Author: Soline Holmes

ALA Annual 2018

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Graphic Novels #ALAAC18

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  The first point discussed was that Graphic Novels are a FORMAT rather than a genre. Of course, there are many different genres within the Graphic Novel format. While this may be obvious to us librarians, we must remember that patrons, parents, and educators may not realize this. A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Reaching Kids and Families with Graphic Novel Programming was a fantastic session sponsored by the ALSC.  I got lots of great ideas for graphic novel book clubs as well as background to share with those who think of graphic novels as “comic books.” Benefits of Graphic Novels 1. Graphic novels help children develop VISUAL LITERACY SKILLS.   The format makes readers notice details, visualize things from different angles, and move easily from picture representations to real life.  These are skills needed for computer programming, geometry, problem-solving, and even putting together IKEA furniture. 2. Graphic novels…

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ALA Annual 2018

Michelle Obama AND Carla Hayden…in the same room! #ALAAC18

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  After Trombone Shorty warmed up the crowd, ALA President Jim Neal welcomed First Lady Michelle Obama to the stage. She was as graceful, smart, and inspiring as you could imagine. I was trying to take notes and enjoy the moment. Here are some of the highlights from her conversation with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. (Ms. Hayden is the 14th Librarian of Congress. She is the first female and the first African-American to hold the position.) Books and Reading Ms. Obama explained that reading has always been a part of her family. When she was little, she set up her stuffed animals and would read to them and show them the pictures. So, of course, she read to her girls when they were little. She claims to still know every word of Dr. Seuss by heart. Barack and Malia read the Harry Potter series together, and Michelle read “Life…

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Live Blogging

Welcome to ALA AC18

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ALA President Jim Neal starts off the #ala annual 2018 conference! Musician and author Trombone Shorty roused the crowd and told us to “eat a lot of food.” He will see us parading in the streets. 2018 is tricentennial of New Orleans…300 years! Mayor Latoya Cantrell, New Orleans’ first female mayor also greeted the crowds. After Katrina, looked to the library…knew libraries not just about books but about community. Libraries share information and give information. First national convention in New Orleans after Katrina was ALA! Mayor thanks librarians….”we are in this together!”

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Live Blogging

Michelle Obama #ALAAC18

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Moving forward in the line for #MichelleObama! People have been in line since I got here at 9a.m. But the line is moving quickly. The air is abuzz, and, in my biased mind, the Convention Center has never looked more beautiful. Posters and advertisements for books and publishers greet attendees. And after Michelle, the exhibits open! My favorite new vocabulary term is “galley drop!” It reminds me of manna dropping from heaven…which is really the same thing, right?

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Live Blogging

Greetings from ALA Annual 2018

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Greetings! I am on a break from Bridging the Tech Gap session at #alaac18. This is my first ALA conference, and I am already geeking out over everything. Loving this session about how to incorporate youth in planning events and using technology in the library. Youth start as users, then testers, then informants, and, eventually design partners. Ask open-ended questions! Be a “guide on the side” rather than a “sage on the stage.” Getting great ideas and meeting/working with wonderful librarians from all over the country!

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