Transcript Roles of a Media Specialist

ROLES OF A MEDIA
SPECIALIST
By DeeAnn Robinson
American Association of School Librarians
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States:
“In their unique roles as information
specialist, teacher, and instructional
consultant, library media specialists
actively participate in both the planning
and implementation of outcomes-based
education.”
Many Roles of a Media Specialist
Teacher
 Instructional Partner
 Information Specialist
 Program Administrator
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Teacher
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Collaborates with students
Locates and uses materials
Plans, implements, and evaluates programs and
lessons
Integrates literacy skills
Teaches research skills
Knowledgeable about current research
Provides staff development for teachers
Instructional Partner
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Information Power: Guidelines For School Library
Media Programs states:
“A fundamental responsibility of the library media
specialist is to provide the leadership and expertise
necessary to ensure that the library media program
is an integral part of the instructional program of
the school.” (AASL/AECT, 1988)
Instructional Partner
Plans collaboratively with teachers
 Help teachers in the design,
implementation, and evaluation of
instruction
 Provide information on available
resources
 Provide information on new technology
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Information Specialist
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Provides students and teachers with information skills for
gathering, acquiring, and applying information
Models strategies for locating, accessing, and evaluating
materials
Previews and selects resources in all formats
Makes teachers and administrators aware of new resources
and technologies available
Serves as a resource for technology support in the school
Program Administrator
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Develops the policies and procedures
Directs all activities related to the media center
Promotes literacy
Joins professional organizations
Advocates for the media program
Highlights programs to parents and community
Ensures that the media program is part of the
instructional program
Manages staff, budget, equipment, and facilities
Orders materials
Final Thoughts
Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning
states:
“Students today live in a challenging, exciting world of
information within a society that is increasingly
dependent on knowledge. A dynamic, student-centered
library media program fosters information literacy and
lifelong learning—the basis for true information power.
The school library media specialist’s opportunities for
cultivating authentic, information-based learning have
never been greater, and the responsibilities are also
more crucial than ever before.”
References
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ALA | AASL Position Statement on the Role of the Library Media Specialist in
Outcomes-Based Education. (n.d.). ALA | Home - American Library Association.
Retrieved June 16, 2010, from
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/positionstatements/aaslposit
ionstatementrolelibrary.cfm
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Berkowitz., E., R., Eisenberg., & B. , M. (n.d.). Curriculum Roles and
Responsibilities of Library Media Specialists. Library Instruction.Com Resources for Library Instruction.. Retrieved June 8, 2010, from
http://www.libraryinstruction.com/curriculum-roles.html
School Library Media Programs: Library Media Specialist--Four Roles. (n.d.).
Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD. Retrieved June 8, 2010,
from http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd
various. (1998). Collaboration, Leadership, and Technology. Information
Power,Building Partnerships for Learning, 1998 publication (p. 47). United
States: American Library Association,1998.
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