Tamblyn Green MDIT 6466

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

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 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 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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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), 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), 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

Church, A. P. (2009). The principal factor. Library Media Connection, 27(6), Retrieved from May_June_2009_toc.pdf Hartzell, G. (2003). Why Should Principals Support School Libraries?. Teacher Librarian, 31(2), 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), Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Loertscher, D. (2007). Research and school libraries: knowing the basic sources. Teacher Librarian, 34(5), 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

Lance, K. C., Rodney, M. J., & Hamilton-Pennell, C. (2005). ILStudy2. Powerful libraries make powerful learners. Retrieved February 12, 2010, from 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), 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), Retrieved February 12, 2010, from the Academic Search Complete database.