School library

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A school library is a library that serves the students, faculty, staff and parents of a public or private school. These libraries are sometimes referred to as library media centers.

School libraries are similar to public libraries in that they contain books, films, recorded sound, periodicals, and other media. These items are not only for the enjoyment and entertainment of the patrons, but to enhance and expand the school's curriculum. In addition, in school libraries, students receive explicit instruction on library and research skills.

School libraries, or media centers, are usually staffed by librarians, teacher-librarians or "media specialists" who often hold a Master of Library and Information Studies degree. In addition, public school librarians are also required to have state certification. They may be assigned to work in an elementary, middle, or high school, and must have comprehensive knowledge of learners, literacy and research for K-12. Most school librarians are also required to have a teaching credential in at least one subject area.

The librarian is in charge of the school library. School librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to assist students with research and advance the students' information literacy and technology skills. They also perform duties similar to other librarians such as purchasing library materials and maintaining the library collection. They handle the circulating and cataloging of materials, facilitate interlibrary loans, etc. School librarians often handle challenges to books (see List of most commonly challenged books in the U.S.). Librarians are often responsible for audio-visual equipment and are sometimes in charge of school computers and computer networks.

Teacher-librarians read to children, assist them in selecting books, develop information literacy, and assist with schoolwork. Some school librarians see classes on a "flexible schedule". A flexible schedule means that rather than having students come to the library for instruction at a fixed time every week, the classroom teacher schedules library time when library skills or materials are needed as part of the classroom learning experience. Teacher-librarians assist students with research, collaborating with teachers to create independent learners.

Teacher-librarians are integral partners for student achievement, particularly in the areas of literacy, research and technology. Teacher-librarians are at the forefront of work combatting plagiarism, promoting cyber-safety, integrating computer tools into instruction, creating multimedia and multi-modal projects and assessments, teaching effective and efficient searching techniques, and, of course, matching the right book with the right student at the right time.

The school library also serves as a place for students to do independent work, use computers, equipment and research materials, to host special events such as author visits and book clubs, and for tutoring and standardized testing in addition to classroom visits with collaborating teachers.