Written by: Joel Miller
The Ultimate Library Media Specialist Resource Guide
As the old saying goes, "knowledge is power." Obtaining knowledge not only allows us to be successful in our current environments, but also to thrive in the future. While there are a number of ways in which individuals who wish to become more knowledgeable can do so, reading books, magazines, and studying online resources may be most effective. Traditionally, large supplies of books, magazines, and online resources are housed in facilities known as libraries. In order to ensure that a library is run in an appropriate and successful manner, library media specialists-or the individuals who organize and manage the facility-must stay on top of current trends in the field. Similarly, understanding the ways in which individuals of all ages learn is essential to promote enhanced knowledge and growth. Similarly, providing visitors with the appropriate document access is important for library media specialists who tout their facilities as being "top-notch." Finally, staying on top of technological trends, such as the use of social media websites, blogs, and other similar features, is essential for all library media specialists.
Becoming a library media specialist is not easy. In fact, in most cases, individuals who wish to obtain employment as a library media specialist must possess at least a four-year degree in the field of library science or information management. Once a degree has been obtained, participation in yearly continuing education classes that provide information about emerging issues is essential for individuals who hope to work in this fascinating field. Library media specialists who are not able to attend scheduled continuing education classes may be able to meet certification requirements by reading journals, listening to recorded lectures, or participating in other, similar programs. Individuals who are interested in finding more information about how to ensure success in the field of library science should review the web pages listed below.
Learning and Teaching
- AASL: American Association of School Librarians-AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner
- Farrington Complex Elementary Library Skills Assessment
- Fixed vs. Flexible Scheduling in Elementary School Library Media Centers: A Continuing Debate
- Project Sails: Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills
- Learn NC: Lesson Plans
- Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: Welcome
- Education World: The Educator's Best Friend-Internet Scavenger Hunts
Information Access
- Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records: Collection Development Training for Arizona Public Libraries
- Evaluating Your Collection: Best Practices for North Texas Libraries
- 2011 University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries: Welcome to University Press Books for Public and Secondary Schools Libraries Online
- The Federal Communications Commission
- Linworth Libraries Unlimited
- Copyright and Fair Use: Stanford University Libraries
- Canadian Publishers' Council: News
Program Administration
- Facts at a Glance: Student Achievement and the School Library Media Program
- A Manual for Developing Policies and Procedures in Australian School Library Resource Centers
- The School Library Media Specialist-Advocacy: Promotion: Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing
- Spanish in our Libraries
- Howard County Public School System: School Library Media-Mission Statement
- Tighter Collaboration Between School and Public Librarians
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Combined School and Public Libraries-Guidelines for Decision Making
Technology
- Scholastic: Teachers-Online Activities and Interactive Learning
- Adventures of Cyberbee: General Mathematics and Teaching Resources
- Web Junction: Library Staff Report Their Use of Online Tools
- Blogging in the Classroom: Tech Integration Lesson Plan
- The Coolest Book Apps for Reading, Getting Free eBooks, and Organizing a Digital Library
- How Librarians can Manage the Unintended Consequences of the Internet
- Virtual Middle School Library: Open 24 Hours a Day
Education and Employment
- San Jose State University: School of Library and Information Science
- Emporia State University: School of Library and Information Management-Tradition, Innovation, and Student-Centered Learning
- Rhode Island Requirements for Special Subjects Certificate: Library Media
- University of Kentucky: College of Education-50 States' Certification Requirements
- American Libraries: Invest in Yourself
- The School at Drexel: College of Information Science and Technology-Job Postings
- Professional and Continuing Education: University of Washington-Certificate in School Library Professional Endorsement
Continuing Education
- Libraries Unlimited: School Library Monthly
- BUBL LINK: Catalogue of Internet Resources-020 Library and Information Sciences
- A History of School Libraries in the School District of Greenville County
- The History of Youth Services Librarianship: A Review of Research Literature
- From Manuscript to Print: The Evolution of the Medieval Book
