Attendees: Ruth Blair, Samantha K., Marisa Hall, Jennifer Berry, Janis Werner, Dana E., Lisa M., Dr. Todd, Jay Stefanelli, Allison Ameduri, Allison Ryan, Alice Chunn, Aman K. and Emily M.
Present via GoToMeeting: Samantha B, Kerry Dubyk and Grey Valenti
GoToMeeting did not record the video/audio. We apologize that you will not be receiving a link to the video we were hoping to record and archive. We also apologize that the sound was not working throughout the meeting. In the next meeting, we aim to have GoToMeeting completely functional.Officer Elections: Allison Ryan will step up as co-president. Marisa Hall will begin as treasurer.
Upcoming events:
- Teen Librarian’s Toolbox, Friday, Feb 6
- Highly recommended for resources, open all day and attendees can commit any available time
- BookCon, May 30-31 at Javits Convention Center in NYC
- Book Expo America, May 27-29 at Javits Convention Center in NYC
- Both book expos result in many giveaways and BEA may offer discounts for library students.
Guest Speaker: Leigh Woznick, membership chair of NJASL and librarian in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District.
Members-only perks of NJASL: archives of the Bookmark (monthly) NJASL newsletter, access to the member listserv, reduced admission at conferences, reduced cost of database memberships due to NJASL partnerships, networking opportunities, and access to community of advocacy to defend your job.
This year, low number of applicants to scholarships offered by the organization, and the Al Saley scholarship deadline has been extended (featuring a $1500 award). Leigh emphasized that you don’t have to be a SuperLibrarian to win scholarships and urged us to apply. See http://www.njasl.org/page-1863045.
Her personal library situation has changed: she is the only librarian left in the district with any support staff & some librarians have been assigned to teach enrichment programs as well as perform library duties.
She has been integral to her school’s preparedness to convert to the PARCC, the new computerized standardized testing in the state. She believes it is instances like this that make her indispensable to her school.
Libraries are not just about the books. Sure, she says, books are very important, but one of her biggest goals when she got her job 8 years ago was to increase traffic: to make the library a welcoming place for readers and non-readers.
Contact Leigh at membership@njasl.org for volunteer opportunities.