Embedded Files
Candidates in school librarian preparation programs model, facilitate, and advocate for equitable access to and the ethical use of resources in a variety of formats. Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop, curate, organize, and manage a collection of resources to assert their commitment to the diverse needs and interests of the global society. Candidates make effective use of data and other forms of evidence to evaluate and inform decisions about library policies, resources, and services.
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4.1 Access
4.1 Access
Candidates facilitate and advocate for flexible, open access to library resources and services according to the ethical codes of the profession. Candidates design and develop strategic solutions for addressing physical, social, virtual, economic, geographic, and intellectual barriers to equitable access to resources and services.
Description
The Dewey Numbers, Subject Heading for books, and OPAC Instructions were created to support students locating books and navigating subject searches in the library. A beginning-of-year presentation on using Destiny Discover is paired with posters, shelf markers, and a living Google Doc that is regularly updated to reflect student interests.
Analysis
An essential strength for this artifact is its emphasis on increasing ease of access to library resources through signage and user-friendly instructions. It empowers students to independently search for materials and better understand subject headings. A weakness is the subject search instructions could be simplified for younger students. An unanticipated outcome was realizing how crucial signage and visual aids are in creating equitable access for all learners.
Reflection
Creating these resources to use in my library made me realize how essential intentional design is for equitable access to library materials. I felt encouraged by the positive impact the new posters and shelf markers have had building students’ confidence and independence when locating a book. I want to continue to explore new ways to make the searching and navigating the library easier and more intuitive.
4.2 Information Resources
4.2 Information Resources
Candidates use evaluation criteria and selection tools to develop, curate, organize, and manage a collection designed to meet the diverse curricular and personal needs of the learning community. Candidates evaluate and select information resources in a variety of formats.
Description
This Collection Evaluation was used to evaluate the age, circulation, and relevance of Cash Valley Elementary School’s library collection. The goal was to curate a collection that better meets curricular needs and personal interests by using evaluation criteria and professional selection tools.
Analysis
A key strength of this evaluation was its detailed analysis of the collection’s age and circulation data and the use of professional selection sources such as Wilson’s Children’s Core Collection and Titlewave to find new engaging books for students. I realized that the library collection is outdated, but a weakness is that updating the whole collection will take time and lots of funding. An unexpected learning outcome was realizing the extent to which outdated materials limit student interest and engagement.
Reflection
Completing this collection evaluation helped me understand the importance of continually curating a library collection that is updated, exciting, and connected to student interests. I feel motivated to be intentional with both weeding and selecting new resources. Moving forward, I plan to develop stronger advocacy skills to secure funding for collection development.
4.3 Evidence-Based Decision Making
4.3 Evidence-Based Decision Making
Candidates make effective use of data and information to assess how practice and policy impact groups and individuals in their diverse learning communities.
Description
This Action Research Multimedia Presentation was developed to address the low library circulation among fourth and fifth grade classes. Its purpose was to assess students’ needs, library usage patterns, and areas for growth through surveys, focus groups, and circulation data. The presentation can be used to advocate for funding to purchase various library materials.
Analysis
One of the biggest strengths of this action research project was the use of real data and feedback from students to guide changes in both collection development and programming. A weakness of this project presentation was trying to include all pertinent information such as all actions and targets without overwhelming the viewer. An unexpected learning outcome was learning that 5th graders would like more audiobook resources.
Reflection
Working on this action research project presentation helped me realize the importance of data and student feedback. I feel more confident using evidence to guide decisions that impact the learning community. In the future, I want to learn more about data analysis and collecting feedback to build a library that truly reflects and serves every learner.
Works Cited
American Association of School Librarians. “ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards.” American Library Association, 2019.
American Association of School Librarians. National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Chicago, ALA Editions, 2018.
Chatgpt, chatgpt.com/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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