What is a Teacher Librarian (Library Media Specialist)?
Huffington Post article written by author Brad Meltzer
The Unsung Heroes in our Schools
Resolution that school libraries and librarians are critical to education
To become a Teacher Librarian (School Library Media Specialist) in the state of Ohio, individuals must receive their library endorsement from a local university and obtain an Ohio Teachers License. A passing score on the Praxis II Exam and Library Media Exam is required.
Teacher Librarians do more than check books in and out to students, they also:
Teacher Librarians are supported by numerous professional organizations including:
"Research shows that school libraries are a stronger indicator of student success than class size, experience of teacher, number of computers, or location of school." Carolyn, Foote. "To Raise Student Achievement, Invest in Libraries." Huffington Post Education 27 Oct. 2010: Huff Post Education. Web. 14 Jan. 2010
Interested in learning more? Check out the following links:
The Unsung Heroes in our Schools
Resolution that school libraries and librarians are critical to education
To become a Teacher Librarian (School Library Media Specialist) in the state of Ohio, individuals must receive their library endorsement from a local university and obtain an Ohio Teachers License. A passing score on the Praxis II Exam and Library Media Exam is required.
Teacher Librarians do more than check books in and out to students, they also:
- collaborate with teachers, teach lessons, and help locate print and online resources to help reinforce the curriculum
- encourage and promote the love of reading using displays, bulletin boards, readers advisory, lessons, book talks, book fairs, contests, and programming (e.g. author visits, read-a-thons, Family Read Nights, etc.)
- promote independent and lifelong learning by helping students locate and use information effectively both with print and digital materials.
- teach information literacy, technology literacy and media literacy skills
- manage the library collection by evaluating the building's material and digital needs, weeding old materials, and adding new equipment and resources
- manage the library budget
- manage library support staff and volunteers
Teacher Librarians are supported by numerous professional organizations including:
- American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
- Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA)
- Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
"Research shows that school libraries are a stronger indicator of student success than class size, experience of teacher, number of computers, or location of school." Carolyn, Foote. "To Raise Student Achievement, Invest in Libraries." Huffington Post Education 27 Oct. 2010: Huff Post Education. Web. 14 Jan. 2010
Interested in learning more? Check out the following links:
- 2011 School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal Survey of School Library Programs
- Article: Public and School Libraries in Decline: When We Need Them (from the NCTE)