Function of the School Library Media Center Britany Howell LM 563 University of West Alabama

Function of the Library Media Center Provide a wide range of resources and information that accommodate the needs and interests of students Provide a setting where students develop skills they will need to locate, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information and ideas Serves ALL students of the community Collection should include materials to meet the needs of all learners Promote the importance of valuing the freedom to read

Function of the Library Media Center Technology-rich learning environment with an array of information resources Focus on the process of learning rather than giving out information Combines effective learning and teaching strategies with activities Create and maintain a program for a broad learning community – students, teachers, parents, administration, and community

Vision of the School Library Media Center To create a foundation for lifelong learning To guarantee every young person an equal and effective educational opportunity

Vision of the School Library Media Center Enforce a library media program that promotes student reading, such as: Connecting a reluctant reader with the right book to motivate him/her to read Help a poor reader comprehend better by teaching about “signal” words Encourage a good reader to challenge themselves by choosing a more difficult book Entice a young author to publish his/her book

Goals of the School Library Media Center Ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information Provide intellectual access to information through integrated learning activities that help children achieve information literacy To provide physical access to information by: Organizing diverse collections Systematic procedure for accessing information outside the library media center

Goals of the School Library Media Center Provide learning experiences that encourage students to become discriminating consumers Provide a program that functions as the information center of the school Provide resources and activities for learning that represent a diversity of experiences, opinions, and social and cultural perspectives

Services that should be offered to students Flexible scheduling Instruction led by the library media specialist on a regular basis Technology-enhanced programs

Services that should be offered to teachers Leadership Collaboration Partnership Training

Services that should be offered to the community Diverse collections that represent various points of view on current and historical issues Adult Education Non-discriminatory environment that is conducive to learning

Role of the Library Media Specialist Should be a leader in carrying out the school’s instructional program Serve as an information specialist Teacher Instructional Consultant Is part of a planning and teaching team with the classroom Teaches information literacy Provides one-on-one tutoring for students in need

Role of the Library Media Specialist Serves as program administrator Trainer who provides in-service programs for teachers on resource-based learning, integrating information literacy into the curriculum, and getting the most out of technology Manage networked technology

Principal’s Role Provide access to information for students and staff Collaborate with teachers so every student learns to access, evaluate, and use information Join in the learning community to encourage every student to read, view, and listen for information enjoyment

Principal’s Role Administer a planned program that provides a welcoming environment that is conducive to learning Ensure that library media services match the needs and preferences of the school community Know the condition of your school’s collection

References American Association of School Librarians & Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (1998). Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: American Library Association. American Library & American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Position Statement on the Role of the School Library Media Program. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu American Library & American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Position Statement on the Value of Library Media Programs in Education. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu Lance, Keith C. (1994). The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement. SLMQ, 22. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu

References Lance, Keith C., Rodney, Marcia J., & Hamilton-Pennell, Christine. (2000). How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu Lance, Keith C. (2001). The Importance of School Libraries. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu Lance, Keith C. (2001). Proof of Power: Quality Library Media Programs Affect Academic Achievement. Multimedia Schools. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu Literacy Partners. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu