"The goal of the school library media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access 'to books and reading, to information, and to information technology.'"
Focuses on the development and management of library services in schools, including collection development, instruction, and collaboration with teachers and other stakeholders.
Library Media Centers: Explains what library media centers are, what their purpose is, and how they function. It also outlines the characteristics of an effective library media center.
Collection Development: Describes how to select and acquire materials that support the school's curriculum, conform to the library's collection policy, and meet the needs of the school community.
Information Literacy Skills: Defines information literacy and provides information on how to teach information literacy skills. It also explains how information literacy can be integrated into the curriculum.
Collaboration with Teachers: Explains the importance of collaboration between school librarians and teachers to support learning and achieve learning goals. It outlines ways school librarians can work with teachers to plan and deliver effective lessons.
Technology Tools: Provides information on how school librarians can use technology tools to support teaching, learning, and information access. It outlines the characteristics of effective technology integration.
Information Sources: Describes the different types of information sources available to students and teachers, including databases, online encyclopedias, and e-books, and how to use them effectively.
Collection Maintenance: Outlines the procedures and policies involved in maintaining the library’s collection, including weeding, shelving, and circulation. It also addresses the importance of keeping up with new publications and updates.
Literacy Promotion: Explains how school librarians can promote reading and literacy in their school, including developing reading programs or special projects to encourage reading and share the love of books with students and teachers.
Cataloging and Classification: Defines the principles and practices of library cataloging and classification, including the use of standardized systems such as Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, or local systems.
Advocacy: Describes the need for advocacy for school libraries and librarians, and explains how to develop effective advocacy messages and strategies. It outlines ways school librarians can work with stakeholders to obtain funds and resources to support the library program.
"School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as 'learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"Researchers have demonstrated that school libraries have a positive impact on student achievement through the more than 60 studies that have been conducted in 19 U.S. states and one Canadian province."
"Researchers have conducted more than 60 studies in 19 U.S. states and one Canadian province."
"The major finding of these studies was that students with access to a well-supported school library media program with a qualified school library media specialist, scored higher on reading assessments regardless of their socio-economic statuses."
"A study conducted in Ohio revealed that 99.4% of students surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them succeed in school."
"A school library media center 'uses all types of media... is automated, and utilizes the Internet [as well as books] for information gathering.'"
"Students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources in a school library."
"A school library serves as the center and coordinating agency for all material used in the school."
"The overall aim of a school library is to ensure equitable access to books, reading, information, and information technology for all members of the school community."
"A report that reported similar conclusions was compiled by Michele Lonsdale in Australia in 2003."
"99.4% of students surveyed believed that their school librarians and school library media programs helped them succeed in school."
"A school library media center 'uses...information technology' alongside books for information gathering."
"School libraries serve as 'learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"A school library media center ensures that all members of the school community have equitable access to resources."
"A school library media center ensures access 'to books and reading.'"
"School libraries serve as learner-oriented laboratories that 'individualize the school's curriculum.'"
"A school library media center is 'automated.'"
"A school library media center 'utilizes the Internet [as well as books] for information gathering.'"
"Students with access to a well-supported school library media program 'scored higher on reading assessments regardless of their socio-economic statuses.'"