Frequently Asked Questions About School Library Media Programs
- Isn’t everything available on the Internet? Why do we need
a school library?
Our school library is more than books. It’s a learning hub with a full range of print and electronic resources that support student achievement. These resources include books, magazines, videotapes, computers, databases and much more. More importantly, there is a school library media specialist to assist students with their information needs and help teachers develop projects that engage students in developing critical learning and research skills.
- Why do we need a school library media specialist? Can’t
we use volunteers?
School library media specialists have advanced education degrees as teachers and librarians. They understand how to teach and are experts in children’s and young adult literature, as well as information science. They know what kids like to read and what is appropriate at different stages of their development. They understand how information is organized and how to find it in many different formats—print and electronic. They are there to help classroom teachers teach and students to learn using a variety of resources. Few volunteers have the expertise to do this.
- Isn’t it true students don’t use the library anymore?
On the contrary! Our library is filled with students throughout the day . . . reading books, logging on to the Internet, getting help with research projects, studying, working on projects with other students and lots more. Not only that, our Web site is used by students for homework and other research after school. I encourage you to visit our library and Web site and see for yourself.
- Why would I want to be a school librarian?
Being a school library media specialist is extremely rewarding. The salary is the same as classroom teachers and continues to rise. But the real pay off is the satisfaction you get from helping students discover the joy of reading and learn essential information literacy skills. I feel like I’m making a difference in their lives not just today, but 10 or 20 years from now. As a profession, librarians are committed to protecting the freedom to read and ensuring that information is freely available to all. I’m proud to be part of that.
- Why should the library get more money when we have to cut other
areas?
There is no such thing as good education without a good library. Studies have shown there is a direct link between student achievement and library media centers that are professionally staffed and well stocked with books and technology. Without an increase, we cannot provide the quality or quantity of resources that our students and teaching staff deserve.
- Since everything is electronic, shouldn’t the library need
less money?
Technology offers many advantages, but saving money isn’t necessarily one of them. Computers and other electronic resources must be maintained, updated and staffed. Also, everything is far from electronic. Our library has a large collection of books, magazines, videos and other learning resources that aren’t on the Internet—and probably never will be. Our students must be skilled in using many different media if they are to succeed in today’s world.
- What is “information literacy” anyway?
Information literacy means knowing how to find, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources. It means knowing when a book may be more helpful than a Web site. It means knowing what questions to ask. Is the information complete? Accurate? Is someone trying to sell something? Good decisions depend on good information. School library media specialists know that to get the best information, you have to go beyond Google. They teach 21st century research skills that students will use throughout their lives.
- Why should we invest in books when they have the Internet?
Students need both if they are to learn and achieve. If students are to learn how to be effective consumers of information, they must understand and be able to use many different media. The Internet, for instance, is useful primarily for current information. Books and other print resources offer a greater breadth and depth of information than can be found online. Sometimes a video is a better learning tool than a book or the Internet.
- How are school library media programs in Wisconsin funded?
Public schools are funded by the State of Wisconsin and local property taxpayers. But for approximately 50 percent of school library media programs, the only source of revenue for library books and other instructional materials is the Common School Fund.
For the 2005-06 school year, the Common School Fund provided $22.32 per student for students ages 4-20 in the district. [View XLS file] This amount represents approximately ½ of one book per child per year.
Providing school libraries with the maximum amount of Common School Fund revenue is critical to the continued success of those libraries.
Questions 1-8 from the American Library Association, ALA School Library Campaign Toolkit, Chicago, IL