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In July, 2011, the AASL Board approved the Position Statement on Labeling Books with Reading Levels. The AASL position statement defines standard directional spine labels and compares them to reading level labels (associated with computerized reading programs) as they are often applied in school libraries. The statement also offers suggestions for concerned librarians to be aware not only of the possible negative effects of these  labels on children as they browse, but also offers suggestions for voicing those concerns. There are proponents and opponents to how computerized reading programs are implemented in schools and their effects on school library collections and students' free access to books of their choice.  A school librarian (name withheld) shares this story of how labels affect students' choices in her school. "Recently I helped a student who came to me while his class was in the library browsing. As the librarian of a middle school library, I often see situations such as this one. The boy had been most recently reading about George Washington and Ben Franklin. His class assignment that day was to checkout two computerized reading program books within his tested reading level and thus was "allowed" only one free choice book. "But I'd rather not have to check out labeled books and there are some books I'd like today that don't have the dots or reading level labels on the backs of the books. Does that mean Ican't check them out?" he asks me. The boy went on to say that he'd rather be allowed to check out three books on his favorite non-fiction topics, regardless of reading level. As he expresses his frustration, he lowers his voice and moves toward a corner of the library where there are no other students. "I'm a pretty good reader," he said quietly, "and I really like reading about the American Revolution. But I have to stay within a certain range. I can't find many books in my reading level that are really interest

Last month, The American Cooperative School of Tunis (http://www.acst.net/) lost their entire elementary library in an attack on their school. If you would like to donate to help them build their collection, please visit this page: http://www.titlewish.com/103198. If you would like to learn more about what happened, see this article: http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2012/09/sudan-protesters-attack-german-and-british-embassies/56859/

"The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read answers a big need. Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young. The concerned citizen in search of good news about American literary culture would study the pages of this report in vain. "

This map is an American snapshot; it provides an accessible visualization of geographic distribution, population density, and racial diversity of the American people in every neighborhood in the entire country.

Established in 2006, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical perspectives and analysis of indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books, the school curriculum, popular culture, and society. Scroll down for links to book reviews, Native media, and more.

Massive resource and curriculum bank for Washington State history and Native American cultural studies for K12.

A new study from the Pew Research Center on young Americans' library habits defies the conventional narrative of today's youth as a generation who have abandoned print. Despite being heavy Internet users, the press release states that "Americans under age 30 are strong supporters of traditional library services," including in-person assistance and-yes-books.

Students Prefer Print for Serious Academic Reading http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/students-prefer-print-but-not-books-for-serious-academic-reading/44871

Important summary of how social media works for youth and adults, and how five properties and three dynamics have a systematic affect that we all must deal with.

Diigo in education

Library of congress-American Memory

Through rich stories written and recorded by local community members, StoriesFrom gives the most underrepresented a space to shape their own story. In a world where mainstream media often filters and dictates news, StoriesFrom empowers individuals to speak their truth, while providing a space for exploration and connection to wide reaching audiences. From the young Kosovo generation redefining their identity, to boarding schools where Native Americans were stripped of theirs, to Palestinians and Kurds fighting for a place of their own, StoriesFrom seeks to connect us all.

Through rich stories written and recorded by local community members, StoriesFrom gives the most underrepresented a space to shape their own story. In a world where mainstream media often filters and dictates news, StoriesFrom empowers individuals to speak their truth, while providing a space for exploration and connection to wide reaching audiences. From the young Kosovo generation redefining their identity, to boarding schools where Native Americans were stripped of theirs, to Palestinians and Kurds fighting for a place of their own, StoriesFrom seeks to connect us all.

In 2013, the American Library Association (ALA) an­nounced the formation of a Center for the Future of Libraries. The project, initially supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), focuses much of its work on identifying emerging trends relevant to the libraries, the librarians, and the communi­ties they serve.

Robyn Carr is a best-selling American author of over twenty-five romance novels. Carr has since published dozens of historical and contemporary romance novels. Visit online books store onlinebookplace.com for free ebooks purchase of Robyn Carr

Annenberg Learner uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools. This mandate is carried out chiefly by the funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with coordinated Web and print materials for the professional development of K-12 teachers. It is part of The Annenberg Foundation and advances the Foundation's goal of encouraging the development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.

stories from American History in music videos