Heather Brown Jana Bowling

 Media Center collection needs to be updated to provide relevant resources to every learner as student populations change  Media program increase student learning  Need for new technology  Teacher collaboration to improve instruction  Students learn information literacy skills  In-service training to teachers  Instructional Materials plays a vital role in classroom instruction  Professional Resources for Teachers  School TV news programs

 There is a perception that the library media program is an “extra” outside of the regular instructional program. In actuality, library media program represent the greatest assembly of learning tools in a school.  The library is an extension of instruction. We focus on reading in elementary school because with reading, you can extend your learning.  The media specialist: better taught lessons in a classroom, assists students with projects, warm and welcoming media specialists invite students to learn and explore, and can develop a life-long love for reading in students.  As opposed to the media program being an “extra”, the media program is more like a foundation for student learning. (Wisely, 2003)

 Focus advocacy efforts on individuals who have an effect on school library media policies, practice, and funding such as: School principal County Superintendant School Board Federal legislatures Teachers who may make budget decisions related to title 1 funds, special ed. Gifted, etc. Prominent community members Leaders of community organizations (Dickinson, 2009)

 Take the “Advocacy Challenge” Make a list of people that may have an effect on your school library media program Create a graphic organizer to show the flow in which these people influence funding for your program. Chose 5-10 people who most effect your funding, and gather their contact information. Create an action plan that focuses on building a relationship that will strengthen support for your program. (Dickinson, 2009)

 When expressing budget needs, always verbalize that purchasing decisions are based on student need, with academic achievement in mind.  Give statistics on per-pupil expenditures and make comparison on a state or local level. Principals or Board of Education members may view this as a rivalry.  Prepare projected budgets for many years in advance.  Make sure procedures are in place to account for all funding and received items.  Take advantage of outside funding such as PTO or community groups.  Look into ordering online subscriptions with other schools in your district.  Illustrate library statistics visually through charts and graphs. (Young, 2008)

 A quote regarding congressional staff from Chen’s The Importance of the Library Media Specialist as a Political Voice: “Those who have received letters, photographs, newsletters, and contacts will consider the issue to be of interest to their constituents. Those who have heard a “story” about how this issue affects students will be more likely to remember the issue. Those who have been invited to visit their local library media centers will value the “story” because they have witnessed and internalized a reaction.” (Chen, 2007)

 Strategies to make politics local (applicable to BOE members and legislatures): Know your elected officials Jot down vital facts about officials and keep by the phone Invite every official to your school Take photos with your digital camera and make it a photo op! Toot your own horn Serve your patrons Make a face to face visit at the local office. Be an expert of your field If you don’t know the answer, be truthful! Do the research and get back with them. Get involved in a broader educational group. (Chen, 2007)

Legislators and Board of Education Members are more likely to hear what you have to say if you are informed, persuasive, courteous, and have effective communication skills. (Williams, 2007)

 Tips to Establish Good Relationships with Legislators/ Board Members: Establish a friendly relationship Share your true feelings, and give real examples on what has happened in your school system Speak to the BOE member if you see them. Be factual and statistic based when presenting information Stay educated on the issues Show your appreciation for their time regardless of the outcome (Williams, 2007)

 In order to encourage the school board and your principal to give your SLM the budget you KNOW you deserve, know your stuff!  Be aware of your school board representatives: Douglas County School Systems Board of Education  Know your school’s strengths and weaknesses in your collection: Titlewave Resources

 Stay aware of the current trends and technologies that you would find useful: - Resources like “Tech and Learning” - List Serv recommendations: LM_NETLM_NET - Other resources we have used in this course  Write a letter/ to your school board representatives that indicates your needs and wants using the information we have found.

 Build a Constituency that would come to your defense if a budget cut is proposed.  Publicize your work  Develop school-wide programs and incentives  Productivity reports to administrators  Make sure teachers see you are a resource  Your library should be the hub of the school  Make connections (Geier, 2007)

Chen, D.R. (2007). The Importance of the Library Media Specialist as a Political Voice. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 23(10), Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Dickinson, G.K. (2009). Building the Plan. Library Media Connection, 28(1), 7. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Geier, D.B. (2007). Prevent a Disaster in Your Library: Advertise. Library Media Connection. 25(4), Retrieved November 25, 2009 from References

Williams, M.C. (2007). Politics are Local and Relational. School Library Media Activities Monthly. 23(7), Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Wisely, S.R. (2003). Library Media: An Integral Part of the Instructional Program. Teacher Librarian. 31(1), 63. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from Young, R.R. (2008). Eight easy steps to maintain and increase the library media center budget. Library Media Connection, 26(4), Retrieved November 25, 2009 from References