If you're new to us, Library.fyi is the database platform we have in the WSWHE region, built for us by GV BOCES, which improves student access to instructional databases and other electronic resources. It keeps instructional databases in one place, and only requires one "passcode" for students to access their databases, no matter where they are, as long as they're on a device with Internet access. (If you have your own webpage or LibGuide for your database resources, carry on.)

If you're using Library.fyi for your databases, check your database links soon to make sure they work. We're always working out kinks at the beginning of the year, and we want to make sure your links work before you have classes in front of you. Reminders:

• OPALS 24/7 is gone, so if you used that before, it's time to move to library.fyi.
• We have an asynchronous PD available on library.fyi if you want to learn about what you can do with your page.
• We can also help you as you customize your page to truly make it a hub for your research resources and collaborations.
• "Passcode" is different from a login, and we can make that whatever you want it to be. (If you see a warning that a passcode will expire...it's fibbing. Those don't expire.)
• Pages can include other resources besides databases...websites, documents, pathfinders...
• If you have any questions, ask Karin (khowansky@wswheboces.org).

For our new folks, Sora (formerly OverDrive) is an ebook/audiobook platform we provide to all of the school libraries in our region.

• We have asynchronous PD on Sora offered again this fall if you want to learn more about the Sora platform and how you can use it with your students.
• All districts are Google authenticated with Sora (except for Saratoga, which is Office365 authenticated).
• Sora is filtered by content access levels--Juvenile (elementary), YA (middle school), and Adult (high school and adults). Elementary students don't see high school/adult materials.
• Students check out Sora materials similarly to how they check out physical materials, and they are available offline once they are checked out. Materials can also be assigned to students, which is hugely helpful in terms of class assignments, or for giving students access to an item at a higher content access level than they can see on their own.
• This Smore answers some perennial questions about getting "class sets" or "simultaneous access" to ebooks and audiobooks.
• Any questions? Ask Karin! (khowansky@wswheboces.org)

As a participating member of the WSWHE BOCES School Library System, and in accordance with NYS Commissioner’s Regulations 90.18, a Communication Coordinator (CC) representing your district’s librarians and staff is required. This individual is a certified school library media specialist who serves as a spokesperson for your district’s needs in relation to the School Library System (SLS) and receives high quality professional development in the process. The CC plays a vital role in the overall effective operation of the SLS, and their involvement and participation is a key link between our office and the district librarians.

The Communication Coordinator also:

• Attends four (4) full day meetings per year that include updates and relevant professional development

• Secures additional resources for your district

• Communicates information back to your district on topics such as

• Information literacy skills

• Updates on Next Gen content area standards

• National and State library standards

• Databases, eBooks and other educational technologies, and research tools

• Resources purchased for your districts by SLS to support classroom instruction

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• And more…

**Please note that all librarians are welcome to attend all meetings

DATES (Each date is linked to registration)

October 27, 2022 - General Membership (ALL Librarians encouraged to attend)

January 31, 2023 (Joint Meeting with Council)

March 29, 2023 (Jennifer LaGarde)

May 17, 2023

The WSWHE BOCES School Library System (SLS) is part of the statewide School Library Systems program which “provides a formalized network for public and nonpublic school library media centers across the State and provides for the development of a standardized automated catalog…[and] also provide services to their members such as consulting, continuing education and professional development, cooperative collection development plans, services addressing special client needs, database searches of professional research and literature, and connections to other types of libraries and library systems across the State and beyond.”

In order to receive state funds, we are mandated to operate by a formally appointed “Council” which helps to govern, advise and set direction for budgeting, professional development, print and digital needs, and support and training as needed for area libraries and districts.

October 5, 2022

January 31, 2023 (Joint Meeting with Communication Coordinators)

March 1, 2023

June 6, 2023

Unless otherwise stated in the Frontline description, all workshops will be held in person this year. We will follow WSWHE BOCES and health department guidance at the time of each workshop. If there is a need to go virtual, participants will be notified as soon as possible.

Click the button below to see what we are offering this Fall. Please check back often as we are always adding new opportunities.

The field of school librarianship has changed rapidly over the last several years and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Whether it is working through book challenges, changes to curriculum, or trying to collaborate in a post-pandemic world, we could all use some time to discuss these topics and others so that we are prepared to handle the ever changing landscape of school libraries. This PLC will provide an opportunity for school librarians to come together in-person to exchange ideas and support each other.

We will meet monthly and participants will receive credit for the meetings they attend so if you can't make one or two, no worries, you'll receive credit for the meetings you do attend. We will have our first meeting at the WSWHE BOCES Conference Center on Ballard Road, but would like to have the other meetings at school libraries around the region. We will determine those locations at our first meeting and will relay that information to those who are registered. Click the image below to register.

Nonfiction Refresh, see below, is offered through Southeastern NY Library Resources Council. As WSWHE SLS Members, you are automatically CDLC members which means you are eligible to attend.

Kerrie Burch, School Library System Director

Karin Howansky, School Library Media Specialist

Nancy Babbitt, Databases, Budgets, General Information

Deb Massa, Information Processing Specialist