Library reference work with children

In my readings this week concerning children and their information needs, some considerations that especially stood out for me were the need for preliteracy or bibliographic instruction, the importance of approaching each child as an individual, and the fact that a third-party adult is often part of the reference equation — either through being physically present, as in the case of a parent/caregiver, or having imposed the child’s query e.g. through a school assignment.

Chat in library reference services

Cassell and Hiremath, in Reference and Information Services, have identified several virtual platforms where Reference transactions take place. These can include “e-mail, chat reference, IM, social media, or videoconferencing” (2023, p. 5). Among articles that Cassell and Hiremath recommend for further reading, an article by Dempsey, et al. (2022) piqued my interest because of my preference for text-based communication and my dislike for using the telephone. I am autistic and “existing evidence suggests that autistic people may prefer written modes of contact” (Howard & Sedgewick, 2021, p. 2266).

‘Library contract’ for students to check out books

As part of getting ready for a new year in SRCSA library, I am collecting responses for the “library contract.”
https://youtu.be/feUowxzTvLY

UCM, LIS 5322 : Introducing myself

For Fall 2025, I am enrolled in LIS 5322, Information Sources and Services, through the University of Central Missouri’s online graduate program in Library and Information Science. Here is a video introducing myself to classmates.
https://youtu.be/9zMwTV0Pi-Y

Little Free Libraries at SRCSA

Our ever-generous parent-volunteers recently installed a couple of Little Free Libraries at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts.
https://youtu.be/dcV9VY6AtmE

SRCSA library : Getting ready for 2025-2026

I’m getting ready for a new school year at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts.
https://youtu.be/-N3u8mU2bus

SRCSA library : New arrivals in August 2025

Here is a slideshow featuring some new arrivals in SRCSA library during August 2025: including high-interest titles, classic Eric Carle for emergent readers, and more! This slideshow was created in Canva. The music is Funky House by Nver Avetyan.
https://youtu.be/kk6pr0A-8cs

Pokemon-themed tunic

I finished constructing this tunic just in time for a new school year, with McCalls pattern M5895. I think kids visiting the library will get a kick out of these Kanto-region Pokemon.