6/25/10
Professional Teaching Standards
for
Library Information Specialists
A Library Information Specialist has the knowledge and skills to create active learning environments that
ensure that students and staff are effective users and producers of ideas and information. The Library
Information Specialist performs the following roles: Instructional Leader; Teacher of Information Literacy
Skills and Reading Advocacy; Collaborative Resource; and Information Manager.
The following performance standards for Library Information Specialists support the implementation of a
comprehensive Library Information Specialist program.
1.
A Library Information Specialist’s role as an active participant in Instructional Leadership is
demonstrated by:

Providing and/or facilitating formal and informal professional development based on staff needs as
related to:
o Information literacy and the research process
o Reading advocacy
o Instructional technologies
o Intellectual property

Aligning the library program to contribute to the school improvement plan

Developing as a professional educator by participating in learning communities
2.
A Library Information Specialist’s role to create and maintain effective learning environments for
students is demonstrated by:

Setting expectations and monitoring student behavior

Developing positive relationships with students

Working effectively with diverse learners at all levels

Coordinating school resources and personnel, as necessary

Using effective teaching strategies to engage students in learning, including
o Clear and effective communication
o Designing and facilitating activities for engaging diverse learners
3.
A Library Information Specialist’s role as Teacher of Information Literacy is demonstrated by:

Designing and implementing lessons that integrate problem-solving and information literacy skills
with content curriculum

Supporting the Edmonds Research process as it relates to established models, e.g. CBAs,
culminating projects, senior projects

Teaching information literacy, e.g. use of databases, note-taking tools, internet skills,
communication tools

Facilitating ethical standards, e.g. copyright, internet safety, plagiarism

Assisting students and staff in identifying, locating, and interpreting information

Teaching and assisting in the use of technology to access information outside the school

Creating learning opportunities that encourage the use of appropriate technologies to communicate
ideas

Integrating technology to enhance learning
4.
A Library Information Specialist’s role as a Reading Advocate is demonstrated by:
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
Offering a wide variety of activities that encourage a love of reading, literature appreciation, and
reading for understanding. Examples include:
o Creating a positive climate that celebrates and values reading
o
Supporting students in development of comprehension strategies, including critical thinking
skills for lifelong learning and personal enrichment
o
Guiding students in selecting materials at levels that facilitate the reading process
5.
A Library Information Specialist’s role as a Collaborative Resource is demonstrated by:
 Participating in building, district, department, and grade level curriculum development as appropriate
 Working collaboratively with teachers to facilitate instructional activities that integrate information
literacy and research skills
 Offering teachers assistance in acquiring and accessing instructional materials
 Providing expertise in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of instructional technologies
 Encouraging use of the library and its resources to support learning and individual growth
6.
The Library Information Specialist’s role as Information Manager is demonstrated by:
 Training and managing library staff and volunteers
 Providing flexible student and staff access to library
 Providing rich and diverse resources for meeting learning and personal needs
 Making resources available to students and staff through a systematically developed library
collection and through access to resources outside the school
 Promoting policies and procedures to ensure equitable access to information
 Articulating issues and procedures surrounding intellectual property such as copyright and fair use
 Articulating intellectual freedom issues and managing challenges to materials knowledgeable and
diplomatically
 Providing access to resources through an accurate and efficient management system
 Providing timely and accessible information about new materials, equipment and services that
meet information needs and interests
 Selecting and ordering high quality resources
 Managing the library media budget
 Providing coordination and liaison with technical support personnel
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