Library Science P

Class Description: 

Students in Library Science will develop a foundation of knowledge of their own school library.  This course will partially focus on building information, digital, and media literacy skills which will assist them in pursuing their academic and career goals while becoming effective users of information.  They will learn about the importance of evaluating information and using databases.  They will actively participate in the hands-on operation of their school library through the circulation of materials, organization, and maintenance of the collection, marketing resources to patrons, and provision of customer service functions.  The collective experiences of this course will provide students with valuable real-life experience, practical job skills, and familiarity with library resources, including customer service skills, social interactions, and skills in organizing and understanding the library management and organization systems, that will serve them well throughout their education and future careers. 

This course will provide students the opportunity to earn G-College Preparatory Elective credit. 

Library Science Prerequisite Requirements:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

• Passing English class grades

• A record of good citizenship.

• Approval of the teacher-librarian.

Library Science Prerequisite Skills:

• Students must be able to alphabetize.

• Students must know the order of decimals.

• Students must be good at communicating with others.

• Students must be welcoming and friendly.

• Students must have good attendance

Library Science Expectations:

• Students must be willing to clean.

• Students must be willing to wear Quest Tech. uniform vest (provided and will remain in the library). 

• Students must be willing to work collaboratively with other students.

• Students must be willing to be creative.

• Students must be willing to read.

• Students must be willing to learn and teach other students.

• Students must be willing to complete periodic assignments.

• Students must be willing to work with all students, staff, and others on campus. 

Things this class is NOT:

• A teacher’s aide class.

• A free period to be on your phones or work on other classes' assignments.

• A study hall class period.

Grading:

40% Classwork/Projects/Activities

30% Shelving/Clerical/Accuracy

20% Circulation Procedures/Patron Interaction

10% Test/Quizzes/Assessments

Semester Grading:

1st Quarter: 45%

2nd Quarter: 45%

Semester Final Exam: 10%

Final Grades will be determined by the Standard Grading Scale. 

(A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60-69%; F: 50-59%)

Late Work: 

Due to the nature of this course. No late work will be accepted. However, communication is key. Talk to me. I am on your team and here to help you succeed. Google Classroom/Canvas is updated daily. There is no reason to not know what is due and when it is due.

Professionalism: 

In this day and age, professionalism is extremely important. The way one carries him or herself every day will allow them to achieve success. Therefore, students are expected to behave in a professional manner. Professionalism includes but is not limited to bringing all appropriate materials to class, completing assignments/homework, being on time and prepared, following all classroom rules and procedures, and being professional and respectful at all times.

Make-up work:

A student who is absent is RESPONSIBLE for obtaining his/her makeup work. I am not required to come to you and hand you this information. You should check Canvas first.

Classroom Procedures:

Learning can only be achieved in a controlled and safe environment. We will work together as a team engaging in daily activities to achieve our goals. These procedures are aimed at creating this setting.

1. You are expected to enter class BEFORE the bell rings or you will be counted as being tardy. Only a signed pass will excuse your tardiness. 

2. As you enter the LIBRARY you will present yourself respectfully and act responsibly.

3. Immediately after entering class, you are to get started on your DAILY DUTIES, regardless if the bell has rung or not. 

4. You are expected to adhere to the school code of conduct. (This should go without saying).

5. Most importantly, you are expected to treat everyone with respect.  

Course Goals: 

Students will:

1. Discuss safe work practices.

2. Discuss ethical and responsibility issues related to library practice.

3. Perform library classification shelving.

4. Identify the various types of materials related to a library and how they are classified.

5. Discuss and assist patrons with library resources.

6. Demonstrate basic skills using the library’s OPAC system.

7. Demonstrate basic skills using online databases to conduct research.

8. Identify and demonstrate various technology applications for use in education.

9. Create various digital and physical displays to promote the various physical and electronic resources and books available for promotion.

Course Objectives:

1. The student will perform shelving according to library classifications correctly.

2. The student will perform customer service skills with library patrons.

3. Given a patron’s library request, the student will demonstrate the ability to find the material.

4. Given the opportunity to work at the circulation desk, the student will perform various circulation duties such as checking in/out library materials.

5. The student will demonstrate finding appropriate material.

6. The student will be able to identify and use various educational technology applications and demonstrate their uses in an educational setting.

7. The student will create library promotional displays such as book displays, bulletin boards, and/or community events.

8. The student will be able to assist and perform various duties of the library using library skills learned throughout the course.

Library Science: Course of Study Outline

California Content Standards Addressed:

• CMSLS = California Model School Library Standards for Students (K-12).  California Department of Education, 2011.

• AASL = AAS: Standards Framework for Learners.  American Association of School Librarians, 2018.

Unit 1: Class Introduction, Safe Work Practices, Library Classification Systems, & Library Policies

• Students will identify the characteristics and team members of the library environment.

• Students will identify workplace safety.

• Students will understand and utilize library classification systems.

• Students will perform and be assessed on accurate shelving of library materials.

• Students will identify, describe, and assess the library’s policies, including confidentiality as defined by the Freedom to Read Act.

Unit 2: Research

• Students will learn to access and utilize library resources.

• Students will learn to synthesize information from various resources.

• Students will find relevant, reliable, and timely resources while including lateral reading.

• Students will properly cite sources, including pictures.

• Students will explore and incorporate diverse perspectives.

• Students will collaborate with others during and after the research process.

• Students will produce research artifact(s).

• Students will reflect on the process.

Unit 3: Library Management Systems & Online Public Access Catalog Systems

• Students will understand library management systems and online public access catalog systems (OPACs) and their use in the library.

• Students will perform searches for patrons using the OPAC and library management system.

• Students will understand the Patron’s Library Bill of Rights.

• Students will create digital and/or physical displays that promote diversity and inclusion.

• Students will create various resources to assist with promotion and access to available library resources.

Unit 4: Patron Service

• Students will discuss and assist patrons with library resources.

• Students will use customer service and soft skills when assisting library patrons.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to find the patron-requested library material.

• Students will be able to locate various resources available through the district and school-provided resources. 

• Students will assist patrons with their research needs.

• Students will develop materials as needed to assist with library goals.

Unit 5: Literature & Library Advocacy

• Students will describe and discuss the current collection development policy. 

• Students assist in collection development and weeding. 

• Students will promote books and other library materials.

• Students create promotional artifacts for the library.

• Students create various digital and physical displays throughout the year for library programming and advocacy. 

• Students will create displays and/or reviews for literacy promotion. 

Unit 6: Media Information Literacy

• Students will learn how to analyze media for accuracy.

• Students will distinguish between misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation.

• Students will recognize various biases.

• Students will understand and practice good digital citizenship.

• Students will create and share an artifact promoting media information literacy.

• Students will incorporate various technologies to increase access and promotion.

• Students will produce and share meaningful artifacts on various platforms for the communication of new understandings.

Dewey Decimal System