What Does Your School Media Specialist Do? Presented by : Jessica Somers

What do you think of when you think of a librarian? "Librarians always look like librarians who are trying not to look like librarians. Even librarians who try not to look like librarians look like librarians trying not to look like librarians." ~Unknown

The role of 21st Century School Media Specialist looks very different! Things have changed!!!!! The role of 21st Century School Media Specialist looks very different! The roles have changed with the change in technology.

The SLMS Roles Teachers Instructional partners Information Specialists Program Administrators According the ALA’s Information Power, the SLMS has 4 distinct roles.

We are teachers… Collaborate with students and faculty Research Skills Access, evaluation, and how to use information We collaborate with teachers and students to meet the needs. To be information literate, we teach research skills: how to locate the information, how to make sure this is valuable information and also ways to use this information or present this information.

What we teach… Evaluating Websites Creating a Bibliography Using online databases Research Skills Web 2.0 Using Media Locating Information Presenting information How to Use Primary Resources Note-taking Graphic Organizers “Collaboration is the life force behind Inquiry-based instruction” ~Harada & Yoshina

Instructional Partners Our job is to know the curriculum! Develop authentic learning experiences Our job is to know the curriculum. We can help make your life easier by providing ideas and resources in print, non print, and electronic resources. We will collaborate with you to develop authentic learning experiences and

Information Specialist Know when information is needed Locate Evaluate Apply Communicate Leadership & Expertise The SLMS will teach students information literacy skills. They will be able to recognize when information is needed. How to locate information effectively and efficiently. Evaluate the information found Effectively use the information Communicate the information in its various formats. (Eisenberg 5)

Program Specialist Manages the Library Orders new materials Develops Policies Catalogs The LMS manages the staff, volunteers, equipment, physical space, overall operation of the LMC LMS orders new materials based on the needs of the curriculum and the student population and requests from faculty and students. Develops policies related to the library including selection policy, challenged book policy, Catalogs the collection to fit the needs of the library. Makes it easier for you to find the materials you need.

What are Information Literacy Skills What are Information Literacy Skills? If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research! --Albert Einstein

Information Literate Students Our Goal Information Literate Students = Lifelong Learners Our goal is to have our students become information literate by knowing when they need to access information, how to locate this information, how to evaluate this information, apply and use this information, and communicate the information. By creating an information literate student we are creating life-long learners. These skills will allow our students to become informed citizens and use information to better their life.

How we achieve this goal… Using an Information Process Model Collaborating with teachers to incorporate information literacy skills Making reading fun! Having a set information process model for the school will allow consistency and create a plan the student can use to complete their research. I like to use the Big6 Model. Collaborating with other teachers allows the information literacy standards to be incorporated into the other curriculum creating authentic learning experience. Information literacy skills are easier to learn when incorporated with a current project- it becomes more relevant. Make reading is fun- we want our students to be life-long readers- when we get life long readers we push toward information literate students.

Information Literacy Skills What does Information Literacy Skills look like in the classroom? Handout the information literacy standards. Discuss each one and have the teachers think of ways to incorporate them into their curriculum.

Let’s take a look at the Information Literacy Standards….

Standard 1 Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.

In the Classroom Students Will... Pose questions and investigate answers for deeper meaning. Be independent about choosing resources and information. Use multiple types of resources and formats. Question the validity and accuracy of all information.

Standard 2 Draw Conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.

In the Classroom Students Will… Be flexible, by using information strategies and seeking other resources when their question isn’t answered clearly. Uses divergent and convergent thinking skills. Draws conclusions from the evidence Demonstrates learning by completing products.

Standard 3 Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.

In the Classroom Student Will… Exhibit leadership skills by presenting ideas both formally and informally. Participates actively in group discussions. Be a team player by working productively with others.

Standard 4 Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

In the Classroom Students Will… Pursue their interests through a variety of formats. Seek information about things that personally interest them. Be open to new ideas and opinions by seeking information. Read for pleasure in a variety of genres.

I hope to be working with you soon!!!! Thank you for your time! I hope to be working with you soon!!!!