Did You Know?!

Tamblyn GreenMDIT 6466

The Role of the Media Specialist

The library is more than just a place to check out books, it’s a central location that should be used for research, studying, and communication.

“A [school librarian] is a teacher extraordinaire, since he/she knows how to find and select appropriate materials, knows the reading materials needed by students and how to match the reading and interest level of materials to the students.”

- Cynthia Anderson

Benefits of Having a Media Program

• Large, varied, and up-to-date collections. • One or more full-time qualified librarians. • Library support staff large enough and skilled

enough to free certificated librarians from routine clerical duties.

• Networked computers providing student and faculty access to catalogs, licensed databases, and the Internet.

The relationship between media specialists and administration is pivotal to providing a beneficial library service to the staff, students, and parents alike. (IP)

A SLMS is…

• A Library Media Specialist is a teacher.• A Library Media Specialist is a collaborator.• A Library Media Specialist is a resource

locator.• A Library Media Specialist is a communicator.• A Library Media Specialist is a leader.• A Library Media Specialist is a professional

development provider.

A SLMS is…

• A Library Media Specialist is an innovator.• A Library Media Specialist has a global

perspective.• A Library Media Specialist loves to learn.• A Library Media Specialist is a technology

integrator.• But most of all, the Library Media

Specialist does not work alone.

Research shows…

• Schools with stronger school library programs average between 10% and 20% higher test scores on standardized tests.

• When researchers control for key school and community differences, the library still explains between 3% and 8% of the test score variation.

- Dr. Keith Curry Lance from Reading Today

Research Shows

Students Score Higher When:

• There is a full time SLMS.• There is support staff.• The program that is aligned with and supports

the curriculum and state standards.• More resources, such as books and periodicals,

that have a current copyright date. • A technology rich environment and an

automated collection.

Principals Can Help:

• Sufficiently fund the media program• Hire a certified/professional media specialist

and support staff• Encourage a diverse format collection and

technology to make the collection accessible beyond the media center

• Recognize and use the media specialist as a trainer for teachers

-Lance, 2003

How can you help your program?

• Support the program financially. Budget for:– A School Library Media Specialist– Support staff– New materials– Renewals for periodicals and electronic resources– New AV equipment – Software upgrades– Special events and programs– Conference attendance – Professional organization membership fees– Basic office supplies

Verbs that can help your SLMS

• Visit-be visible, visit the library frequently.

• Advocate-Hire support staff and recruit volunteers, so the librarian can spend more time collaborating with teachers and working with students.

• Encourage-information literacy in a variety of formats.

Verbs that can help your SLMS

• Communicate- let your goals and expectations be known

• Observe - annually evaluate the performance of the SLMS.

• Model -model reading in the school.• Know- national and state standards regarding

the library/media center, as well as Information Power.

References:

American Association of School Librarians. (1998). Information power: building partnerships for learning. Washington, D.C.: American Library Association.

Anderson, C. (2007). Adequate yearly progress (AYP) at your library media center. Library Media Connection, 25(4), 22-24. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from the Academic Search Complete database.

Baldini, M. (2008). The Principal's Project: ILILE's Newest Initiative. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 25(2), 55-58. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Baughman, J. (2000, October 26). Baughman Paper. School libraries and MCAS scores. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from web.simmons.edu/~baughman/mcas-school-libraries/Baughman%20Paper.pdf

References (cont.)Church, A. P. (2009). The principal factor. Library Media Connection, 27(6), 40-41.

Retrieved from http://www.linworth.com/pdf/lmc/reviews_and_articles/tables_of_contents/lmc_May_June_2009_toc.pdf

Hartzell, G. (2003). Why Should Principals Support School Libraries?. Teacher Librarian, 31(2), 21-23. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Harvey II, C. (2008). Principal Perspective, Part 1: The Role of the Library Media Specialist. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 25(2), 51-53. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Loertscher, D. (2007). Research and school libraries: knowing the basic sources. Teacher Librarian, 34(5), 23-26. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database

Lance, K., & Loertscher, D. V. (2003). Power. Powering Achievement 2nd Edition: School Library media Programs Make a Difference. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/2nd/power2.htm

References:

Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., & Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2005). ILStudy2. Powerful libraries make powerful learners. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from www.islma.org/pdf/ILStudy2.pdf

Libraries called Key. (2004). Reading Today, 21(4), 1-4. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from the Academic Search Complete database.

McGhee, M. W., & Jansen, B. A. (2006). The principal component: bringing your administrator on board. Library Media Connection, 24(4), 34-35. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from the MasterFILE Premier database.

Zmuda, A., & Harada, V. H. (2008). Reframing the Library Media Specialist as a Learning Specialist. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 24(8), 42-46. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from the Academic Search Complete database.