Sims, I have a tendency to lose interest after I have chosen a hairstyle and outfit. What is interesting about Second Life as compared to other games, however, is that you have the option to create characters of different species. Unfortunately, I had difficulty getting some of the options, including the Avatar customization screen, to load on my computer. It seems to lag a lot in my opinion.

A profound thing about the virtual experience in Second Life is how intricate the world building is. One has the option to purchase a lot of land or room and furnish/design it to their own liking. I believe these premier accounts start out at around $6 a month. So, if you're feeling a little blue about your dismal surroundings, you can purchase a digital oasis for a low monthly fee.

I admit I was a but isolated this go around. I am leery of interacting with people I have never met before. I feel, personally, that anonymity has a way of permitting people to be a bit uglier/meaner than in real-time, so I wasn't too excited about approaching individuals and striking up convos with them. I do believe, however, that if this is something you're doing regularly, and you're employing the community tools like discussion boards, there is a lot of potential for social interaction.

At the risk of sounding short-sighted, I am a bit at odds with the virtual reality games. Outside of the visual dynamic, I don't understand the allure of roaming around in pixelated sand when the real stuff is just outside. I am intrigued to hear other peoples' experiences, though, and how they interact with these environments. I do think it could be a powerful social tool for the right person.

Preparing Instructional Media__Final Portfolio

Throughout the course of the semester, I have had to utilize a number of new programs and technological techniques to create informative presentations and handouts. Below is a compilation of the presentations and handouts I have created over the past few months.

Basic Game:Prance the Prancetastic Unicorn
Educational Game:Mermaids as Math Mentorst
Using Basic HTML to Create a Table HCPLC Budget
Handout: Placing Holds in HCPLC
PowerPoint:Create a Basic Pinup Look
Virtual Travel Presentation: Second Life
Microsoft Publisher Flyer: HCPLC Puppet Show

HCPLC---Employing my Fresh, New Handout DevelopmentSkills

I was asked by my supervisor to help devise a quick flyer for an upcoming puppet show. As fantastic as the guidelines provided in my Preparing Instructional Media class have been, they unfortunately can only be followed as far as Hillsborough County's "style guide" permits.

The county and library board have devised a Microsoft Publisher template that sets the basic layout for all library-hosted events. Fonts are to be certain size and color, pictures are to stay within defined parameters, etc. In this situation, I had to employ the skills I developed from this class and keep them within county expectations. It was difficult, however, a very valuable assignment in terms of practical, on-the-job-application.

Presentation: How to Create a Basic Pinup Look

In order to test my presentation skills, I developed a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation outlining basic pinup makeup techniques. The presentation breaks down the various elements of the look and how to achieve optimal results.

Prance the Prancetastic Unicorn---Making Games for Entertainment Purposes

I went kind-of backward in the game creation process. My first game, as you may have played (I hope) was "Mermaid Multiplication." After I mastered the art form of quiz games, I decided to use these newfound powers to help a magical unicorn eat cake. This game, I felt, was a bit more challenging to create. I had to create a number of scripts to make the cause-and-effect actions occur. In the end, however, I am pretty pleased with the cake-eating quest of a game. If you play, ignore what your doctor says and steer clear of the apples!!

Using Mermaids as Math Mentors

Hello Everyone! I recently had the opportunity to develop an educational game for my Preparing Instructional Media Class. I tried to think back to the elementary level and think of simplistic games that both helped me and kept me engaged. In second grade, on a very basic DOS-like system, we had a game called---wow, I can't remember the name. Alas, the premise was that the players were driving a race car that was propelled by correctly-answered math questions. I wanted to create a similar quiz-based game, however, had to make it relevant to my interests--thus, the mermaid theme. I am also a big fan of alliteration, so the nautical theme suited me in that regard.

Admittedly, the platform used to create the game, Scratch, was horrifically daunting. One has to create variables and blocks, etc. As someone who has never worked with similar software, I didn't know where to begin. I honestly did not find the tutorials on the site very informative. I did a quick query on Youtube and found several videos outlining the game making process with the Scratch program.

After I got into the groove, it was pretty easy to develop a script for the game. Additionally, the software enables viewers to see the "behind the scenes" scoop on others' games/music videos as well. (Yes, I said music videos--do it.)

Below is the link to my game. I hope it helps you brush up on your basic multiplication skills in the most "fintastic" way.

Games and Gaming in Public Libraries---oh my!

The library I work at recently reestablished a weekly program called GameZone. This one-hour block of afternoon time allows children to play video games on various consoles, including Wii and Ps2. I think the inclusion of this programming is fantastic. These programs help bolster social skills and have so much potential for cognitive development. I am basing my selections off of working in a small, urban library as that is where I currently work. The following are games I would recommend:

1. Super Smash Brothers. Released in 1999 for Nintendo 64, has seen many new releases and has, from what I can tell, maintained popularity during its decade-and-a-half lifetime. This game brings in a great crowd and I feel as though it is a helpful implement in promoting social interaction as it is performed in groups generally. Arguably, the game is a bit violent, however, I feel as though it is more beneficial socially, than detrimentally with gore and abrasiveness.

2. Dance, Dance Revolution was originally released as an arcade game and re-released for Playstation in 2001. It is now available on multiple consoles. I feel as though it would be beneficial for the library to purchase this game because it promotes an active lifestyle. Additionally, the foot coordination required to “dance” along with the arrows helps with “foot-eye” coordination. Is that a thing? We’re going to say it’s a thing. Moreover, it’s just fun. If we can get kids in the door for dance parties—why not do it?

3. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.? This game is educational and has a touch of nostalgic pull that resonates with me. From what I recall of the elementary school computer lab days, one has to answer questions and help track down Ms. Diego. Each correct response unlocks a clue. It’s fun and educational. The initial release was in 1985 for PC---it says apparently it was available on DOS. (Aww, I miss M.S. DOS.) The game is now available through Facebook and various internet platforms. I do believe this game is available to be played for free online, but I think it would be optimal to purchase an online game subscription service where this game and others could be securely accessed.

I almost wish this post were due a month from now for the secondary “research” portion. I am going to be attending the FLA conference to hear about Palm Harbor’s use of their MakerSpace for Youth Service programming. Oh well--stay tuned to the blog post-I.M. class to seek the adventure!

I found an interesting article by Kim Buchanan and Angela M. Vanden Elzen on the very topic of libraries incorporating games into their collections and programs. The authors argue that libraries have to adapt to their evolving surroundings and cannot deny the popularity of video games in our culture. The interesting aspect of the scholars’ argument development lies in their ability to break down the various facets of “gaming” that uphold general library objectives. Essentially, libraries function to inform their public—to keep them engaged, entertained, and constantly thinking. They are—to sound cliché—a powerhouse of information. Video games, at least within the argument of the text—function as books, but further engage players by extending challenges and interactivity.

In short, the writings assert that gaming would be an integral medium to bring non-traditional-library users through the door. Their incorporation would keep libraries relevant and would help further engage citizens by offering them information that they can become interactive and completely immersed within.

Buchanan, K.k.. & Vanden Elzen, A .a. (2012). Beyond a Fad: Why Video Games Should Be Part of 21st Century Libraries. Education Libraries, 35(1/2), 15-33.

Examining the HCPLC Budget in the Post Digitization Era---Table Style

As previously posted, there have been some "changes" in the HCPLC budget as the incorporation of digital technologies occurs within the industry. The information below is simply the information presented previously, interpreted into a table. This format allows for viewers to get the information quickly, without having to follow lines or graphs. I hope those of you who have been so impatient to not interpret my previous data find this useful. =o)

Annual Budget For HCPLC Libraries in Millions of USD

Year	Budget in Millions of USD
2010	$40.32
2011	$89.97
2012	$85.9
2013	$48.98
2014	$60.94
2015	$81.96

Trends in HCPLC Budget and Use in the Post-Digitization Era

In my two years of working with HCPLC, the system has been pushing to promote their digital resources. A number of popular books, movies, and magazines can be instantly downloaded to various devices and transported all of the globe. Pretty sweet. I wanted to examine the impact these digital initiatives have had on the system and its community in recent years, if any.

The first graph works to illustrate the county tax dollars allocated to library services in the last five years. I know the budget is largely governed by the number of citizens using the services, but I wondered whether having to pay for new technologies--such as makerspaces--would have drawn a larger portion of funds to the industry. Unfortunately, I couldn't support a trend with the information I had available to me. The graph really shows no form of a pattern in county budget allocation--it may also depend on how much the county officials value the system. Who knows. 

The second graph charts the amount of fines and forfeit dollars collected annually by the system in the last five years. I was curious to know whether having one's books instantly return when the digital download was overdue would cut back on overdue and replacement costs. The graph doesn't support this notion, unfortunately.

Lastly, I drew data from the HCPLC website regarding patron activities. I felt as though the influx of individuals having personal devices would mean more digital downloads and fewer physical check outs. This conclusion proved true from the information. Additionally, the library has had more wi-fi connections and fewer physical computer logons in the last year. I understand this is only a small bit of data, however, and one can't draw any definite conclusions from the information.

In all, the graphs were not totally proportionate to my expectations. Just the same, it was interesting to see patterns in the industry charted and easily accessible.

Trends in HCPLC Budget and Use in the Post-Digitization Era Graphs

Tutorial on Placing Holds with HCPLC

One of the common library patron inquiries at the Hillsborough County Public Libraries is how to place a hold on an item in the catalog. I have created a handout that outlines the process for placing a request on materials in which the user already has an idea of what they are looking for. There are so many variables that effect the search process, so, for the sake of brevity, the search/request procedure outlined is for a basic keyword search.

How to Place a Request Using the HCPLC Wesbite

Children's Book Displays

     As with any organization, there are pros and cons to a library being governed by county or governmental

agencies. One of the downfalls is that there are a number of policies governing book displays and the like. I currently work at a small urban library where juvenile materials account for 30 percent of the circulated items. This, however, includes the numerous stacks of Spongebob DVDs that parents check out for their youngens daily. In order to bolster the number of books children grab from the shelves, I decided to create a display to call attention to "noteworthy" reads (which will be defined at a later point).

     Here are the issues with creating displays when you work for a county agency. We cannot have "signs", meaning flyers with text on them unless they are approved by administration. Essentially, we have to "show, not tell". Additionally, many managers are weary of having displays that look too handmade. We want to maintain the look of the library, but also draw patrons to our printed collection. Also, we are not allowed to tape or pin materials to the wall. Not too many obstacles, but enough to force one to think creatively.

   
  We have, so far, done a display for MLK day, Valentine's Day, and Dr. Seuss's Birthday. I must say the Dr.Seuss board has been, so far, the most successful. It's hard to tell, however, if this is because Seussical tales sell themselves or because people are entranced by the pink pom pom trufulla trees. I'll continue to track the circulation success with the boards---or even record the feedback received about them.

Has anyone done anything similar to bring attention to bits of their collection? Please feel free to share in the comment section!

Seize the Night

I have a five-year old daughter. As with any five-year old, she picks up random interests and fears as she sees fit. One week she will be outrageously into superheroes and will simply detest anything resembling a cape the week after. Her recent aversion has been--to my dismay-- of the dark. In order to coach her through this issue, I have utilized night lights and lava lamps galore. Since we use story time to decompress in the evening, however, I have also started incorporating "books of the nocturnal persuasion" into the regimen.

One of the first books I tried out to coax this fear away was Lemony Snicket's, "The Dark." The story follows a young boy, Laszlo, who cohabitates with "the dark." The boy doesn't mind the dark so long as it "stays put in its room", which, appropriately, is the basement. I love that the dark is like a banished little brother who is cast under the house. I think personifying the dark makes something that is easier to grapple with for a small child than an abstract notion. As luck would have it, Laszlo's night light burns out one evening. The dark beckons the boy into the basement and shows him to a drawer full of lightbulbs. After the conversation and light bulb exchange, Laszlo returns to his room and never faces the dark again. His fear is absolved from the interaction.

As I mentioned previously, I love that Snicket turns this fear into a palpable, conversational entity. The employment of personification turns this fear into something that can be literally confronted and cast away. The presentation in and of itself is whimsical and paired perfectly with Jon Klassen's simplistic illustrations.

I think this book would be a great tool for storytimes for grades K-3. After the presentation, one could ask the children to draw a picture of their fear and explain what sort of conversation they would have with this fear if it were, like the dark, approachable. 

You're So Fancy

While one cannot overlook the fantastic whimsy that is Dr. Seuss, the doctor's strong suit was arguably not vocab development. Although the books make reading easy for beginners, "sneeches, snuvs, and schloppity schlop" are not terms that one could readily incorporate into their daily word bank. Seuss books are great for phonetic development, however, books such as Jane O' Connor's, Fancy Nancy, push the proverbial envelope in terms of crafting a loquacious learner.

The books follow the protagonist (that is, Fancy Nancy, of course) as she embarks on various day-to-day quests, generally under the guise of a daydream. I appreciate Nancy's tendency to see the elegance in most everything and also her impeccable sense of style for a preschooler.  I have read several of these stories, such as Bonjour Butterfly and The Wedding of the Century. In these two books, Nancy is primed and pumped for an event, only to find the events don't occur as she had anticipated. Nonetheless, the young dreamer has a wonderful propensity for finding the glittery, silver lining in each situation. I believe it effectively teaches children to see things from another perspective. Additionally, the inclusion of "big" words and definitions (including a word bank in the end) helps introduce new readers to words they otherwise may not come into contact with until much later. 

Another thing I enjoy about these books are the wonderfully sparkle-laden illustrations. The drawings themselves are fantastically intricate, colorful, and the glitter makes it pop from the page (though I'll be the first to admit I have a definite bias with anything incorporating sparkly flare into the equation.) 

The only shortcoming to these books is that they are really more "female friendly." While Victoria Kahn's books incorporate the silly little brother as the comedic relief, these books tend to rely heavily on their fancy-girl edge, making them less-than-ideal for co-ed storytimes.

A Platform for Picture Books_ Blog Description

Hello Everyone!
Mini, self-indulgent introduction: My name is Tia Johnson. I am halfway through my MLIS and working as a Senior Library Assistant at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. I intend on utilizing this blog to review children's literature, namely picture books. I grew to have a fascination with what HCPLC dubs "Easy Fiction" as soon as I signed on with the public library. These books are illustration-heavy fictional texts aimed for children in the beginning stages of elementary school. I find it compelling to see the numerous tactics in which authors employ art and words to teach children vital lessons and entertaining tales. This interest increased last semester when I took the course "Materials for Children." While taking this course, I was able to note the number of methods these books could be used to teach various subjects, even outside of their primary objective. For instance, Dr. Henrietta Smith had us use a book on the Underground Railroad as an implement to teach math. It's fascinating that one can designate the same book for multiple disciplines.

I hope to use this blog as a tool to examine popular picture books and critique their entertainment value, quality of writing/art, and applicability to other topics. I plan to compartmentalize these entries by themes (i.e, mermaids, folktales, robots) and compare the texts on the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, I hope to link to and discuss fun and interesting project/program ideas that other libraries have used to supplement these picture books.

Admittedly, I didn't previously read blogs about this topic, however, I did dabble in doing Youtube-based "Storytimes with Tia" (perhaps I will post a few on here) and posted previous critiques on such series as "liciious" books by Victoria Kahn. I did a search on Google to find blogs running in a similar vein to what I intend this to be and came across the following:

http://www.kimlit.org/divine-secrets
http://tinytipsforlibraryfun.blogspot.com
http://www.abbythelibrarian.com


I like these resources because they are authored by professionals currently in the field. They offer great tips and insight on programs, local contests, and valuable resources.

In all, I feel like this will be a very helpful tool in developing a better understanding on children's literature. I am very excited to have a semi-casual tool to critically examine children's books and hopefully discuss the topic with those with similar interests. Thanks for reading!!