Will Richardson (www.weblogg-ed.com)has started a project called "Mapping the Filter: What Do You Block?" I would encourage Idaho school librarians to take a look at the site and add their data to his map if you can! He is just looking for a general sense of "low", "medium" or "high" level of filtering and any other specific information you care to supply.

Here is an example of how one educator used social technology to promote the use of social media for collaboration and learning in his school. Awesome!
From the Hey Jude blog

We have just been treated to a great keynote by Robert Frey from University of Idaho. He told us the captivating tale of "salmon and dove" - a love story of sorts with lessons woven throughout.

Here is the write-up from the conference schedule.

Second session at ILA was with Erin Archambeault from Ada Community Library. She shared some of her favorite storytime books, craft ideas, and activities. Erin had all of us jumping around the room, dancing, singing and playing just like the kids from her storytimes at the library. I had a lot of fun and the participants seemed engaged and inspired by the presentation. Thanks Erin!

This is a well thought out letter, written by a school librarian to President Obama in response to some comments he made during a recent commencement speech. I have to warn you - it's a bit long, but she writes well, raises some incredibly important questions and discusses issues near and dear to librarian's (and educator's) hearts.

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

I just had to share this article from the New York Times. It touched my heart!
With a 4 year old daughter at home, I too love to read aloud and look forward to our nightly storytime. This article makes me want to commit to starting our own reading 'Streak'.

Please read on....
A Father and Daughter Bond, Page by Page

Interesting report from NPR (Omar L. Gallaga)on the digital challenges facing public libraries today.

*67 percent of libraries say they're the only provider of free public access computers and Internet in their communities.
*15 percent of libraries report reduced operating hours. More than 55 percent of urban libraries report funding cuts.

Great article that came out in the San Diego Union Tribune while I was on vacation in SD. This man is great and inspirational.

Here's a short excerpt from a much longer article....

"That guy thrumming a zydeco washboard in Rancho Santa Fe? Belting out a chain gang song in an Anaheim ballroom? Setting a wicked pace on Fiesta Island’s running path?

Check out the final list of 2012 YRCA nominated books here.

Remember to vote for your favorites by April 15th, 2011. Get all the information for voting here.