Function of the School
Library Media Center
Britany Howell
LM 563
University of West Alabama
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
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
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
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
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
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
Services that should be
offered to students

Flexible scheduling
 Instruction led by the
library media specialist on
a regular basis
 Technology-enhanced
programs
Services that should be
offered to teachers
 Leadership
 Collaboration
 Partnership
 Training
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
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
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
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
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
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: http://www.bb.uwa.edu
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:
http://www.bb.uwa.edu
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: http://www.bb.uwa.edu
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: http://www.bb.uwa.edu
Lance, Keith C. (2001). The Importance of School Libraries. Retrieved December
4, 2007, from The University of West Alabama Web site:
http://www.bb.uwa.edu
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: http://www.bb.uwa.edu
Literacy Partners. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from The University of West
Alabama Web site: http://www.bb.uwa.edu