IX.++Developing+as+the+School+Library+Media+Professional

__**Profession Development Plan**__ **1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. ** Objective: I will work to encourage regular student use of the library's nonfiction print and non-print resources for academic research and personal inquiry. o Survey the student and teachers to identify patron interests and build the collection based on survey results o Read professional journals and magazines to acquire ideas for promoting the library’s collection o Seek out experienced peers within the school district to learn about promoting the use of library resources o Visit and observe libraries with a high circulation rate o Work with teachers, parents, and community members to hold after school events to encourage patrons to visit the library o Use acquired strategies to increase student and community members usage of the library and its services o Collaborate with teachers to build lessons that utilize a variety of the library's resources o Promote new nonfiction media through the library newsletter, website (e..g, create webliographies and bibliographies for current research projects), bulletin board, and other media o Read review sources, such as ALA's //Booklist//, and award's websites (e.g., Odden Piccus) to select quality nonfiction resources for my students and teachers.
 * **Year 1:**
 * **Year 2:**
 * **Year 3:**
 * **Years 1-3:**

**2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.** Objective: I will increase my understanding of collaborative strategies so that I can gain the cooperation of teachers to build engaging learning tasks that support the core curriculum through digital literacy. o Seek out, interview, and observe a mentor library media specialist o Work with experienced teachers who are well-practiced in collaboration and are willing to participate o Work with teachers to build rubrics for formative assessment of students’ information literacy skills o Seek to collaborate with teachers at least one to two times a year o Attend professional development events regarding information literacy, current instructional technologies, and collaboration o Read professional journals, trade magazines, and other electronic resources to stay current with collaborative practices and technology trends o Meet with teachers to evaluate and reflect upon instructional units and make changes as necessary o Increase collaborative instruction by reaching out to all faculty o Promote collaboration and its influence on student achievement by holding teacher workshops and other events o Increase collaborative instruction to two to three times a year o Meet with teachers to evaluate and reflect upon instructional units and make changes as necessary o Establish collaborative instruction with all faculty members o Seek to collaborate with faculty three times a year o Continue to meet with teachers to evaluate and reflect upon instructional units and make changes as necessary
 * **Year 1:**
 * **Year 2:**
 * **Year 3:**

**3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.** Objective: I will implement continuous instruction regarding ethical and safe use of technology for students and teachers throughout the year. o Read professional journals, trade magazines, and other electronic resource to remain informed about current issues in technology safety and schools as well as copyright regulations and court cases. o Meet with teachers in workshops or independently to advise them on copyright law and student privacy o Integrate copyright and ethical and safe use of technology into collaborative lessons throughout the year to instruct students on the issues o Read professional journals, magazines, websites, and blogs to stay up to date on copyright laws and cases as well as issues pertaining to student safety on the internet o Work with peers and community stakeholders to evaluate the current AUP and other policies to ensure that they are current o Seek out student assistance to create videos and podcasts promoting Internet safety and ethical use of technology to post on the library website **4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.** Objective: I will promote reading for pleasure in the library in order to increase student reading proficiency. o Attend professional workshops that teach promotional and instructional strategies to help increase student reading through the library media center. o Hold community events such as family night, book fair, and character day to promote reading to students and the greater community. o Use a variety of media to highlight new library books such as bulletin boards, website updates, book talking, and newsletters. o Begin fundraising efforts to invite a guest author to speak to students and the community o Collaborate with school and public librarians to establish inter-library loans to supplement library resources as well as hold after school book clubs and events such as “battle of the books”. o Read professional journals, magazines, websites, and blogs to acquire new ideas for promoting such events as //Read Across America// o Invite students, parents, and community members to come to a presentation by a visiting author
 * **Year 1:**
 * **Year 2:**
 * **Year 3:**
 * **Year 1:**
 * **Year 2:**
 * **Year 3:**

**__Recent and Current Developments in Library Media Services__** 1. **E-books:** School libraries are beginning to experiment with checking out e-book devices such as the Kindle. Scholastic Books is currently considering how they will integrate e-books into their book fairs.

2. **School Library Wikis and Websites:** Librarians are providing users with 24-7 access to the library catalog, electronic resources, and news and events through a customizable library wiki or website. These sites not only allow the school librarian to reach out to students and parents, but the greater community as well.

3. **Virtual Libraries:** While many schools are moving towards providing online, at home access to the library catalog and subscription databases, there is also discussion of creating virtual school libraries to follow the models set by Alabama’s AVL and Georgia’s GALILEO (Morris, 2010).

4. **Learning Commons:** The school library media center is no longer a place where students come to read or study independently in a quiet atmosphere. School librarians are creating flexible atmospheres in which students can engage in collaborative learning or group study sessions.

5. **Cyber Cafés:** Schools are embracing the Starbucks coffee house concept by providing an area of the library that is decorated in the style of a coffee house with comfortable seating and bar style tables and chairs, provides WI-FI access for laptops and portable devices, and offers coffee or other refreshments to all patrons.

6. **Gaming:** Libraries in general are embracing video games as a way to attract the young patrons who have been given the designation of digital natives. Auburn University’s own Ralph Brown Draughon Library draws in its patrons with gaming nights.

7. **Digital Media:** School librarians are becoming a source for digital media produced by the school. For example, at Trinity Presbyterian School the lower school librarian oversees the production of the morning message, filming of promotional materials, and advises teachers in using the iMovie software.

8. **Graphic Novels:** School librarians are recognizing that including graphic novels in the collection attracts reluctant readers. The visual nature of these novels is also great for supporting struggling readers, ESL students, and students with special needs.

9. **Social Hub:** The school library is no longer a center where students come to work quietly and check out books. With the advent of the learning commons and cyber café concepts, patrons are seeing the library as a place to hang out and socialize with friends on their free time.

10. **Assistive Technologies:** The school librarian is becoming an expert in collaborating with special needs teachers to select assistive technologies. She also ensures that assistive technologies are available in the library media center to ensure equitable access to all patrons. At Trinity Presbyterian School, the lower school librarian was called on to help evaluate which tool, ipad or Macbook, would be more appropriate for assisting a fourth grade student with a visual impairment.

**__Plan for Conduct of Ethical Principles of School Library Profession__** School librarians should be well-rounded individuals who accepts and upholds the ALA’s //Library Bill of Rights// to ensure ethical practices are being sustained in the school library.


 * // I. Books and other library resources should be provided for interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. //**

1. The school librarian shall not engage in self-censorship based on her own personal political and religious beliefs when selecting fiction and nonfiction resources for the library. Materials will be selected after careful review of critical literary resources and the critics’ recommendations.

2. The school librarian will select resources that not only represent the racial and cultural diversity of the school community, but will include materials that are about individuals not represented in the community as well.


 * // II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. //**


 * 1. The school librarian will ensure that the collection provides information for both sides of an issue, including those that may be in opposition to the school’s doctrinal beliefs. **

2. The school librarian will adhere to reconsideration procedures and will not remove a challenged item from the collection unless the library reconsideration committee dictates that the item is to be banned.


 * // III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. //**

1. The school librarian will collaborate with peers in her district and community stakeholders to build a strong collection development policy that supports intellectual freedom through the accumulation of materials that represent a diverse people and their views.

2. The school librarian will adhere to the procedures outlined in the reconsideration policy and work with the school library reconsideration committee to ensure that challenged items are given due process and that students’ intellectual freedom is protected.

3. The school librarian will educate parents about how to select media that is appropriate for their child and that only they have the authority to censor what their child reads.


 * // IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. //**

1. The school librarian will advocate for intellectual freedom by informing the students and community members of their rights through promotional materials and display of the //Library Bill of Rights//.

2. The school library reconsideration committee will hold public sessions so that community members on both sides of the argument have the chance to be heard.


 * // V. A person’s right to use the library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views. //**

1. The school library will be open to all members of the school community. Students, parents, and siblings will be granted full borrowing rights.


 * // VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. //**

1. The school librarian shall allow school community members to sign up for use of the library facilities as long as their intended use of the space is protected by the First Amendment. The school library shall not be used by any individuals or organizations wishing to bring harm to others.

In addition to upholding the //Library Bill of Rights,// the school librarian must also adhere to the following ethical practices:

1. The school librarian will respect and protect patron privacy. The school librarian will discretely deliver overdue notices and shall not reveal to other students what is on a patron’s record.

2. The school librarian will not deny a patron the right to check out items based on a history of overdue items. If the school librarian works in a school district that does not allow students to check out items in this situation, then she will work with her peers to try to overturn this policy.

3. The school librarian shall not limit the amount of items checked out to students based on age and grade level. Students should be allowed to check out a reasonable amount of books and should not be limited to one or two books per week.

4. The school librarian will work with teachers to ensure that students have open access to the library throughout the school day. The facility will also be open before and after school to support student access to information.

*Information for the //Library Bill of Rights// was obtained from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/ librarybill/index.cfm

**__Professional Associations__**
 * __National Associations__**

American Library Association 50 East Huron Chicago, IL 60611
 * __ALA__** ([|www.ala.org])

Telephone: 800-545-2433 Fax: 312-440-9374 e-mail: ala@ala.org


 * Membership Inquiries:** Chrastka, John F., Director, Membership Development, jcchratska@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 2159


 * Member Benefits**
 * Weekly updates via AL Direct through your e-mail.
 * Subscription to //American Libraries// (six times per year)
 * Membership in each Division/Round Table includes a subscription to their official publication.
 * Members can enjoy a 10% discount off ALA’s various publications and promotional items.
 * Access to www.joblist.org
 * Discounted homeowners and auto insurance from GEICO
 * May apply for the ALA credit card
 * ALA Members receive a 40% discount on registration fees for Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting.
 * Members may serve on ALA committees.


 * Dues Structure:**
 * First year regular member: $65
 * Second year regular member: $98
 * Third year and later regular member: $130
 * Non-Salaried or Unemployed Members: $46
 * Library Support Staff Members: $46
 * Retired Members: $46
 * Student Members: $33
 * Trustee Members: $59
 * International Members: $78
 * Friends: $59
 * Associate Members: $59


 * __AASL__** ([|www.ala.org/aasl/])

American Association of School Librarians (AASL) American Library Association 50 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611-2795 Telephone: (312) 280-4382 Toll Free: 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 4382 Fax: (312) 280-5276 E-mail: aasl@ala.org Web: www.ala.org/aasl

**Membership Inquiries:** Member & Customer Service, membership@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4284

**Member Benefits:**
 * Learning standards and program guideline (www.ala.org /aas/Learning4life) and standards for professional preparation www.ala,org/aasl/ncate).
 * National Research and Statistics (e.g., School Libraries Count!) (www.ala.org/aasl/slcsurvey)
 * Support from the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom which includes advising on issues such as book challenges, access and privacy (ala.org/oif)
 * Toolkits and resources to support your advocacy efforts including a Parent Outreach toolkit (www.ala.org/aasl/toolkits)
 * National advocacy efforts from the ALA (ala.org/ola)
 * Discounts up to $165 off non-member pricing for national conferences
 * A subscription to AASL’s official journal, //Knowledge Quest//
 * Continuing education and professional development discounts
 * 10% off AASL and ALA publications
 * Discounted rates on all ALA and division conferences

**Dues Structure:**
 * First time personal membership for ALA/AASL: $115
 * Second year renewal of ALA/AASL personal membership: $148
 * Third year renewal of ALA/AASL personal membership: $180
 * Library support staff: $96
 * Salary less than $25,000 a year or unemployed: $96
 * Retired: $76
 * Current ALA member: $50
 * Library science program student: $53

**__ALSC__** ([|www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/index.cfm])

**Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)** American Library Association 50 East Huron Chicago, IL 60611-2795 Telephone: 800-545-2433 ext. 2163 Fax: 312-280-5271 www.ala.org/alsc

**Membership Inquiries:** Member & Customer Service, membership@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 5

**Member Benefits:**
 * Connect with peers through ALSC's Electronic Discussion Lists, a group blog, interactive wiki and other Web 2.0 tools
 * Participate in one of 60 active committees, including the prestigious Newbery and Caldecott book award committees
 * Attend ALSC's continuing education programs such as the National Institute or Annual Preconference at discounted rates
 * Receive //Children and Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children//, published three times per year
 * Receive the quarterly //ALSConnect// which highlights division activities and information of interest to librarians working with children
 * Receive reduced rates for division events such as preconferences, workshops and institutes
 * May apply for more than $82,000 in division sponsored grants, awards, and fellowships

**Dues Structure:**
 * Student membership: $18
 * Personal membership: $45
 * Organizational membership: $45
 * Corporate membership: $45

*All information was obtained from the various organizations' webpages at www.ala.org.

**__Local Associations__**

9154 Eastchase Parkway Suite 418 Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: 334-414-0113
 * __ALLA__** (http://allanet.org/)
 * Alabama Library Association**

**Membership Benefits:**
 * Reduced registration for workshops and conferences
 * Networking with library personnel statewide, vendors, and elected officials
 * Receive state and national news briefs, listserv discussions, and flyers promoting activities of interest
 * A designated contact person within the Association (regional Members-At-Large) so your voice is heard
 * Participation in the Association's Elections and events.
 * Discussions of issues of interest at meetings with nationally recognized speakers.
 * Access to newsletters, listservs and web pages for a wealth of information.
 * Opportunities to continuing education credits.
 * Subscription to //Alabama-Librarian//


 * Dues Structure:**
 * Not stated on website
 * Paraprofessionals and library support staff may join ALA and ALLA for $61.00/year

__**Alabama School Library Association**__ (http://www.alaima.org/)

Michelle Wilson, North Highland Elementary School, School Phone: (205) 379-4950 Tywanna Burton, Vestavia Hills Elementary West, School Phone: (205) 402-5159
 * Membership Inquiries:**


 * Member Benefits:**
 * Newsletters and Web Site
 * Membership Directory
 * Annual conference and meetings
 * Professional representation before the State Legislature and the State Department of Education
 * Award program recognizing exemplary leadership, outstanding service to the profession, and outstanding school library media programs

> purposes and objectives of AIMA. Members are entitled to vote, hold office, serve on committees, and receive any publications prepared or contracted for by this organization.
 * Dues Structure:**
 * **Active/$25** -instructional media personnel who are directly engaged in education in Alabama and who are interested in furthering the
 * **Associate** -persons interested in school media services (professionals). Members are entitled to rights and privileges of active members, but may not vote or hold office.
 * **Corporate/$50** -available for institutions, organizations, governmental agencies, and business firms.
 * **Full-Time Students/$5** -for those enrolled in library media programs in colleges and universities in Alabama.
 * **Honorary** - may be extended to selected persons upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
 * **Retired/$5** -these members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of active members, except that of holding office.

**__Professional Development Resources__**
 * Periodicals, Magazines, and Journals**

//1.// //Knowledge Quest// (AASL)

This bimonthly trade magazine from the AASL is dedicated to enhancing the program of building level school librarians. Each issues features themes to support the integration of new development and theories into practice. (Digital companion edition is available.)

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//2.// //American Libraries// (ALA)

The official magazine of the ALA, the bimonthly issues explore a variety of topics from technology integration and book reviews to best practices. (Digital companion edition is available).

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3. //Teacher-Librarian//

//Teacher-Librarian// is a bimonthly publication that is available in both print and digital format. Articles cover a variety of current issues such as collaboration, leadership, technology, advocacy, information literacy, and management. Bibliographies of recommended fiction and non-fiction books for children and young adults are also included.

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 * Websites**

//1. School Library Journal//

This companion website to the print magazine provides librarians with free access to the print issue archive as well as an array of online articles containing the latest library news and book reviews. SLJ not only provides reviews for print and non-print media, but also looks at the best practices for teaching and administering a school library program.

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2//.// //ALA//

The official website of the American Library Association offers a plethora of professional resources for the practicing school librarian. Librarians will find information on legal issues, policies and procedures, conferences, awards and grants, current issues and advocacy, as well as literary awards. Membership to the ALA, AASL, and additional organizations can also be managed here.

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//3. School Library Monthly//

This electronic companion to the print magazine provides readers with free access to archived articles, lesson plans, author and illustrator almanac, activities, almanac, podcasts, as well as information regarding state certification.

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 * Blogs**

1. //The Blue Skunk Blog// by Doug Johnson

Johnson's blog looks at how teachers can effectively integrate technology into instruction to improve students' ability to think critically. He explores the many models and theories concerning technology and education, as well as current issues.

[| http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/]

2. Kathy Schrock's //Kaffeeklatsch//

Technology expert Kathy Schrock explores new hardware and software and how they can be integrated into the classroom. Readers can find evaluations and recommended uses for instructional technologies.

[| http://blog.kathyschrock.net/]

3. ALSC Blog

The Association for Library Services to Children blog provides tips for promoting literacy amongst children and young adults. The blog highlights special events such as Black History Month, thematic teaching, integrating technology, as well as ALSC events.

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4. //Always Learning// by Kim Cofino

Cofino has worked as a Technology and Learning Coach for the last ten years in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Germany, and Taiwan. Her blog is a place where she reflects on her teaching practices, her interpersonal skills with staff and parents, as well as the professional development training sessions she teaches. Cofino also offers reviews and advice for integrating technology into the classroom.

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