1. Function of the School Library Media Center
Britany Howell
LM 563
University of West Alabama

2. Function of the Library Media Center
Provide a wide range of resources and information that accommodate the needs and interests of students
Provide a setting where students develop skills they will need to locate, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information and ideas
Serves ALL students of the community
Collection should include materials to meet the needs of all learners
Promote the importance of valuing the freedom to read

3. Function of the Library Media Center
Technology-rich learning environment with an array of information resources
Focus on the process of learning rather than giving out information
Combines effective learning and teaching strategies with activities
Create and maintain a program for a broad learning community – students, teachers, parents, administration, and community

4. Vision of the School Library Media Center
To create a foundation for lifelong learning
To guarantee every young person an equal and effective educational opportunity

5. Vision of the School Library Media Center
Enforce a library media program that promotes student reading, such as:
Connecting a reluctant reader with the right book to motivate him/her to read
Help a poor reader comprehend better by teaching about “signal” words
Encourage a good reader to challenge themselves by choosing a more difficult book
Entice a young author to publish his/her book

6. Goals of the School Library Media Center
Ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information
Provide intellectual access to information through integrated learning activities that help children achieve information literacy
To provide physical access to information by:
Organizing diverse collections
Systematic procedure for accessing information outside the library media center

7. Goals of the School Library Media Center
Provide learning experiences that encourage students to become discriminating consumers
Provide a program that functions as the information center of the school
Provide resources and activities for learning that represent a diversity of experiences, opinions, and social and cultural perspectives

8. Services that should be offered to students
Flexible scheduling
Instruction led by the library media specialist on a regular basis
Technology-enhanced programs

9. Services that should be offered to teachers
Leadership
Collaboration
Partnership
Training

10. Services that should be offered to the community
Diverse collections that represent various points of view on current and historical issues
Adult Education
Non-discriminatory environment that is conducive to learning

11. Role of the Library Media Specialist
Should be a leader in carrying out the school’s instructional program
Serve as an information specialist
Teacher
Instructional Consultant
Is part of a planning and teaching
team with the classroom
Teaches information literacy
Provides one-on-one tutoring for students in need

12. Role of the Library Media Specialist
Serves as program administrator
Trainer who provides in-service programs for teachers on resource-based learning, integrating information literacy into the curriculum, and getting the most out of technology
Manage networked technology

13. Principal’s Role Provide access to information for students and staff
Collaborate with teachers so
every student learns to access,
evaluate, and use information
Join in the learning community to encourage every student to read, view, and listen for information enjoyment

14. Principal’s Role
Administer a planned program that provides a welcoming environment that is conducive to learning
Ensure that library media services match the needs and preferences of the school community
Know the condition of your school’s collection

15. References
American Association of School Librarians & Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (1998). Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: American Library Association.
American Library & American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Position Statement on the Role of the School Library Media Program. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
American Library & American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Position Statement on the Value of Library Media Programs in Education. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
Lance, Keith C. (1994). The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement. SLMQ, 22. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:

16. References
Lance, Keith C., Rodney, Marcia J., & Hamilton-Pennell, Christine. (2000). How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
Lance, Keith C. (2001). The Importance of School Libraries. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
Lance, Keith C. (2001). Proof of Power: Quality Library Media Programs Affect Academic Achievement. Multimedia Schools. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
Literacy Partners. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site: