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Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are actively engaged in leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and professional networking. Candidates participate in and lead ongoing professional learning. Candidates advocate for effective school libraries to benefit all learners. Candidates conduct themselves according to the ethical principles of the library and information profession.
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5.1 Professional Learning
5.1 Professional Learning
Candidates engage in ongoing professional learning. Candidates deliver professional development designed to meet the diverse needs of all members of the learning community.
Description
The Personal Leadership Analysis and Plan includes personality and leadership assessments, SMART goals, and an annotated bibliography of resources to guide professional growth. The goal was to focus on self-reflection on my leadership skills and design a plan to grow professionally in alignment with school library leadership standards.
Analysis
The strength of the artifact is its data-informed approach to personal leadership growth. Using self-assessment results to focus on specific areas of growth, I was able to create actionable SMART goals to target emotional intelligence, budget planning, advocacy, and collaboration that will strengthen my leadership skills. An unexpected learning outcome was learning how personality traits impact leadership approaches.
Reflection
I felt encouraged by this artifact. After completing the personality and leadership assessments, I was reassured about certain personality traits such as empathy for others and a strong moral sense. These are traits that help define me as a person, as well as a leader. Advocating for myself and the library is a skill that needs to be honed and strengthened with the resources I discovered through this plan.
5.2 Leadership and Collaboration
5.2 Leadership and Collaboration
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
The Technology Professional Development Plan was developed to address teachers’ interest and knowledge in using technology tools like Nearpod, Kahoot!, EdPuzzle, and Boom Cards. The goal of this training is to give teachers the tools to help improve student learning and success by incorporating engaging websites into teaching.
Analysis
The strength of this plan is that it encourages collaborative learning and differentiated support for teachers through the training. An unexpected learning outcome was learning that technology tools that I use daily are not known or used by teachers at my school. For future trainings, I will include more resources to meet the needs of teachers in early childhood classes.
Reflection
This project made me more confident in my ability to create and lead professional development opportunities that are responsive to teacher needs and student data. I feel this plan helped build teacher confidence and increased collaboration across grade levels. I want to continue building my leadership skills and hold trainings to support both teacher growth and student success through technology resources.
5.3 Advocacy
5.3 Advocacy
Candidates advocate for all learners, resources, services, policies, procedures, and school libraries through networking and collaborating with the larger education and library community.
Description
The School Library Advocacy Plan advocates for new library furniture and an updated, accessible library space. The plan was designed to engage all stakeholders through targeted outreach, grant applications, and student involvement.
Analysis
An essential strength of this artifact is its comprehensive approach where students, families, teachers, and community members are invited to participate in advocacy efforts. One weakness is a heavy reliance on external funding, which may delay progress.
Reflection
Creating this plan helped me realize the power of collective voice and the importance of designing a safe, welcoming library space. I want to continue building community partnerships and better advocate not just for resources, but for equitable access and learner-centered design. I am excited to implement this plan to create a space perfect for my patrons.
5.4 Ethical Practice
5.4 Ethical Practice
Candidates model and promote the ethical practices of librarianship, as expressed in the foundational documents of the library profession including the American Library Association Code of Ethics and the Library Bill of Rights.
Description
The Cash Valley Elementary School Library Website was created to share policies, procedures, and resources with students, staff, and families. The purpose of this website is to provide equitable access to information and reinforce ethical library practices aligned with ALA standards.
Analysis
A key strength of this website is its transparency and accessibility. It clearly shares policies on Reader Rights, intellectual freedom, privacy, and equitable access, all of which align to ALA’s Code of Ethics. An unexpected outcome was realizing how much students and families used the website. It is so valuable to support student interaction and family engagement. In the future, I want to add more to the website to showcase student work and interests.
Reflection
I am proud that my website visibly supports students’ rights to read freely, explore safely, and access information equitably. It reinforces my commitment to uphold the ALA’s values in every aspect of my practice. I want to continue adding to the library website to include more information on copyright and digital citizenship.
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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