School library
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218610531
2008-06-11T12:06:11Z
203.84.172.94
A '''school library''' is a [[library]] that serves the students, faculty, staff and parents of a [[public school|public]] or [[private school|private]] [[school]]. These libraries are sometimes referred to as '''library media centers'''.
School libraries are similar to [[public library|public libraries]] in that they contain [[book]]s, [[film]]s, [[recorded sound]], [[periodical]]s, 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 [[librarian]]s, [[teacher-librarian]]s 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 loan]]s, 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 [[computer]]s and [[computer network]]s.
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.
==See also==
* [[School Library Association]]
==External links==
*[http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.cfm/ American Association of School Librarians]
*[http://www.slj.com/ School Library Journal]
*[http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/ School Library Media Activities Monthly]
*[http://www.sldirectory.com/ Resources for School Libraries]
*[http://www.virtuallrc.com/ Virtual Learning Resources Center]
* [http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/ The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries]
*[http://www.asla.org.au/ Australian School Library Association]
[[Category:Academic libraries| ]]
[[Category:School terminology|Library]]
[[Category:Types of library]]
[[de:Schulbibliothek]]
[[el:Σχολική βιβλιοθήκη]]
[[fr:Centre de documentation et d’information en établissement scolaire]]
[[ja:学校図書館]]
[[no:Skolebibliotek]]
[[nn:Skolebibliotek]]
[[zh:學校圖書館]]
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