Enrich the mind . . . to empower the future!

“School libraries are essential learning resources and librarians are the essential ‘guide inside’ our schools, leading everyday teaching and learning toward methods and outcomes that best prepare our students for the challenges of the 21st century.” (Trilling, 2010)

Better test scores due to: Students checking out more books because they are able to visit the media center more often. (Helgren and Lance, 2010)

Better test scores due to: Schools having computer networks that extend the library media program’s reach into classrooms and labs, reading scores rise 18-25%. (Lance, Rodney, & Hamilton-Pennell, 2000)

Better test scores due to: When library media staff collaborate with classroom teachers, reading scores average increases of 18-21%. (Lance, Rodney, & Hamilton-Pennell, 2000)

Better test scores due to: Librarians holding meetings and/or trainings for teachers/students. As well as meeting regularly with the schools Principal. (Helgren and Lance, 2010)

Better test scores due to: Schools with well-developed library media programs average 10-18% higher reading scores. (Lance, Rodney, & Hamilton-Pennell, 2000)

Better test scores due to: When access to library media centers is scheduled flexibly, reading scores improve 13-22%. (Lance, Rodney, & Hamilton-Pennell, 2000)

Media Specialist duties to achieve student success: Ensure available before and after school hours for students to receive extra help or complete assignments. During this time, make yourself available to assist with questions. Be a part of teacher meetings to learn of their needs. Collaborate with teachers to assist in student trainings on web tools and effective research techniques. Hold training sessions/ meetings for teachers to keep them abreast of new techniques and web tools they can utilize in their classrooms. Set-up a by-weekly schedule for teachers to sign-up and bring in their students to check out books. Flexible schedule for constant flow of teachers, classes and students all throughout the day. Create a website to help ensure that web tools have easy access not only at school, but at home as well. Attend meetings with teachers, administration, and other county officials to keep abreast of all activities. Market and promote books and activities within the media center to keep patrons coming inside.

Principals role to achieve student success: Provide sufficient funding to help keep the media center stocked with new technology and books. Meet with the media specialist to collaborate on goals for the media center on a regular basis. Arrange time for teachers to collaborate and utilize the media center and media specialist offerings. Encourage students to make use of the media center before, during and after school. Work with the media specialist to have a flexible work schedule in order to come in later to have media center stay open later or vice versa. (Helps for open media center time for students to complete school work.)

References Baughman, J. (2000, October 26). School libraries and MCAS scores . Retrieved from http://web.simmons.edu/~baughman/mcaschoollibraries/BaughmanPaper.pdf Helgren, J. and Lance, K.C.. (2010) The Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement: Exploring the School Library Impact Studies. Retrieved from http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf Lance, K. C. (2000). How school librarians help kids achieve standards: The second Colorado study. Retrieved from http://www.lrs.org/documents/lmcstudies/CO/CO2brochure.pdf Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., & Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2000). Measuring up to standards: The impact of school library programs & information literacy in Pennsylvania schools. Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf Smith, Ester G. (2006). Student learning through Wisconsin school library media centers: Library media specialist survey report. Retrieved from Department of Public Instruction website: http://imt.dpi.wi.gov/files/imt/pdf/finallmssurvey06.pdf