The instructional role of school librarians has evolved significantly since the 1950s from study hall monitor to curriculum designer. Standards and research from the 1950s through present show a progression from the librarian managing book collections to an instructional leader collaborating with teachers on curriculum development, information literacy instruction, and technology integration. Recent standards in 2007 and 2008 further define the librarian's role in developing student skills for inquiry, critical thinking, and creating new knowledge.
1. LIB 601 Libraries and Learning Fall 2010 The Instructional Role of the School Librarian Applying tools for the 21st Century
2. The Instructional Role of the Media Specialist Has it changed much? It is evident from an analysis of two data sources that an evolution in the instructional role of the library media specialist did occur from 1950 to 1984. A clear pattern of progressive development of the instructional role has persisted in the standards and the literature. The changes in the library media specialist’s role from study hall monitor to curriculum designer can certainly be termed substantive. Craver, K. (1986, Summer). The Changing Instructional Role of the High School Library Media Specialist, 1950–84: A Survey of Professional Literature, Standards, and Research Studies. School Library Media Quarterly, 14, 4: 183-91 2
3. 1945 Benchmark First set of national standards for school libraries K-12 School Libraries for Today and Tomorrow published by the American Library Association These standards linked the quality of school libraries to the size of book collections and the frequency of classroom teacher use of the library. Further, the school librarian was beginning to be seen as an instructional leader for the “mental, emotional and social growth of young people.” Underwood, L. J. (2003). A case study of four school library media specialists’ leadership in Louisiana ,” EDD dissertation, W. VA University, p. 23. 3
4. Tracing the evolution The Fifties The decade between the close of World War II and the mid-fifties was termed by many educators as a decade of American complacency. Americans had emerged victorious from a world war and were exulting in their acknowledged super-power status. School librarians floundered in a wave of anti-intellectualism and the conformity that was precipitated by technological democracy and the Cold War. Teaching, despite the noticeable increase in audiovisual services offered by school libraries, was still dominated by the textbook. The Changing Instructional Role 4
5. The advent of the space age 1957 The launching of Sputnik in 1957 was the catalyst that halted America’s complacency and expedited the educational process. At this point, federal funds were made available for the purchase of the school library as a resource center, and not merely a depository. By the late 1950s, schools began to focus on learning rather than teaching, and on curriculum methods that permitted a broader instructional role for the school librarian. The Changing Instructional Role 5
6. A new benchmark Standards for School Library Programs(American Association for School Librarians, 1960) Published in collaboration with the Department of Audiovisual Instruction (DAVI) of National Education Association School Libraries, Education Encyclopedia Specified the collaborative leadership responsibilities of the school librarian with teachers regarding curriculum development and textbook selection. Underwood, “A Case Study of Four School Library Media Specialists’ Leadership in Louisiana” 6
7. The decade of ferment The Sixties In school library development and education in general, the 1960s can be described as a decade of ferment. “rhetoric and ideas abounded as to what education would do to solve a number of pressing social issues—from integrating the schools racially to promoting a love of reading among the disadvantaged or disinterested.” The school’s new emphasis on “diversified learning materials—both printed and nonprinted—for all subjects and levels of ability” finally brought to school librarians the opportunity for [a] greater instructional role. . . The Changing Instructional Role 7
8. A major project Knapp School Libraries Project (1963-1974) The Knapp Foundation supported curricular innovations that included collaborative teaching with the school librarian. For the first time, the role of the school librarian changed from a keeper of materials to an active participant in the academic process. Thus, the Knapp Foundation recognized the importance of the school librarian as an active participant in schools that embraced the new reforms. Underwood, “A Case Study of Four School Library Media Specialists’ Leadership in Louisiana” 8
9. New standards and new title Standards for School Media Programs (ALA, 1969) ALA and the DAVI of NEA publishes Standards for School Media Programs, national guidelines that unify the roles of librarians and audiovisual personnel under the terminology of library media program and library media specialist. School Libraries, Education Encyclopedia School library media specialists were now responsible for non-print materials such as tape recorders, records, filmstrips, and film loops, which required expertise in technology. Underwood, Case Study 9
10. A time of action The Seventies This period witnessed an actual, rather than merely a proposed, change from passive learning on the part of students to an environment in which students and teachers actively participated together in projects and activities that served to convey information previously provided by a textbook or a teacher. Within this environment of change, the school library finally receives assurance that its educational goals and objectives, which in many cases were ahead of the times, were now appropriate. The Changing Instructional Role 10
11. New standards again Media Programs: District and School (AASL and Association for Educational Communications and Technology (DAVI of NEA became AECT in 1971)) The 1975 standards . . . gave more attention to systematic planning providing guiding principles for both site-level and district-level decision-making. By this point, the school library specialist was seen as an integral part of the total instructional program. Program Standards School Library Media Specialist Preparation (AASL and NCATE, 2003), p. 5. 11
12. A mercurial environment The Eighties While the instructional role of the school library media specialist from 1980 to 1984 could be characterized as a period of adjustment concerning the implementation of instructional design activities, the introduction of computers presented library media specialists with a new set of problems. There is evidence that more systematic approaches were being followed for instruction and that library media specialists were being urged to consider their educational role within the framework of the total program. The Changing Instructional Role 12
13. Response to A Nation at Risk (1983) Alliance for Excellence: Librarians Respond to a Nation at Risk (1984) Four basic concepts presented: Learning begins before schooling. Good schools require good school libraries. People in a learning society need libraries throughout their lives. Public support of libraries is an investment in people and communities. Shirley Fitzgibbons, School and Public Library Relationships: Essential Ingredients in Implementing Educational Reforms and Improving Student LearningSchool Library Media ResearchVolume 3 (2000) 13
14. The Information Power Era A major policy document The major development in 1988 in terms of standards was the publication of the new school library media guidelines, INFORMATION POWER (AASL & AECT, 1988). This document presents an active, forward-looking role for library media programs based on the library media specialist functioning as information specialist, teacher, and instructional consultant. Discussions of the guidelines are just beginning to appear in the literature; however, the document has already been presented to educators at all levels. Trends in Library and Information Science: 1989. ERIC Digest 14
15. Another major project Library Power (1988-98) Inspired by the vision of Information Power (1988) Library Power programs established in 700 schools in 19 communities nationwide “Faithful adoption of Library Powers core practices, along with widespread acceptance of these practices, can lead to permanent change; similarly, as similar policies are implemented elsewhere institutionalization of these practices is more likely.” “What Works”: Research You Can Use: The National Library Power ProjectTeacher Librarian, 27 (2) (1999, Nov-Dec). See also Library Power Executive Summary: Findings from the National Evaluation of the National Library Power Program 15
16. Affirmed that “Student Achievement IS the Bottom Line” Information Power 2nd ed., 1998 16
17. Information Standards 1998 Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning provides a conceptual framework and broad guidelines for describing the information-literate student. The standards and indicators are written at a general level so that library media specialists and others in individual states, districts, and sites can tailor the statements to meet local needs. Introduction 17
19. Defines 9 foundational beliefs The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own. Learning has a social context. School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills. Reading is a window to the world. Inquiry provides a framework for learning. Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught. Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs. Equitable access is a key component for education. The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed. 19
20. Four Standards for 2007 The Standards describe how learners use skills, resources, and tools to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge; draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge; share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society; pursue personal and aesthetic growth. 20
22. Incorporating the standards Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action This publication from AASL takes an in-depth look at the strands of the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and the indicators within those strands. It also answers such critical questions as How do the strands—the skills, dispositions in action, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies—relate to one another? Benchmarks are provided along with examples that show how to put the learning standards into action. This is a practical book with examples of how to maximize the application of the learning standards at different grade levels. 22
23. Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs Empowering Learners advances school library programs to meet the needs of the changing school library environment and is guided by the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action. It builds on a strong history of guidelines published to ensure that school library program planners go beyond the basics to provide goals, priorities, criteria, and general principles for establishing effective library programs. New Guidelines 2008 23
24. An online resource A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners With School Library Assessment Rubric A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners is a program evaluation, planning, implementation and advocacy tool that will ensure school library program planners go beyond the basics to provide goals, priorities, criteria, and general principles for establishing effective library programs. 24
