Websites:

Did you know... Metrowest is a PDP provider?

Metrowest workshops on technology and other topics can be combined for PDPs anytime, but technology and literature are two broad topics selected this year in partnership with the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) to provide PDPs to library teachers in the Metrowest Region in FY '09.

Metrowest offers technology-specific classes from September-March, during and after school, library teacher time slot, on topics like blogging, podcasting, gaming, wikis, and databases.

A collection of literature themed workshops will also be offered on topics like children’s literature, collection development, graphic novels, bookmaking, collection development, and book discussion.

Workshop participation earns certificates of attendance that accumulate for PDPs. Members mixed and matched classes in a strand to collect nine (9) attendance hours, then created a demonstration of learning and alerted Metrowest they had completed a bundle equivalent to ten (10) PDPs.

A new calendar of upcoming workshops is announced on the first of each month; classes are scheduled two (2) months in advance. Participants may register online at:
http://www.mmrls.org/ce.html

FY '09 is being planned; below are just a few of the classes we will be offering. Please check back for more information.

Do YOU have an idea for a class or want to host a class at your library? Let us know by contacting Sarah Sogigian, Trainer/Consultant for Youth Services.

Also, view our current classes at the above link.

TECHNOLOGY STRAND

Tuesdays, February 10, 17, and 24 at 3PM
Explore! Ice Worlds --on Earth and Beyond!
The Lunar and Planetary Institute presents a 3-day workshop on Explore Ice Worlds. We'll chat with a polar or planetary scientist during the first session and "Explore ice, learn if there is ice elsewhere in our solar system, and investigate Earth’s polar regions! " We'll also learn about easy inexpensive activities that we can implement into children's programming. Each webcast will last about 1.5 hours. You can participate from here at Metrowest, or if you prefer, from your library/home.

A computer with internet connection and a telephone are required to participate.

Please email Sarah Sogigian if you will be participating from your library so that I can give you the connection information. Please note: these are live webinars and must be attended on the dates/time listed above. Attendance at the 3 sessions is required for a certificate of attendance. 5 PDPs will be awarded for attendance to 3 webinars and participation in the activities.

 

Thurs Feburary 26, 2009 4:00 PM-5:30PM
Schools Reading Programs---ONLINE
Attn! School members of one of the 6 regional library systems! Did you know that you have access to a complete, customizable online reading program? And that it is FREE, as a regional member?!?! Learn about our program, called ReadsinMA, and how you can implement it into your class programs and school activities. This session will introduce the program, created by Evanced Solutions, and we'll show you how to register, log books, and submit reviews! We'll also go over how to register your school to gain access to your very own online program!

Thursday, March 26, 2009 4PM-5:30PM
at the Dover Town Library, Dover, MA
Make Your Point! --Using Google Maps at your library
with Bonnie Peirce

Come explore and learn the ins and outs of Google Maps and consider the possibilities this tool offers your library!

LITERATURE STRAND

Thursday, January 8, 4PM-6 PM
Mock Caldecott with Melody Allen
Back by popular demand! Vote for your contender before the awards are announced! A list of nominated books will be provided to attendees.

Thursday, January 21 4PM-6PM
Sophisticated Picture Books with Susan Raskin Abrams
Where do you shelve unique picture books that have wide appeal? Is the writing or subject matter too--sophisticated for the picture book collection? Susan Raskin Abrams, Supervisor of Children's Services at Newton Free Library , will introduce methods of handling these delights.

Monday, May 18 Time TBD
Families and Extended Families in Literature
at the Brookline Public Library, Brookline
Author Steve Kluger returns to MA to visit with librarians and talk about the changing nature of families as potrayed in literature.

Be sure to check our CE calendar for more classes in these tracks. Technology track classes are denoted with a and literature classes are denoted with a . You can earn PDPs by attending any of these classes.