MAME 34: Day 1

The collaboration theme for MAME 34, and this morning's keynote speaker, Gary Hartzell, were a marriage of timeliness that is required by Michigan's school librarians. We all recognize, or have been directly affected by the economic and funding issues that are plaguing Michigan public schools. We all are going to require enhanced public relevance -- even though research has demonstrated that effective school library programs positively affect student achievement -- in attempts at avoiding the chopping block. And, the acknowledged benefits of collaboration with classroom teachers is our means for enhancing the educational bottom line, and, in turn, our own status as well.

Inevitably, attendance decisions need to be made with conflicting MAME sessions, and I was interested in hearing about Follett's TitleMap product, the Teamwork session hosted by Okemos High School Librarian Sandy Fields, and the session on a high school library curriculum, but I chose MeLCat and Basic Search Techniques. MeLCat has huge potential for Michigan's residents, and the Grand Ledge High School Library already thoroughly utilizes MeL, but the cost is out of our hands at this point. William Weare's session was informative, and I liked how he classified the 4 types of searches performed on search engines: tips and tricks, basic search, advanced search, and pre-searches done to make actual searches more effective.

Some other quick reflections on the conference:

• I think MAME's recent (last year?) decision to begin awarding SB-CEUs is solid, considering the requirements for the Professional Certification.
• It was encouraging for the organization to hear that conference attendance is up this year.
  
• The weather has been splendid, perfect for taking in the fall colors while driving or walking.
• Speaking of the drive, Traverse City is a pleasure to visit, but pretty distant for the majority of the downstate population's commute. I suppose it's only fair that the northern members have closer access to the geographically-rotating conference, yet I would speculate that the bulk of the members live south of Mt. Pleasant.
  

Recall your time in education classes back in undergrad, and the emphasis on beginning each class with an objective. I still teach in the same way. My objectives for tomorrow: I am looking forward to the "Creating a boy zone" session from my mid-Michigan neighbor, Maryanne Boylan at Bath High School; and, I am anticipating having an informative, interactive session on graphic novels. See you there.