1. The Role of School
Library Media in the
Global Environment

2. The school library media’s role
is influenced by……
 Education in the U.S.
 The Education in the Environment
 Alternatives to Traditional Education
 The Media Center in the
Educational Environment
 The History of School Libraries and
Library Media Centers
 Relationship with Public Libraries

3. Education in the U.S.
 Constantly changing
because of theories
 First schools- Labor
intensive and available
to those with money
 Lancasterian system
19th century (Andrew
Bell)- Free education,
many kids at same
time; older kids taught
younger kids;
organized ability; no
trained teacher; rote
learning

4. Education in the U.S.
 20th Century-Theories by Thorndike,
Dewey, Kirkpatrick, and Montessori began
to influence education; kindergarten,
school day length, age
 Edward L.Thorndike- Human nature affects
learning
 John Dewey- Life is education and learners
react to the environment, solving problems
from it
 William Heard Kirkpatrick- Revision of
Dewey’s theory; Teacher initiated activities;
project learning
 Maria Montessori- Sensory perception;
freedom to investigate

5. Education in the U.S.
 20th Century- Increase in enrollment, free
lunches, and new teacher method funding
 1970s- School closings, because of cuts
 1980s- National Education Goals
 1990s- Fast expansion of technology
 Framework for common principles
(National Educational Goals), which are as
follows: Budget, intellectual focus, attitude,
personalization, simple and universal
goals, staff, student exhibition, and worker

6. Education in the U.S.
 Coalition of Essential Schools (based on
common principles)
 Students were tested on essential skills
 Promoted personalized teaching and
learning
 National performance improved
significantly in 6 areas, but decreased in 7
areas

7. The Education Environment
Today
 Economic concern
 Educational goals more acute
 Teacher shortage, because of people
teaching for brief amount of time
 Due to shortage, acceptance of teachers
on temporary licenses
 21st Century- Schools plan according to
environmental scanning, government roles,
external factors, and internal factors, which
include family makeup
 Interest in preschool programs because of
skills being introduced; Library media
specialists helpful with preschool programs

8. The Education Environment
Today
 Schools are restructuring especially with
leadership
 Role of the superintendent: more business
oriented
 Formatting of student performance on
standardized tests
 Teachers teach according to the
standardized tests
 Student performance is based on what
students learn
 Library media specialists can help
incorporate 21st century skills with other
teachers

9. The Education Environment
Today
 21st Century Skills Used by School
Librarians include the following:
 1. Draw conclusions, make informed
decisions, apply knowledge to new
situation, and create new knowledge.
 2. Inquire, think critically, and gain
knowledge
 3. Pursue aesthetic and personal growth.
 4. Share knowledge and participate
productively and ethically as members of a
democratic society.

10. Alternatives to Traditional
Education
***Debate over public funds
to be used for private
schooling; 2 alternatives
1. Charter Schools
 Under contract by the
state but governed by an
organization
 Larger percentage of
minorities
2. Home Schooling
 Religious influence
 More individualized
 Challenge for library
media specialists

11. The Media Center in the
Educational Environment
 The library media program should do
the following :
1. Give physical and intellectual access
to materials in all formats
2. Give instruction to develop
competence and spark interest in
using, viewing, and reading ideas.
3. Collaborate with other educators to
format learning strategies to meet
the needs of individual students.

12. History of School Libraries and
Library Media Centers
o Collection of books prior to 1900
o Library classroom and a reading
room
o Mid 1920s certified librarian was
required to be accredited (high
school)
o 1925, no library in many elementary
schools
o 1965- Passing of Elementary and
Secondary Education Act
o Schools were required to have
collaboration between librarians and
teachers for the Library Power
project.

13. Relationship with Public
Libraries
 Successful Programs for Public Libraries and the
School Library Media
 Separate section for adult use
 Professional library personnel and others plan with
the architect
 Community involvement
 Efforts made to acquire consideration
 Single board for governance
 Materials for adults and children shelved separately;
emphasis on well-balanced collection
 Formal written agreement adopted
 No restrictions on check out material or material
selection
 Head librarian with expertise and commitment
 Location appropriate for public and school library

14. Relationship with Public
Libraries
 Collaboration of Public Libraries and
the School Library Media
 Encourage high school students to
tutor younger students.
 Cooperate in the funding climate
 Joint proposals
 Establishment of homework centers
 Communicate and cooperate with
one another

15. Summary
 The role of the library media center is
influenced by:
 Education
 Educational Environment
 Alternatives
 History of the Library
 Relationship with Public Libraries
RESOURCES:
http://www.ala.org/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslcommunity/quicklin
ks/el/elwhat
The School Library Media Manager by Blanche Woolls
Contact Information: cdozier7437@myasu.alasu.edu