Electronic Newsletter of The
Oregon Educational Media Association
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Volume 19 No.1
September,
2006
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Don't Forget BANNED BOOK WEEK!!
CONTENTS:
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
the "official" letter
----- Allan Kopf
FROM THE
MEMBERSHIP
1. From the perspective of a past president - Jim Tindall
2. Useful Websites - Patti Sorensen
3. Minutes from the summer board - Secretary, Jenny Takeda
4. Library Classes in Oregon - Ruth Murray
5. AASL 2007 Conference *****
6. Legislative Update - Diane Sotak (OLA)
7. LAST AND SOOOOO NOT LEAST **** 2006 OEMA Fall Conference**** Kathy Jensen
SIGN UP NOW!!!!! <http://www.oema.net>
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FROM THE
PRESIDENT --- Allen Kopf
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I want to welcome you back to work and wish you the best for a
successful school year. I hope that each of you has had an enjoyable and relaxing summer, and that you are
returning refreshed and ready for the excitement of a new school year. One of the best ways to "gear up"
for the new school year is to attend the OEMA Fall Conference, Capital Ideas, which will be held at the new
Salem Convention Center on October 13-14, 2006. The list of extended and concurrent presentations is impressive,
and there will be a number of great authors at the conference, including Eric Kimmel, Susan Fletcher, and
Patrick Carman. Go to www.oema.net for more information and a registration form.Ê Register before October 1
for special prices.
The OEMA Full Board had its annual retreat and summer meeting at Silver Falls
Conference Center near Salem on July 31/August 1, 2006. The OEMA board meets four times a year - at Fall Conference, in mid
January and May, and once during the summer. During these meetings the board conducts the business of the organization,
hears committee reports, and makes decisions about the future of OEMA.Ê
During the 2006 retreat/summer meeting the board wrote five goals for the current year.Ê They are as follows:
While the OEMA Board intends to work on all of these goals, we do need help from the OEMA general membership
to accomplish some of them. First, let's consider goal #1 - To increase membership. As you may know, OEMA membership
has been decreasing for the past several years. One of the best ways to increase membership is to invite potential
members to join us. We could contact school librarians who do not belong and ask them to join. We might invite
nonlicensed library assistants to become members.Ê Principals, teachers, and parents might consider joining.
The board members have made a commitment to this goal and they are asking each current OEMA member to renew membership
and to find and ask one other person to join OEMA this year. The future of OEMA depends on the success of this
goal.
Second, to support the legislative committee. As you may know, the Oregon Legislature will meet in 2007. Jim Tindall,
OEMA past president, is the legislative committee chair. While he and his committee members are committed to work on
legislative issues, they alone cannot convince legislators to support school library issues.Ê Only you can do that.
I urge you to support the legislative committee by making those contacts with your legislators when the committee asks
for your help.
We also ask you to work on the goal to promote libraries and increase visibility.Ê There are a number of ways
that this can be accomplished. You can talk to your principal, to parents, to school board members, and to community
members about the importance ofÊ school libraries and the work you do. Your work with site councils, parent groups,
and civic groups promotes school libraries. You might want to consider writing and committing to memory a two-minute
"elevator speech" to have ready when that teachable moment occurs.Ê Thank you for your interest and commitment to
these goals. Each of them is important and obtainable.
If you have questions about the goals or about OEMA in general - if you need support in your job, or just have
comments, please contact me at kopf@umatilla.k12.or.usÊ I will be happy to talk with you.Ê
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FROM THE
MEMBERSHIP
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. From the perspective of a past president
----- Jim Tindall
I was really quite happy when July 1st rolled around and I rotated out of the presidency. My email dropped
considerably and I seemed to relax. Maybe that was just summer break kicking in?
If you are curious what past presidents do for membership, there are three big tasks I have this year.
First of all I manage the Connie Hull Mini Grants application process. Current information is posted at
http://www.oema.net/scholarships/scholarships.html
and if all your questions aren't answered, I may be reached at tindallj@nwasco.k12.or.us .Ê
It's also my responsibility to build a slate of candidates for elections next spring. Not only will we be addressing an organizational name change (from OEMA to the Oregon Association of School Libraries), and looking at a major bylaws revision, we will also be electing a treasurer and a president-elect. I set as a goal of finding more than one candidate for each race, and I hope you will consider being part of the solution. If you have an interest in self-nominating, please speak up.
No one knows quite like you if you are interested in leadership.
The last job of past president, perhaps the most crucial, is that of legislative liaison. In the coming year you may be called upon to act as an advocate for school libraries. It may be a request for an email to your state representative or helping with Library Legislative Day in Salem or in arranging a school visit for your state senator. Please, when the request comes, please help OEMA help you. OEMA's strength rests with the involvement of its members.
2.
Useful Websites ----- Patty Sorenson
http://www.colorincolorado.org/tips/
It is the link directly into the resources mentioned below for parents.Ê Folks might want to use it in their
own newsletters or websites.
Lookee here!Ê This looks like a terrific new resource for parents, family child care providers,
and afterschool programs working with primary-aged children.
3. Minutes from the summer board ----- Secretary, Jenny Takeda
OEMA Board Notes
The OEMA Board met on July 31st and August 1st at Silver Falls for our annual retreat.
Action Items:
Executive Board Meeting:
The Executive Board met prior to and following the full OEMA Board meeting on July 31 and August 1. Ê
A main discussion topic was the need to further investigate the costs of changing our organization's name
to the Oregon Association of School Libraries.
4. Library Classes in Oregon ----- Ruth Murray
Portland State University is offering some great classes for those just
starting in the library, those needing a refresher and those seeking new and innovative information.
Contact Ruth Murray (murrayr@pdx.edu) or Deanna Draper (draperd@pdx.edu) if you have questions. Or go to our
website- http://www.ceed.pdx.edu/lib_media/.
Reference and Information Systems and Services Lib 541
3 Credits- Two face to face and online.Ê
Deanna Draper -Instructor
Have time and information changed since you went to library school? Perhaps you just need a good reference
class to assist you in helping your students everyday in the library. This class is an analysis of reference s
ervices and procedures. Study of print, nonprint, and electronic database reference sources to include bibliographic
tools, indexes, encyclopedias, ready references, biographical tools, geographic tools, dictionaries, government
documents, and specialized materials. Research in reference services and technological delivery systems.
Administration of the School Library Media Center Lib 534
3 Credits- Two face to face and online.Ê
Ruth Murray -Instructor
Just starting in a library and need help managing it? This is a great intro course with most of what you need to run
the business part of the library. Study the school library and its integral role in the instructional program of the
school. Focus on the leadership role of the media specialist; management of personnel; media program budgeting; facility
planning; role of state and national standards in planning, evaluation, and development; other administrative areas.
Field activities included.
Book and Equipment Repair LIB 408/508
1 Credit with Noncredit Option
DATES: F 4:30pm-8:30pm Oct 20, Sa 9am-4pm Oct 21 +TBA
Robert Kuest -Instructor
Learn and practice techniques library media specialists use to repair and maintain books and media center equipment.
Children's Literature, K-5 LIB 428/528
3 Credits GRADED: Fall Term, 2006
LOCATION: PSU TBA Check the web site 2 weeks prior to class for room informationÊÊ
DATES: Tu 6:40pm-9:20pm Sep 26, Oct 17, Nov 7, 28 +online
Optional WebCT orientation Sa 8-9am Sep 30 310 GSE FEES:
Dolores Johnston -Instructor
This is the most fun class at PSU. What a great way to discover much of what there is to know about ChildrenÕs Literature
and the importance of reading. Become familiar with materials for grades K-5, including traditional genres such as picture
books, traditional tales, modern realism, romance, adventure, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy,
biography, poetry, and nonfiction. Study literature illustrating cultural diversity. Learn about resources for selection
and about awards and honors.
Global Literature, K-12 LIB 433/533
3 Credits GRADED: Fall Term, 2006 LOCATION: Distance EducationÊÊ
DATES: Sep 25-Dec 9 Optional WebCT orientation Sa 8-9am Sep 30 PSU 310 GSE
David Bullock -Instructor
This is another online class. If you want to explore new worlds within our own, this class if for you. Dave Bullock
does a fantastic job of introducing literature around the world for use at the elementary, middle, and high school
levels. An overview of contemporary children's and young adult literature set in either the present or historical
periods in countries around the world. Emphasis is on the identification, reading, discussion, and utilization of
various genres that support the curriculum in schools.
Multicultural Storytelling LIB 408/508
1 Credit with Noncredit Option GRADED: Winter Term, 2007
LOCATION:
PSU 414 Graduate School of Education, 615 SW Harrison, Portland, ORÊ
DATES: F 5pm-9pm Feb 9Ê Sa 9am-4pm Feb 10 +TBA
Merna HechtÊÊ -Instructor
Need some new ideas to jazz up your library collection? This two day class offers a Selection and use of stories
from diverse cultures in the classroom and library. Emphasis is on sharing the oral tradition in storytelling and
creative dramatics.
Special Learners in Library Media Centers: Access to Information LIB 408/508
1 Credit with Noncredit Option GRADED: Fall Term, 2006
LOCATION: PSU 308 Graduate School of Education, 615 SW Harrison, Portland, ORÊÊ
DATES: Sa 9am-4pm Nov 4Ê +online
Gayl BowserÊÊ -Instructor
Accommodations for special needs students in elementary, middle, and high school library media centers will be explored.
Use of electronic texts, video captioning, and accessibility features such as talking computers, enlarged print, and
alternative computer access to help students with special needs gain access to information will be illustrated.
Review legal requirements for access for all learners and develop strategies to help meet these requirements.
*GEORGE FOX is offering the following class for fall semester 2006*
Information Literacy in the K-12 Curriculum EDFL 552
3 semester hours
Format: Combination of two Saturday sessions at GFU Portland Campus and Online.
This course begins September 16 at the Portland Center of George Fox.
The hours are 9:00 - 4:00.
December 2 is the second face to face meeting.
DATES: Offered /fall semester
This course introduces Library Media specialists to aspects of Learning and Teaching, including the development for
designing units of study integrating information literacy skills with classroom content.
***It is also possible to get a library media endorsement, an initial teaching license in library, and or a Master
of education degree with a specialty in library media. For more information contact:
Karen Wedeking
Coordinator of the Library Media Endorsement Program
George Fox University
414 Meridian
Newberg, Oregon 97132
503-554-2858
kwedeking@georgefox.edu
5. AASL 2007 Conference
Proposals are being accepted for the AASL 13th National
Conference and Exhibition "The Future Begins @ your library."
http://www.ala.org/aasl/reno>.
The conference will be held October 25-28, 2007 in Reno, Nevada, and will showcase best
practices, developments, research and ideas on the future of school libraries. Be a part of this exciting professional
development event - join other school library media specialists and share your expertise in this national forum.
AASL's 13th National Conference will offer more than one hundred 75-minute peer-reviewed concurrent sessions. As in previous AASL conferences, program content must address at least one of the three areas of responsibility: Learning and Teaching, Information Access, or Program Administration, as identified in Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Deadline for concurrent session proposals is October 20, 2006.
Program proposals can be submitted online at
If you have questions, call the AASL office at 800-545-2433, ext. 4382.
6. Legislative Update ----- Diane Sotak (OLA)
OLA is also opposing ballot measures #41 and #48. Both cut state revenue and would have potentially devastating effects on library funding. Look for our statements in the Voter's Pamphlet. ODE survey concerning reforming the requirement for high school graduation. As part of that survey, the ODE Board is interested in hearing from Oregonians about the basic skills needed by today's students. An obvious one is information literacy, which was unfortunately left off the list in the survey. We encourage you to respond to the survey and write in something about information literacy as a basic skill. Wording might be "Ability to find and use accurate information."
OEMA has posted the survey on its website
http://www.oema.net/documents/.
When the Index of documents opens up,
choose either the DOC version Phase I Questionnaire or the TXT (Rich
Text Format) version. ODE may eventually put it up as a web survey.
We'll let you know if that happens. In the meantime, let ODE hear from
the library community. You can send your completed survey to Crystal.Weber@state.or.us
or Gene.Evans@state.or.us at the Department of Education.
7. 2006 OEMA Fall Conference
-----Kathy Jensen
The 2006 OEMA Fall Conference "Capital Ideas for 21st Century School Library" is fast approaching. You should have received your Interchange that contains information on the conference including Friday Sessions, Saturday conference, major speakers and authors.
Registration packets have been mailed and you should be receiving those as you are returning back to work. Don't forget to check the OEMA website for information and registration forms as well. It will be continually updated as more information becomes available. The Conference Committee has been awesome in putting together a great conference.
Friday Sessions: Be sure to read the Fall Issue of the Interchange for complete info on the sessions and presenters that will feature Dr. Thom Dramer, author Michael E. Ross, the best K-8 Books, Book Repair with Allen Kopf, the best YA titles, Reading Road Trip, Blogs, Wikis & Mashing and OSLIS.
Keynote: Steve Duin, Oregonian columnist
Friday Dessert: Eric Kimmel
Saturday Banquet Patrick Carman
Beverly Cleary Award Breakfast: Author of Davey's Blue Eyed Frog, Patricia Harrison Easton, will be attending.
Special Note: The Saturday Night Banquet Speaker, Patrick Carman believes strongly in literacy and getting books into student's hands. He has graciously donated back his speaking fee and there will be a drawing to a lucky library or two at the banquet for the winner(s) to be able to purchase library books for their school. You must be present to win, so be sure to sign up for the Banquet. It's an opportunity you can't afford to miss.
Saturday's Program will include sessions on technology, literature and reading promotion, professional issues, library and subject area collaboration and round tables.
Additional Authors on Saturday include: Susan Fletcher, David Gifaldi, Carmen Bernier-Grand, Linda Crew, Pamela Smith-Hill, Michael Elsohn Ross, and Carolyn Conahan, Illustrator.
Special Friday events:Ê Tour the State Library (see special invitation in the Interchange) and the official Exhibits opening.
Questions: Contact Kathy Jensen, Conference ChairÊÊ jensenka17@yahoo.com
Jim Hayden- OEMA Executive DirectorÊ j23hayden@aol.com
Or visit the OEMA Website http://www.oema.net/conference.html
for conference info.