[CASL-L] LMS Advocacy

[CHRISTINE ROSA]

This summer I did some research regarding why we need the ability to teach library skills and thought I would share.

Here is a brief 14 minute video documentary prepared by Rhode Island school librarians: Overdue: The Value of School Librarians<https://vimeo.com/445826301/def52b7668>

Here is a less than 2 minute video description of our role:  Role of the school librarian<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eU7NdASlqU&t=113s>

This is a one page summary of what school leaders need to know about school librarians:  Dear School Leaders: 5 Things You Need to Know about Your School Librarian<https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/dear-school-leaders-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-school-librarian/>

You will find specific statements as to the library becoming another special, such as gym, music, etc. where teachers are given prep time during library. Using the library in this way limits the availability of access to the library. Additionally, some schools do not have a certified teacher-librarian teaching the Computer "special". This time is not spent instructing students on the tech tools, processes, nor skills needed to create an authentic student outcome as a result of research and media literacy.

Having full time library support to process clerical tasks and run the circulation desk frees up the school Library Media Specialist to do the most important task of teaching students how to navigate information in the digital age to find reliable resources. Furthermore, the research shows the correlation between strong library programs (meaning led by a certified LMS and including support staff) and improved state test scores.

"More than 60 education and library research studies have produced clear evidence that school library programs staffed by qualified school librarians have a positive impact on student academic achievement. Yet, many students are returning to school without a resource essential for success: a strong school library program lead by a certified school librarian." Source: ilovelibraries.org<http://www.ilovelibraries.org/school-libraries/get-involved>



Christine Rosa
Library Media Specialist
Sprague Elementary School
Twitter: @MrsCRosa