2018 NJECC Annual Conference

The NJECC Conference on January 9th was a great opportunity to increase my knowledge in specific areas, as well as network with colleagues from a variety of professional backgrounds. This was my first time at an NJECC event, but it will hopefully not be my last!

Our team of New Brunswick educators at the NJECC Annual Conference

NAVIGATING THE COPYRIGHT MAZE

My first workshop was “Navigating the Copyright Maze,” which was presented by librarians Yvonne Roux of William Paterson University and Victoria Wagner of Rutgers University. We discussed copyright law, fair use and how it applies to the school and library. As the Middle School librarian, I am often having to explain the issue of copyright to students who come to the library to print out pictures and other materials for class. I learned that Fair Use allows for exemptions for educational and non-profit institutions, but there are specific ways to determine what is considered Fair Use and what is infringing on copyright law. We were provided with links to important resources, as well as a Fair Use Evaluator tool to help ourselves and our school community.  (Copyright Resources for K-12 Schools)

THE AGE OF ALTERNATIVE FACTS

“Being a Librarian in the Age of Alternative Facts” was a workshop that discussed various “hot topics” that librarians deal with today. Lead by Elissa Malespina, the librarian at Somerville Middle School, topics included banned books, net neutrality, digital citizenship and library advocacy. A big focus was on how we can make our libraries welcome and safe spaces for our students. One simple idea I have already implemented is hanging up a funny sign to tell students not to eat, as opposed to having signs that just say “no.” I am also looking into the idea of creating a flyer or a bookmark (such as the presenter created) to help students find books on sensitive topics, such as mental health issues, that they may feel uncomfortable asking about.

THE 5 W’s OF LIBRARY MAKERSPACES

NBMS student creating a model
of DNA in the makerspace. 

My final workshop was “The 5 W’s of Library Makerspaces,” presented by Anastasia Hanneken (Shamong Township School District) and Heather Lister (former librarian and now with Mackin
Educational Resources). The Middle School has just set up a Makerspace and I wanted tips on how to proceed. The presenters stressed the need to encourage student creativity and help them develop 21st century skills. I learned how empowering it is to give students flexible supplies and space, allowing them to create and learn.

The NJECC conference was a wonderful opportunity to expand my own horizons. I would recommend it to my peers and hope to attend again next year.

Lisa Menasha,
Library Media Specialist at New Brunswick Middle School