School Library System Home Page - SWBOCES School Library System

The School Library System council met in person for the first time since the remote period, welcoming several new members and setting its agenda for the year ahead.

Among the first orders of business was to elect a new chair, as Eleanor Schuster of Eastchester took the gavel from Chairwoman Kelsey Cohen of Mamaroneck.

School Library System Supervisor Jennifer Cannell oversaw her first council meeting since joining Southern Westchester BOCES earlier this year. Nearly half of its 16 members are new to the council as well. The council’s role, she explained, is to develop policies, goals and long-term plans as well as a required five-year plan of service. The council also votes on the system’s budget and annual report.

“The way I think of a library council is you’re like the board of education of the library system,” Dr. Cannell said.

More than that, however, Dr. Cannell said she envisions the council’s role as supporting member librarians in increasing their capacity and educating districts about the proper role of school librarians. “A big part of what we do here is advocacy,” she said.

Upcoming Events

Apr 23 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

Navigating the Future: AI's Role in School Libraries

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Looking to find out more about how AI will impact libraries? This course will equip school librarians with essential knowledge and practical skills for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their library systems. Participants will explore the role of AI in enhancing research , information literacy, and library management while addressing ethical considerations and challenges. Through hands-on activities, attendees will gain experience with various AI tools and develop an action plan to implement AI responsibly in their libraries. This course aims to foster collaboration among educators and promote critical thinking about AI's impact on education, preparing librarians to navigate the evolving landscape of technology in support of student success. Join us in transforming school libraries into innovative learning environments.

SWBOCES School Library System
Apr 30 01:00 PM 04:00 PM

via Zoom

Critical Media Literacy in the Age of AI (via Zoom)

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Students today are faced with unprecedented challenges in determining fact from fake, as they are bombarded with misinformation and disinformation through conventional and social media. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and prevalent, these challenges grow more difficult and complex.

In this session, educators will explore trusted, content-rich resources, including Britannica School's curated resource packs and lesson plans that support student research, media literacy fundamentals, misinformation and disinformation concepts, and action plans to determine fact from fake.

SWBOCES School Library System
May 12 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

Beyond the Bookshelf: Diversifying Your Library for Inclusive Learning

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This engaging presentation aims to equip educators with effective strategies for diversifying their libraries to foster inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore the importance of representation in literature and its impact on students' identities and worldviews. The session will cover the 5 C's of Weeding- Condition, Copyright, Content, Currency, and Circulation- providing educators with practical tools to evaluate and curate their collections thoughtfully. Attendees will engage in discussions about their beliefs regarding bias in classroom libraries and learn how to build and sustain inclusive libraries that reflect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives. Participants will also discover methods for organizing their libraries effectively and learn tips for sustaining and inspiring reading environment. By the end of the presentation, educators will be equipped with actionable insights to empower their students through literature that affirms their experiences and broadens their understanding of the world. Join us in transforming your classroom library into vibrant space for all learners!

SWBOCES School Library System
May 19 01:00 PM 03:00 PM

via Zoom

Southern Westchester BOCES: Union Catalog and ILL Workshop (Zoom)

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Are you making the most of your library's access to the Union Catalog and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system? Join us for this engaging, interactive workshop where you'll discover how to navigate the Union Catalog, set up user permissions, and streamline your library's resource-sharing capabilities! Whether you're new to the system or looking for best practices to improve efficiency, this workshop will provide practical skills and insider tips to help you optimize your library's resource-sharing potential. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance access, expand collections, and better serve your patrons!

SWBOCES School Library System
May 21 01:00 PM 02:00 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

Meet Up: Librarians Unite - Establishing Our Community Forum

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Join us for an engaging and collaborative session designed to bring school librarians together to establish a vibrant community forum! This meetup aims to create a supportive network for librarians to share ideas, resources, and best practices. During this session, participants will discuss the vision and goals for the community form, exploring topics that matter most to our libraries and the students we serve. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, voice their needs, and contribute to the development of a forum that fosters collaboration and innovation in library services.

Through interactive discussions and brainstorming activities, we will outline the structure and focus areas of our forum, ensuring it becomes a valuable space for professional growth , problem solving, and advocacy. Together, we will empower each other to enhance our library programs and create inclusive, engaging learning environments for all students. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow librarians, build lasting relationships, and lay the groundwork for a thriving community forum that supports our collective mission. Let's unite and make a difference in our schools together!

SWBOCES School Library System
May 28 12:30 PM 03:00 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

SLS Council Meeting

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The School Library System Council is responsible for developing and approving the Plan of Service; is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Plan of Service; recommends for approval the annual budget prior to submission to the District Superintendent for his signature; and supports the activities of the School Library System, through service on a committee.

SWBOCES School Library System
May 28 04:00 PM 07:00 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

SLS Communication Coordinators Meeting

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Quarterly meetings for SLS Communication Coordinators as mandated in NY State Education Law 90.18. Communications Coordinators are informed on topics such as New York State Education Department updates, technology, and Information Fluency Skills. Professional development is provided on current issues with the expectation that it is shared with other school librarians in district.

SWBOCES School Library System