Library Leader Cohort Kick-Off

September 10, 2015. Kingston, RI. Media Smart Libraries is pleased to introduce our library leader cohort members! These capable individuals have committed to participate in Media Smart Libraries workshops and events, complete the Media Smart Libraries Certificate through a digital badge program, and to share their knowledge and experiences locally, nationally, and globally. The following school and public librarians were chosen for their enthusiasm, dedication, and skill.

Kristin Almeida, Westerly Middle School

James Barrett, Nathan Bishop Middle School

Emily Brown, Cranston Public Library

Meri Carney, Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

Suzanne Costa, Barrington High School

Jennifer Cournoyer, Cumberland Public Library

Dianne Du, Foster Public Library and Tyler Free Library

David Fountaine, Middletown High School

Lee-Ann Galli, Narragansett Public Library

Suzanne Jordan, Myron J. Francis Elementary School

Carrie Kelly, John Wickes Elementary School

Karen McHenry, Del Sesto Middle School

Barbara Miller, West Glocester Elementary School

Marianne Mirando, Westerly High School

Susan Murphy, Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School of Coventry

Robin Nyzio, Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library

Rebecca Ott, Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library

Tanya Paglia, Barrington PublicLIbrary

Kathryn Powers, James M. Quinn Elementary School

Susan Rose, Chester Barrows Elementary School, Cranston

Terri Spisso, Ponaganset High School

Gail Stokes, Cranston Public Library

Jennifer Thomas, Paul Cuffee School

Christopher Zanghi, Ranger Elementary School, Tiverton.

On September 10th, cohort members met with the Media Smart Libraries team, including Principal Investigator Dr. Valerie Karno, Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Lauren Mandel, and Program Director Mary Moen to learn more about the Media Smart Libraries program. This meeting was an opportunity to identify learning needs, share expertise, and build relationships with their peers. Potential media and digital literacy workshop topics and locations were discussed as well as the newly designed digital badge system that will recognize and reward cohort members for their learning.  This open and informal meeting gave the cohort the opportunity to share in the planning experience and contribute to the conversation around media and digital literacy.

Media Smart Libraries is fortunate to be working with this dedicated group of librarians. Not only will these individuals become media and digital literacy library leaders, but also their collective learning will help strengthen the state’s library community through a common goal.

By: Alyssa Taft