We need 2,500 school librarians in Pennsylvania (whose students take PSSA tests) to nominate themselves and a few teachers and administrators with whom they work to take a 10-minute survey this spring. This level of participation will produce valid research findings on what these three groups value in school library programs. It only takes a few minutes to nominate yourself (just need school and email info) and a few of your fellow teachers and administrators. Only those who are nominated will receive the survey link in March. So sign up now!

This research is essential to the study being conducted in Pennsylvania correlating qualities of good school library programs to higher PSSA tests scores. Taking this data one step further, Lance and his associates will attempt to cost out the infrastructure needed to improve student academic success through school library programs and the gap that exists in Pennsylvania. Please share this email among other school librarians in your district and region. We need a HUGE response, but I know Pennsylvania librarians can do it. We had a 73% response rate in last year's State Board of Education Study. Let's do it again!

To join the SCHOOLS listserv, send an email to schools-owner@hslc.org. Include your name, school and email address.  Or, if you prefer, go to http://www.accesspa.state.pa.us/schoolslist.htm. 

Are you new to Access PA/POWER Library? Have you used Ask Here PA and want to learn more about it? Or, do you need continuing ed credits?

Just a reminder that Access PA, POWER Library and Ask Here PA training is now available online through WebJunction with the following courses:

- Access PA Database Online Beginner Training

covers using the Access PA website, searching the Access PA Database, using the VDX ILL system, and keeping your library's holdings updated in the Database [7 Act 48 credit hours].

- POWER Library: AP Images

includes an introduction to the AP Images online interface, navigation and set-up options and searching each of the archives [3 Act 48 Credits].

- Understanding and Promoting Ask Here PA

focuses on understanding how Ask Here PA works and on using, evaluating and promoting this valuable service [3 Act 48 credit hours].

- VDX ILL System Version 4.1.3 Online Course

covers the new features available in this upgraded version, including new Work Queue labels, placement of notes, and new actions. [4 Act 48 credit hours].

Students are able to access the courses from any computer connected to the Internet to work independently any time of day or night. All certified Pennsylvania librarians and library aides are eligible to receive Act 48 continuing education credit hours upon completion of the courses. All who complete a course are able to generate a certificate of completion online. [3 Act 48 credit hours.]

To access the courses, eligible persons must create a free account on WebJunction, then request affiliation with WebJunction Pennsylvania.

Detailed Instructions for Registering:

These instructions may also be found on the Access PA website by clicking the link labeled Access PA/POWER Library Online Training Via WebJunction.

A Good Question Gets A Good Answer: A Standards Based Lesson Plan for Using Ask Here PA is  available on the Ask Here PA website. This lesson plan is targeted for grades 9-12 but could be easily adapted for Middle School. The lesson plan focuses on teaching students how to frame a research question, which is a key element to effective and efficient inquiry. It addresses the following AASL standards for the 21st century learner: 1. (Inquire and think critically to gain knowledge) and 1.1.3 (Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding). Additionally, NETS standards and Common Core standards are provided. All lesson materials are available for download. The lesson preparation, sequence and follow-up activities are detailed. The lesson plan was developed by Charmaine Gates, Library Director, Archbishop John Carroll High School and is available online at: http://www.askherepa.org/lessons/goodquestion.htm.

Website: http://www.askherepa.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/askherepa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ask-Here-PA/148629061859944

The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 provides support for POWER Library. If you need assistance accessing POWER Library or any of its databases (except for the Access Pennsylvania Database), please use the Technical Problem Form (http://www.powerlibrary.net/Secure/TechForm/TechForm.asp). This will provide POWER Library support staff with the needed information to resolve your issues as soon as possible.

To access this form, you will need to enter your "Library Use Only" username "(your county)" and the POWER Library website password. If do not know the POWER Library website password, or you experience problems with the form, please call 570-544-9131 ext. 1274.

Borrower and Lender Work Queues can be accessed via the ILL Request Search Screen and allow you to see a snapshot of the current ILL workload. The Work Queue display lists the status and the number of requests waiting to be actioned. Work Queues also feature four reports, or lists, that may be used and printed by requesters and responders.

To view the Borrower / Lender Work Queues from the ILL Request Search screen, click the Work Queue button located along the top of the VDX ILL Request Search screen.

These instructions, along with illustrations, are available at:

http://www.accesspa.state.pa.us/vdx4.1.3_manual/managing_requesting.htm#wq