Getting Started in the School Library Profession (new library media specialists)
Overview
The responsibilities associated with running a successful library media program can seem overwhelming to new library media specialists (LMS). This course provides a structure for the new LMS to explore the many facets of librarianship. Each participant will begin developing a library media program that will best meet the needs of his or her learning community. Participants will learn about the foundations of librarianship, the administration of the school library media program, the services typically offered by school library media centers (SMC), technology topics, and educational topics. Participants will develop a personal plan for addressing current and future needs to keep the library media program functioning successfully.
Goals and Products
- - Learn about the role of the library media center
- - Learn about the role fo the library media specialist
- - Explore materials and resources that support library media specialists in their work
- - Prepare a professional growth plan addressing the areas of technological expertise, curricular knowledge, instructional strategies and library administration
- - Write a job description for the library media specialist that considers the administrative tasks, services offered through the LMC program, instructional responsibilities, technology incorporation, and the role of educational consultant.
Format and Requirements
This workshop is divided into and orientation and six one-week sessions that include readings, an activity, and an online discussion among workshop participants.
The outline for the workshop is as follows
| Session One | Foundations of Librarianship |
| Session Two | Library Media Administration |
| Session Three | The Library Media Center Program and Services |
| Session Four | Technology Trends and Topics |
| Session Five | Trends and Topics in Education |
| Session Six |
Workshop participants are expected to complete weekly assignments along with actively participating in the online discussion forums.
Prerequisites
This is an introductory course for library media specialists who are new to the field and are seeking or have recently achieved certification. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers. In addition, participants should be proficient with using e-mail, browsing the Internet and navigating the computer .