Running head: EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM
Effective Management of the Library Media Program
Karen L. Osborn
Troy University
Effective Management of the Library Media Program
Introduction
The school library has moved beyond a room full of books to become an active, technology-rich learning environment with an array of information resources. Information literacy is defined as the ability to find and use information, and it is the keystone to lifelong learning (Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, 1). Creating a foundation for lifelong learning is at the heart of the school library media program
To be successful, the library media program must combine effective learning and teaching strategies and activities with information access skills. In order to effectively manage a library media program, the media specialist must fill four unique roles: as a teacher, as an instructional partner, as the information specialist, and as the program administrator (American Association of School Librarians, 1).
Roles of the Library Media Specialist
The effective school media specialist focuses on the process of learning rather than on the dissemination of information. A professional school library media specialist is essential to create a dynamic program that challenges students to develop personal meaning from information and to participate in a collaborative culture of learning (Clayton County Public Schools, 3). To accomplish these goals, the library media specialist must strive to find the proper balance between the four unique roles described in the following paragraphs.
Teacher Role
As a teacher, the l ...