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Diane Cordell's review of School Libraries Head for the Edge.

Thanks, Diane!

From Booklist, April 15:

School Libraries Head for the Edge: Rants, Recommendations, and Reflections.
Johnson, Doug (Author)
Nov 2009. 200 p. Linworth, paperback, $35.00. (9781586833923). 027.80973.

Since 1995 Johnson has been writing the “Head for the Edge” column for Library Media Connections.
Here, “most” of the columns from 1995 to 2009, “only slightly revised,” are collected into seven chapters
covering professional skills, the impact of technology on libraries and education, and other topics. Each
chapter is arranged chronologically and includes an illustration by Johnson’s son Brady. The book also
contains an introduction sharing how the column began and an afterword advocating writing for
publication. The columns, even those now 15 years old, still challenge us to think about what we do, how
we do it, and why we do it, reflecting Johnson’s own educational philosophy. This collection will make
media specialists look forward to their next issue of Library Media Connections. — Esther Sinofsky

T.H.E article on libraries

Check it out:

Library 2.0: Enter the Teacher Librarian Enthusiast

What will the new school library look like? In this first installment of our two-part library tech series, we explore the evolution of the school library--and the school librarian--and look to the opportunities that await once some basic challenges are overcome.

I am always delighted when such articles appear in general or technology education publications. And this is just the first of two!

Vacation!

Main Entry: ¹va·ca·tion

Pronunciation: \vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French vacacion, from Latin vacation-, vacatio freedom, exemption, from vacare

Date: 14th century

1 : a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
2 a : a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b : a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3 : a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation <had a restful vacation at the beach>
4 : an act or an instance of vacating (Websters.com)

I'm going on vacation tomorrow.

I know what you are thinking - "Isn't this guy ALWAYS on vacation?"

Well, I do tack a few days on to many of the conferences that are located in interesting locations (Mumbai, Tallinn, Cairo, etc.). And although I enjoy these travels very much, this is happily quite different:

• No ties or dress shoes in the bag.
• No flashdrive with slideshow backups in the carry-on.
• No expectation on balancing what's happening in the district while on the road.
• I am still debating about whether to even take my computer.

I am heading to New Zealand to visit my son Brady. He's been living and working in Wellington for about 18 months now and if I don't go visit him soon, I won't get the chance since he comes home this summer. I don't need another "Bad Dad" certificate for my wall.

We're meeting in Auckland and will do a road trip (wrong side of the road + jet lag = watch out, Kiwis!) to Wellington. Late the next day we will fly to Nelson for the start of a 5 day tramp of Abel Tasman Park - day packs and lodge accommodation - yes! On return we'll point the car north again and wander back to Auckland via Rotura, probably.

Our last adventure near Port Douglas, Australia, 2006

I have always really enjoyed traveling my kids. When my daughter was in high school in about 1988, just the two of us did the "Worst Bathrooms in Asia" tour through Hong Kong, China, Philippines, and Hawaii. When Brady was in high school, we headed to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid, primarily to visit art galleries - the "Great Nudes of Europe" tour.  More recently we visited Sydney, Cairns and Port Douglas. Son, daughter AND a grandson all did Disney with me not long ago. Did I mention that I love traveling with my kids (and the LWW for that matter.)

As a family we have three basic rules of travel:

1. Never bring more than you, personally, can carry in one load.
2. Always have something to read.
3. Never eat anything you can't translate.

Anyway, tomorrow morning I will take care of a few loose ends in the district and head toward the airport.

See ya when I get back!