LibGuides are Here!

Yes, I know, another new resource at the SERC Library ---- well, of course!  We are proud to announce that the SERC Library has rolled out - well more like posted out - our new program called LibGuides!   Great ---- what's a LibGuide, okay, here goes an explanation ----

A LibGuide is a Web 2.0 content management and information sharing system used by more than 400 institutions worldwide, especially libraries and universities.  Get it now --- no --- okay, let me try again --- think of a LibGuide as a "mini Web site" created on different topics or subjects.  We pull information from the SERC Library and the Internet and put it all in one place!  Resources at the Library, Web sites on the topic or subject, RSS feeds, video links, graphics, images ---- get the idea now!   Pretty handy right --- RIGHT!

Check out the LibGuides by following this link http://ctserc.libguides.com/.  Check back frequently as we will be adding guides throughout the year and certainly on "hot topics" in education.  It is kind of like one-stop-shopping!

Federated Search is now available at the SERC Library

Here is something cool you can do while it is soooooo very hot outside -----   You can now search our research databases through your membership here at the SERC Library.  Log on to Iluminar using your barcode number and password and go to Advance Search (top right corner of screen).  Here you will have the option to search the State Education Resource Center and several research databases.  Any database with a box next to the title under Search Resources can be checked to be searched all at once.  The publishers listed without a box can be searched by hyperlinking to the publisher's website directly.

Please note that the State Education Resource Center is defaulted as always checked as is the option for full text articles.

If you need more help, contact the Library at library@ctserc.org or 860.632.1485 option 4 and as always you can ask for help with this new feature when you come to visit us!

Food for fines!

The SERC Library will forgive fines on all overdue resources returned that are accompanied by a nonperishable food item.  All donations will go to the Amazing Grace food pantry in Middletown run by St. Vincent de Paul Middletown.  The SERC Library will be participating in the 3rd Annual Unity Day in Middletown on Saturday, August 20th from 11 am to 6 pm and we will bring the food donations on this day to the pantry.  This is a great way to celebrate the day, summer, help your community, your library and yourself!

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

PBS presents a POV documentary by filmmaker Carlos Rendon Zipagauta on Tuesday, July 19th at 10:00 pm:  Biblioburro:  The Donkey Library

Synopsis:

Biblioburro is the story of a librarian ---and a library---like no other.  A decade ago, Colombian grad-school teacher Luis Soriano was inspired to spend his weekends bringing a modest collection of precious books, via two hard-working donkeys, to the the children of Magdalena Province's poor and violence-ridden interior.  As Soriano braves armed bands, drug traffickers, snakes and heat, his library on hooves carries an inspirational message about education and better future for Colombia.  His simple yet extraordinary effort has attracted worldwide attention---and imitators---but his story has never been better told than in this heartwarming yet unsentimental film.  A co-presentation with Latino Public Broadcasting.  (60 minutes)

To read more, view a trailer or slide show following this link:  http://www.pbs.org/pov/biblioburro/. 

Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner

What is Social Thinking®?

Social thinking is a term for social cognition. Successful social thinkers consider the points of view, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, prior knowledge and intentions of others (this is often called perspective-taking - considering the perspectives of others).

Social thinking can be a challenge for individuals with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, nonverbal learning disorders and others with social and communicative challenges.

While most of us develop our communication skills as we grow up, many people have great difficulties with this process. Difficulties with learning and applying social information is often considered a social learning disability.

Over a decade ago, Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, coined the term Social Thinking and developed the related treatment approach for individuals with high-functioning autism, Asperger's and similar challenges. In 2008, she received an award of Special Congressional Recognition for her on-going innovation of the Social Thinking curriculum and treatment approach. The SERC Library has many of her wonderful resources!

New Tests!

While we know that it is the end of the school year, we want to let you know about some new tests that we recently cataloged that you can consider for September!

Recently we updated editions and added several new Brigance tests:

Brigance Comprenehsive Inventory of Basic Skills II - Classroom (CIBS II-Classroom) T 587 - which by the way is already out.

Brigance comprehensive inventory of basic skills II - Standarized (CIBS II Standardized) - T 162

Brigance early childhood screen II, 0-35 months - T 737

Bigance early childhood screen II - K & 1 - T 738

Brigance early childhood screening kit: 3-5 years - T 374

Brigance transition skills inventory - T 670

For more information on the tests, please visit our catalog by clicking on the link on the right or visit Curriculum Associates at http://www.curriculumassociates.com/.