Empowering Learners, Chapter 3

Empowering Learners, Chapter 3

            This chapter of the book, Empowering Learners talks about the planning and evaluating of the School Library Media Program SLMP (AASL, 30); Staffing (AASL, 32) and The Learning Space (AASL, 33).

Planning and Evaluating the SLMP

There needs to be long-range, calculated plan that includes a mission statement, setting and accomplishing goals and objectives. One way to accomplish this plan is for the Library Media Specialist LMS to design a mission statement that really lets people know why the library and the LMS is really there and what they want to happen in regards to the facility, staff and students. I think even before a mission statement is hashed out or goals and objectives are set, the LMS needs to evaluate the needs of the staff and students and the demographics of the community through interviews and surveys. This can help the LMS to formulate a mission statement and establish goals and objectives, as well as keep the program headed in the right direction in the future. After the goals and objectives are determined, then achievement steps and realistic timelines need to be created. Some type of success assessment needs to be made in order to know if the goals were reached. “Quantitative data include surveys, reports and statistics. Qualitative data are collected through interviews, observation and journaling . . .” (AASL, 31)

            The LMS must always be looking at short and long-term goals, assessing the needs of the people and the program and determining the strengths and weaknesses of the program. This is called an action plan. The LMS must also be able to determine what, if any money is needed to complete the goals and objectives. He or she will work with the principal to make sure the staff knows the plan and works together to accomplish it.

Staffing

            The SLMP must have at least one full-time, licensed Library Media Specialist who determines the staffing needs based on the instructional aspects of the program, size of the library, the services that are provided, the number of teachers and students and the traffic patterns of the students and teachers. This person is supposed to help select, train and evaluate additional support staff as well as provide job descriptions and assign tasks. Regular feedback and evaluations are necessary to make sure all the staff is actively supporting the goals and objectives.

The Learning Space

            In this section, the discussion is about the physical and virtual space of the library. It should be inviting, comfortable and conducive to learning—for both the individual and for groups. The hours should fit the needs of the students and teachers, not the library staff. The physical space should also fit the needs of the learners—open spaces for events and large groups; comfortable chairs and tables grouped together for small group collaboration; multimedia lab; individual chairs in quieter spaces for those who just want to read or study; and computers and video games for group fun.

            The LMS should also have  a Web site  for round the clock access to information such as databases,  homework assignments, links to other sites and more. It’s important for the LMS to make sure the equipment and technology is up to date but also in good working order, to enhance the learning experience.

Works Cited:

Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. Chicago: American Association of School Libraries, 2009.

Lori Jane Perdew
LIS 5240