Roles of the School Library Media Specialist The role of the media specialist is one of the most important in the school. Britney Keith Practicum MEDT 7487

“Creating a foundation of lifelong learning is at the heart of the school library media program.” Library 2.0 and Beyond states that creating a foundation of lifelong learning is at the heart of the school library media program. This is the main goal of the media program. The goal is to help students gain knowledge as well as instill a love of reading into each and every child.

Teacher Collaborates with students Analyze learning and information needs Teach reference and media skills One role of a media specialist is that of a teacher. There are so many teachable moments that happen in the media center each and every day. Reference and literary skills may be taught to classes that have signed up, showing students how to use the OPAC and locate materials individually or as a group, and collaborating about student interests are just a few of the ways in which a media specialist acts as a teacher.

Instructional Partner Collaborate with teachers and administration Work with school community The media specialist is also an instructional partner with teachers and administrators. It is important to collaborate with teachers in order to plan, implement, and assess literacy skills correlated with state standards. Through this collaboration, the most effective teaching can be done by both the teacher and the media specialist. Collaboration also helps teachers with finding materials that may supplement and enhance the lessons that are taught in the classroom.

Information Specialist The media specialist has to be knowledgeable of all of the various resources of information and how to use them. He/she also needs to be able distinguish between accurate and age-appropriate information and information that is not. Expertise in acquiring and evaluating information resources in various formats Awareness of information issues when collaborating Focuses on the nature, quality, and ethical uses of information

Program Administrator Defines the policies of the LMP Guide and direct related activities Advocate for the SLM program Knowledge, vision, and leadership Creative and energetic with 21st century technology and issues Manages staff, budgets, equipment, and facilities As a program administrator, the media specialist has so many responsibilities. He/she is the one who works with the media committee to set goals and objectives for the media program. Activities planned are then implemented by the media specialist. The media specialist also needs to be one who can manage staff members and volunteers who are working in the media center, manage the budget and spend it according to the needs of the media center, and manage all of the many materials and resources acquired.

Example of Roles of the SLMS Teacher: I will take on a role as a teacher when teaching information literacy and research skills to students and classes. Instructional Partner: I will collaborate with teachers to identify the needs of the students to determine the skills that are mastered and the skills that need continued work. As a teacher in the media center, I will teach reference and literacy skills to students individually, in small groups, or in a whole class setting. I will collaborate with teachers to ensure that they know the resources available to them and to plan instruction geared toward the needs of the students.

More Examples of Roles of the SLMS Information Specialist: I will stay up-to-date with information resources in various formats. I will provide many resources for students to use and be knowledgeable of what those resources provide. Program Administrator: I will have a program planned that will meet the needs of the students, teachers, and administration. Having a program plan that maps out the next two years will also be done to create long-term goals for the SLM program. I will continue to learn new resources and stay up-to-date with the latest technology and materials available. I will also work to create a media program that serves all stakeholders and encourages reading.

Other Roles/Responsibilities Diversity of materials Culture Incorporate information literacy standards with state performance standards As a media specialist, I serve all students, not just one race or culture. Because of this, the materials available need to reflect the diversity of the population and of the world.

“The school library media specialist can use the information literacy standards for student learning to create and maintain a program for a broad learning community—students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the neighborhood—that will support lifelong learning.” The use of information literacy standards will help to create lifelong learners and maintain a program that supports all stakeholders.

References Information Powers: Building parterships for learning. (1998). Chicago: American Library Association.