The Weekly Update

No, not those kinds of extensions! I'm talking Google Chrome extensions! They sound a little intimidating if you don't know what they are or how they work, but if you give them a chance, they can really help organize and de-stress your digital world. Episode 10 of the School Library Scoop briefly shows you how they work, but here's a little more information and a list of my favorites for librarians!

Google Chrome extensions are software programs that you install (with the click of a button) into your Chrome browser. They customize your web-browsing and web-working experience by adding/modifying the existing behavior of a program to make it more convenient for you!

SCOTTIE'S FAVE FIVE!

1. Bitmoji Extension: This is a must if you create virtual displays or have a virtual library! It allows you easily grab your Bitmoji and pull it into your document.
2. Screencastify Extension: This is an excellent tool for creating short tutorials for your students and staff! It allows you to create, edit, and share videos in seconds.
3. Wakelet Extension: If you have a Wakelet account, you'll want the Wakelet extension! It allows you to save content to your Wakelet collections with 2 clicks.
4. Print Friendly & PDF Extension: Do you hate trying to print awesome content from a website and you get all the ads, pictures, and junk that comes along with it? This extension takes away all the junk before you print and gives you a nice clean copy of the content!
5. OneTab Extension: Show of hands...how many of you currently have more tabs open than you'd like to admit? Yep, that's what I thought! There's no shame in that game; however, having a lot of tabs open takes up a lot of memory. The OneTab extension saves memory and reduces browser clutter, which may also reduce brain clutter!

For links to these five extensions (and more!), check out my Wakelet collection:

https://wke.lt/w/s/k5ch21

Episode 10: Best Google Chrome Extensions for Librarians

I hope you're enjoying this new platform for short tutorials on school library services, technology tips and trends, and so much more. If you have suggestions or requests for future topics, please click the "Topic Suggestions" button below. Past episodes can be viewed on SDSL's YouTube Channel.

I presented on this topic both at the SD Library Association Conference this fall and more recently in a virtual Edcamp Cardigan Camp last weekend. If you missed either, you can access a recording and some links for ideas and inspiration in my Wakelet collection.

ExCITE! (formerly School Library Boot Camp) is an annual professional development opportunity for South Dakota librarians and educators. The SD State Library partners with Black Hills State University to offer ExCITE! for undergraduate or graduate credit. This two credit course can be applied to the Library Methods requirement of the BHSU School Library Media minor and the SD DOE Library Media endorsement. It can also be used for teacher renewal.

LSTA federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides speakers, resources, and full-tuition scholarships for attendees.

Each year brings a new theme, new personal connections, and new learning. Join us during the month of July where we will explore Information Literacy in a fully on-line course. Registration will open in Spring 2022.

The SD State Library's Collect + Connect Facebook Group is for SD School Librarians! Join to share your ideas and photos, ask your questions, reach out for advice, and discuss all of the awesomeness that happens in your library!

The Weekly Update is a correspondence from the South Dakota State Library focusing on current topics in school libraries, best practices, resources, professional development, and more.

Email: scottie.bruch@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov/LIB/SLC
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 605-295-3152