The days of a school librarian standing behind a counter stamping books and shushing kids are long gone. In today’s schools, media librarians wear many hats and display a wide array of skills including instruction, research, technology, collaboration, selecting materials (print and digital), problem-solving, and more.
Can I Help You? Yes, I Can: What are media librarians' duties?
Media librarians do not work in isolation. They often collaborate with teachers and administrators in analyzing student learning and information needs. Many schools incorporate research and reference skill components into their lessons not only in media and technology classes but also in more traditional subject areas. Media librarians can work with classroom teachers and technology instructors in guiding learners through units covering how to complete a project from beginning to end, how to find trustworthy sources, and finding library resources of interest. Working together, the task of helping students navigate and select appropriate resources at the school library becomes much more manageable. Every teacher and media librarian should consider implementing Big6 and Super3 models for solving information problems.
“Can’t I Just Google Everything I Need?”: Teaching Media Research
While Google and Wikipedia are sometimes good starting points for research, students need to take advantage of school-purchased digital library resources that are trustworthy, vetted, and able to be cited. Databases such as Gale are not only reliable, but they are also visually appealing and easy to navigate. Media librarians can also work with teachers in pointing out how to evaluate information sources, determining their validity and worth. As students begin to conduct inquiry-based research, knowing the difference between fact and fiction is crucial.
The Clock Is Ticking…
Let’s be honest. Even in the best of situations, teachers are busy. It may not seem so to students, but the school day moves rapidly, and time is precious. Structuring areas in curricula for research and reference skill development is important, but those components will be the most effective where there is a collaboration between media librarians, teachers, and technology instructors. Again, the school day is incredibly hectic, but regularly scheduled meetings between these staff members can help pinpoint student needs. Staff should also take advantage of professional development opportunities to share materials, resources, and strategies.
Spaced Out: Media Centers and School Libraries
Media librarians can make life easier for themselves and their students by making sure the physical spaces at a school library are both practical, inviting, and appealing. Consider developing different zones for various functions, such as a classroom zone with a smart board/projector, a reading zone, or a STEM zone with maker carts. Replace those posters from five or six (or more) years ago with current ones that highlight books, graphic novels, and authors students love.
Think Community
It seems like a no-brainer, but every school library should partner with their local public library. Many school systems offer each of their K-12 students a public library card connected to their student ID. This provides students with a larger catalog to choose from as well as additional digital resources provided by the public library system. Also, consider inviting local professionals for a “People You’ve Gotta Meet” event where students can interview local workers in various careers and industries. Such programs provide practical lessons for young people considering a variety of career paths.
The Real World
Rookie teachers quickly discover that problems in student behavior can lead to loss of instruction time. Classroom management breakdowns - even in the library - can detract from learning. Be prepared with clear, predetermined expectations, practical consequences for distracting behavior, and positive student incentives. Also, understand that some students do not have regular access to computers or the internet at home. Every minute of the school day is valuable, so try to make the most of each moment you are with your students and be flexible.
Conclusions
Media librarians are in a unique position. Their “classes” constantly change, and student needs vary frequently. Working with fellow teachers and administrators is essential in developing the skills young people need in technology, research, problem-solving, and making good decisions. With such collaboration, you’re never alone, but don’t forget ways that your local community can also help. Knowledge is power, and each time media librarians help impart or direct learners to information, students are better equipped for the future.
Read our article to learn how media librarians and teachers can collaborate