LMS: Trained To Serve All Patrons

Who is a library media specialist and what do we do?
(Hmmm. Raising my hand, jumping up and down to answer this one!)
A library media specialist is trained to help people find pertinent information efficiently, critiquing each source for relevance and reliability. A library media specialist serves all patrons, including students, teachers, staff members, administrators and parents by communicating and working with all of them individually, in small groups or large groups. The LMS tracks statistics, seeks out best books in print and digital formats, monitors new technology and spends budget funds wisely for program needs -- which are accessible to everyone. The LMS maintains a web page, reviews and writes about books and technology, is an advocate for library media centers and recommends good books to patrons.
Okay. I'll stop with that, though there is so much more to it. I could've just Googled it. So, I did. Here's the Wikipedia response:
A LMS is a "...teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator. In the teacher role, the school librarian develops and implements curricula relating to information literacy and inquiry....

In the instructional partner role, school librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to create independent learners by fostering students' research, information literacy, technology, communication, and critical thinking skills. As information specialists, school librarians develop a resource base for the school by using the curriculum and student interests to identify and obtain library materials, organize and maintain the library collection in order to promote independent reading and lifelong learning. Materials in the library collection can be located using an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) This role also encompasses many activities relating to technology including the integration of resources in a variety of formats: periodical databases; Web sites; digital video segments; podcasts; blog and wiki content; digital images; virtual classrooms, etc. School librarians are often responsible for audio-visual equipment and are sometimes in charge of school computers and computer networks. As program administrators, school librarians define, lead, and manage school library media programs by establishing library policies; overseeing the library budget; planning the physical and virtual library space; and maintaining a welcoming, positive, and innovative learning atmosphere...."

Pretty good definition, Wikipedia. Our students know though, that Wikipedia is an edited encyclopedia so anyone could edit that definition. Use Wikipedia, but get a second, even a third source to compare facts. Check with me next week for this quarter's Galileo password to use at home. The very best info can be found in the Galileo databases!

Today was a typical day. It's 7:25 a.m. A student walks with me as I unlock the media center doors. I turn on all the computers and the coffee pot for the Info-Literacy Cafe. I turn on the data projector, pull up The Morning Show's Powerpoint and make sure the equipment is ready for the 7:45 a.m. show. It's not. The camera, now 10 years old, flashes a message to "Remove the tape." Again. I remove it, put it back in and the camera likes it.

It's 8:15 a.m. Students are coming individually from various classrooms to check out books. Students return Nooks and Kindles they've had for the past week. I check the devices in on our automated library system, then note the return on the collaborative Google Document I share with teachers. Two students come to check out eReaders early, but must return later when the devices are charged. 

A teacher emails to let me know that a student on the Nook/Kindle list has been placed in ISS. I note that on the Google Document, meaning that student won't get to check out a Nook or Kindle for this round. (He will get another chance later.) I hand out more copies of our Bring Your Own Device User Agreement so students may use their eReaders from home at school and know the correct way to use them. I hand out more copies of our Nook/Kindle User Agreement for students who want to check out a Nook or Kindle from the media center. This part of our program is based on good behavior, attendance, no school fines or overdue books. Teacher, staff input are considered each round. 

It's 8:45 a.m. An eighth grade student with his iPad wants to check out a digital book through the Follett Shelf app and needs help. Students may check out digital books with their student identification (library card) number and their password through Surpass. This part of our program allows students to check out extra books on their own -- even at home. We have a few digital books. I'd like to buy more if the book fair is successful.

Speaking of the book fair, it's 9 a.m. I set up the book fair web page, speak to the Scholastic representative and print information for posters and handouts. 

Okay. Enough. You get the idea. If only our state and federal lawmakers could understand who we are -- and what we do. 

--Next time...

--G