Insight, the official newsletter of the Office of Library Information Services, will be published bi-monthly. The purpose of the newsletter is to support school library media specialists in their roles as teacher, instructional partner, information specialists, and program administrator. Contributions and ideas from school library media specialists are welcomed.  Current Edition September 2001 Back Issues April 2001 January 2001 September 2000 October 1999 November 1999  Additions Archive 2001-2002 BCPS Librarian Directory This directory was distributed to you at the August 29th Professional Development Day. Access to your colleagues is just a click away. If you ever lose it, get a new copy here. 2001-2002 S.A.F.E. Grant Proposal The is the grant proposal submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education by the Office of Library Information Services, It outlines the collection development focus for this year's grant, rationale, time line, and responsibilities. 20+ Ideas for Using Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Eric Carle?   BCPS Telecommunications PowerPoint Presentation prepared by the Office of Library Informations Services to assist librarians with faculty staff development regarding the BCPS Telecommunications Policies and Rules. Creating an Invitational, Informative, and Functional Learning Environment webpage. Information includes: Library Furniture and Decor; Bulletin and Dispaly Board Ideas; Puppets; Library Signage; and much more. Media Literacy At our Professional Development session on 8/29/01, Lynn Widdowson recommended additional websites about media literacy. There are now available on our website.   ..   Photographs on this website are from ArtToday, a web graphic subscription service.  Your suggestions for additions are encouraged. Please email Della Curtis, Coordinator Office of Library Information Services INSIGHT NEWSLETTERS Recent Additions to Website (September 21- October 16) Bill Groth prepared a concise summary of Follett hardware requirements, suggested quality, costs, and vendor contact information. This is a very useful document for automation planning. See the global overview of learning outcomes K-5 (in a chart format) that notes when outcomes are introduced, reinforced, and mastered at each grade level. This chart was designed by Sonja Karwacki, former librarian at Bear Creek Elementary, who is now a GT Resource Teacher. Thanks Sonja for your lasting gift to all library media specialists. A free trial to America the Beautiful is now available for elementary school students, teachers, and parents. Get the promotional flyer for login information and distribution to your school community. Electric Library Promotional Flyer Get this flyer to give to students or send home to parents/guardians. Book Return Reminder Magnet Use this template to make a refrigerator magnet to remind elementary students what "day" their books are due. Idea provided by Karen Pavelka, Library Media Specialist at Martin Boulevard Elementary. Staff Development Meeting Agenda September 21, 2001 The Reference Desk There are many outstanding digital reference sources, some of which are are the same as the printed version and some that are not available in print. Go to this excellent web collection compiled by Barbara Falkinburg, Library Media Specialist at Hereford High School. Collections grouped by the following reference categories: bibliographic, biography, directories, digital image, geographic, encyclopedias, magazines and newspapers, multicultural, public and academic libraries, ready reference, and U.S. government. QUEST Worksheet Introduced to school librarians on the August 29 Professional Study Day Meeting, the QUEST worksheet helps prepare students for successful reference and study at the Baltimore County Public Library.