10 awesome ways to use Wakelet in school libraries

Want to help your students get the most out of your library? School librarian and educational technology enrichment specialist Kristina A. Holzweiss shares her top 10 ways to use Wakelet in school libraries During my 24 years in education, as an English teacher, school librarian and educational technology enrichment specialist, I've learned that no technology can replace a knowledgeable, caring teacher.

School Librarians of the Year look ahead to 2018 education trends

What education trends will be big in the New Year? We asked all four School Library Journal School Librarians of the Year-Michelle Carlson Colte, Kristina A. Holzweiss, Todd Burleson, and Tamiko Brown-about the innovative work they're doing in their own libraries and what they predict will become larger trends for educators in 2018.

"We Get Long Island School Librarians Hooked on Making!"

This dynamic duo spearheaded a Day of Making, winning over local colleagues who were on the fence about trying to bring makerspaces to their schools.

Making is learning

Bay Shore Middle School librarian Kristina Holzweiss is spearheading a collaborative effort to connect schools, libraries, museums, organizations, and "makerspaces" on Long Island. The initiative, called "Long Island Makes," is an extension of a worldwide Maker Movement - a culture of people from all ages and walks of life who engage in the act of "making."

Students Can Also Be Experts in the Library | ALA Libraries Transform

Designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact and services provided by libraries and library professionals, the Libraries Transform campaign will ensure there is one clear, energetic voice for our profession.

The Best in Making and Tech at Toy Fair 2017

Our fearless reviewer-who just happens to be SLJ's 2015 Librarian of the Year and a maker queen-canvassed the entire Javits Convention Center in Manhattan to find the most exciting innovations coming out this year.

April 2017: Long Island LEADS

Through its monthly maker meetups and annual SLIME - Students of Long Island Maker Expo event Long Island LEADS offers opportunities for educators, librarians, museum directors, nonprofit organizations, parents, students, local companies, and community members to share ideas and resources. "These are the only opportunities where all stakeholders are at the same table," explains Kristina Holzweiss.

At the Intersection of Libraries and Museums

For librarians promoting information literacy and the evaluation of resources, museums-however unconventional-are fertile grounds for incorporating primary sources in lessons and activities.

The Best of Toy Fair 2016 for Maker Spaces

Our fearless reviewer-who just happens to be SLJ's Librarian of the Year and a maker queen-canvassed the entire Javits Convention Center in Manhattan to find the most exciting innovations coming out this year.

Watch: Here's What Our Past School Librarians of the Year Are Planning for 2018-19

These SLJ School Librarians of the Year have big things in store for their students.
 
Hacking School Libraries (and other classrooms!)
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This group is dedicated to supporting our students' education through "hacks," ways to efficiently improve our teaching and their learning. While mo...
 

PRAISE FOR HACKING SCHOOL LIBRARIES

​"Hacking School Libraries is the practical book that I have been waiting for a teacher-librarian to publish! This is the book I will be recommending to school librarians who want constructive and attainable suggestions on how to not only transform their library space, but also their library practices and in turn, their school. The stories and ideas from Stony, Kristina, and other respected colleagues in the school library world spotlight tried-and-true practices that have transformed school library programs across the nation."  
​- Sherry Gick, Director of Innovative Learning--Five Star Technology Solutions, Teacher-Librarian, 2015 Library Journal Mover & Shaker
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"I really like the quick reading style and the focus banners for each hack.  This is a very useful guide for new school library professionals or those thirsting for easy, practical, and inexpensive ideas to revitalize their school libraries.  My highest praise is that it's written by practitioners FOR practitioners."  
​- Dr. Bea Baaden, Director of the School Library Program, Palmer School of Library and Information Science, Long Island University
 

PRAISE FOR KRISTINA'S WORK

"I am super excited to learn about both high tech and low tech ways to promote literature. 
I feel that over the years, I lost myself and my students with the primary focus always being on research.  I want to go back to book talks and making library enjoyable (again). 
Thank you for your inspiration!" 
- Cara Lauber, library media specialist

"Kristina is a librarian's librarian!" 
-​ Ali Schilpp, 2018 SLJ School Librarian of the Year

"Kristina is an engaging guest speaker who offers rich and varied approaches for participants to take part in and contribute.  My graduate students leave the classroom feeling motivated, excited and ready to put their learning into practice in their own classrooms." 
Dr. Karen Megay-Nespoli, Director of the Literacy and Cognition Graduate Program,
St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue