AASL Standard 4: Program Administration
School library media candidates administer the library media program in order to support the mission of the school, and according to the principles of best practice in library science and program administration.
Competency 1: Managing Information Resources: Selecting, Organizing, Using
TARGET: Candidates utilize collection analysis and evaluation research and techniques to ensure a balanced collection which reflects diversity of format and content, reflecting our multicultural society. Candidates design plans for collection development and analysis and policies that ensure flexible and equitable access to facilities and resources. Candidates develop procedures to analyze the effectiveness of library media policies, procedures, and operations. Candidates ensure that policies and procedures are in place to support intellectual freedom and the privacy of users of all ages.
Competency 1, Evidence and Reflection: Selection Policy (view as htm document) , Selection Policy (view as Word document), Program Development and Evaluation Plan
Development of both the Selection Policy and the Program Development and Evaluation Plan allowed me to investigate comprehensive planning and administration procedures for the building and use of a media center collection. The Selection Policy began and ended with justification for items chosen for the collection, and wound around all the things that happen in connection with it in between. Developing this policy was excellent experience in identifying necessary assessment procedures for choosing materials, and in assuring that every possible support was in place for any challenged items. The work that our group did to examine the selection policies of other media centers and align the ideas we found there with the standards was excellent practice for doing this with a media committee in the future.
Group Members: Cindy Brooks, Elizabeth Foster, Lisa Perkins
The Program Development and Evaluation Plan gave me a good view of the administration of the center holding the selected collection. Putting the two of these projects together is a great beginning for this program of study. It allows students to get a very concrete idea of what being a media specialist is really about. Reviewing them now is great preparation for going out there and actually putting these policies and procedures into action.
Competency 2: Managing Program Resources - Human, Financial, Physical
TARGET: Candidates organize, manage and assess all human, financial, and physical resources of the library media program. Candidates advocate for ongoing administrative support for library media program and policies. Candidates actively seek alternative sources of funding for the library media program, both within and outside the school community.
Competency 2, Evidence and Reflection: Program Development and Evaluation Plan
The Program Development and Evaluation Plan covers all aspects of program administration, and therefore was a great project for gaining proficiency in all the strands of this standard. Sharing this planning with the media committee (including representatives from administration) should encourage team building with administration and cooperative ownership of the program. Having the principal on your team is the most important step in attaining funding from outside sources. During my internship I have observed several instances of "found" money that was directed to the media program because the principal was an avid supporter.
Competency 3: Comprehensive and Collaborative Strategic Planning and Assessment
TARGET: Candidates collaborate with teachers, administrators, students and others in the school community to develop, implement, and assess long-term, strategic plans. Candidates are able to align the library media program with the information literacy standards and school's goals, objectives and content standards. Candidates use quantitative and qualitative methods of data collecting and analysis to assess data and make decisions on which to base plans and policies.
Competency 3, Evidence and Reflection: Program Development and Evaluation Plan, Selection Policy (view as htm document) , Selection Policy (view as Word document)
Again, the Program Development and Evaluation Plan and the Selection Policy work hand in hand to address this standard. Formulation of a media committee that is comprised of membership from all stakeholders in the community allows equality of input from all areas. Student membership on this committee is especially important in order to identify and serve the needs of the majority of the patrons. Including the community profile and school improvement plan goals also helps to identify and address the needs of the learning community. Developing and offering information literacy lessons is made easier, and the media specialist is able to be proactive in their delivery.
Group members: Cindy Brooks, Elizabeth Foster, Lisa Perkins
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