Student+Page

**The Student Page**
= Know Your Netiquette: Rules for Keeping the "Web" More Friendly and Less Scary =

October is a special month for libraries, because this is when we celebrate National Information Literacy Awareness Month! What is information literacy you ask? Basically, information literacy is the ability to effectively find, understand, and use information from a variety of sources, including the Internet. (In other words, the skills that you learn while visiting us here in the library!) And a part of using the Internet is knowing how to use it to communicate with others for information. That’s why in this month’s issue, we are bringing you a list of our top 5 communication rules for Internet etiquette (aka “netiquette”)!

1) Be polite and avoid hurting other people’s feelings. 2) Know your rights, and respect the rights of others! 3) Respect Privacy 4) Obey copyright laws. 5) Help new Internet users.
 * Top 5 Netiquette Rules for Internet Communication: **
 * Use nice words and do not insult others when communicating online.
 * // Do not curse. Ever. //
 * Many websites have rules about chatting and communication in forums. People who “flame” (purposely send insults and mean messages to others), use inappropriate language, or talk about inappropriate subject matter, can be kicked off the site or have their account deleted. Read these rules before doing anything else on a website.
 * DO NOT USE ALL CAPS! ALL CAPS MEANS SHOUTING AND SHOUTING IS RUDE!!!
 * Use “emoticons”—little faces made from symbols—to get your feelings across in your message. Others online may not be able to tell if you are joking or serious about something since they cannot see your face or hear your voice. See below link for examples.
 * Keep messages short when possible. Less time spent reading and typing!
 * In the real world, if someone threatens you or constantly bugs you on the phone or through the mail, it can be irritating or even frightening. The Internet works the same way. Do not threaten anyone or repeatedly send annoying messages online.
 * If someone flames you, either ignore the message or send a polite message back asking them to explain what they meant. It may be a misunderstanding. //Do not flame them back.// This may start a flame war.
 * If someone threatens you or sends you a message that makes you feel uncomfortable, //do not respond//. Tell a trusted adult immediately and print-off or save any information about the message that you can, including what the message said, when it was sent, and where it was sent from. The adult may need this information if they decide to contact the police.
 * Do not share passwords, addresses, phone numbers, real names, or any other personal information. Not your own, and not anyone else’s. Do not ask others for them either.
 * Do not spread rumors.
 * Do not share pictures of yourself or others without the consent of the other person or your parents.
 * Basically, don’t use anything from the Internet without citing where you got it, and no downloading free videos/music/games etc. unless you know it is legal.
 * Everyone was once a beginner. If someone online asks for help is having a hard time, politely share your knowledge with them! Be patient and do not get frustrated if they do not understand at first.

For more information on rules for Internet activity, check out Ms. Switzer’s pathfinder: [] = = = =

= = = October’s Website of the Month: DogEared Book Blog! =

This month, we would like to bring your attention to National Geographic Kids’ book blog called DogEared! Sound interesting? Check out this description from the site’s “About This Blog” section to learn more!:

// “DogEared is a blog ALL about books. // // Good books, funny books, adventure books. Books about animals, friendship, pirates, faraway places... Books about, well, almost EVERYTHING!! // // So why did we call it DogEared and not, the, um, book blog? // // Hmm...good question, smarty pants! // // You know when you read a book and you turn the top edge of a page over to mark your place? Well, that's called a "dog ear!" We want you to mark this Web page just like that...dog ear DogEared, if you will...and come back here often to read real kids' reviews and recommendations. Plus, share your own opinions and create your own reading wish list. // // Think of it as your own online book club. // // Enjoy!” //

Looking for books on ghosts, monsters, and other ghoulies this Halloween? Some of DogEared’s most recent entries include //Witches!: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem// by Rosalyn Schanzer; //The Shadows (Books of Elsewhere #1)// by Jacqueline West; //Eragon// by Christopher Paolini; and //Treasury of Greek Mythology// by Donna Jo Napoli. Check them out! [] = = = = = = = = = = = Star Reader: Amelia Sanders = About once every quarter, we honor one student who has proven to be an exceptional, enthusiastic reader by presenting their picture and a brief interview in our newsletter. This quarter, we turn the spotlight on Amelia Sanders, who has impressed friends, family, and teachers by plowing her way through 25 books in a single month!

Name: Amelia N. Sanders, but I like being called Lia

Age: 14

Family: Mom, Dad, a little sister, and a dog.

Favorite color: blue

Favorite food: peanut butter and marshmallow cream graham cracker sandwiches!

Hobbies: Reading (duh!), singing, playing video games, and collecting stuffed animals.

All-time favorite book: //Howl’s Moving Castle// by Diana Wynne Jones. This book has it all! Spells, curses, humor, adventure, mystery, action, romance, unique settings, and lots of interesting characters! I especially like Sophie, because she is very independent and doesn’t let anything get her down for long.

Why is reading important to you?: Words are everywhere, so if you can’t read, you’re gonna end up having a lot of trouble. Also, it’s just fun and convenient! Books are easy to take places, and they don’t need batteries or a charger to work. As long as you have enough light to see, you’re good to go!