Objectives

Instruction: Integration of information skills into the school's curriculum is central to the learning process; therefore, the library media specialist functions as an information "intermediary", teaching patrons how to find and utilize information.

Information Access: The library media program offers both traditional resources and new technologies as teaching and learning tools to meet individual needs and learning styles. As a member of the Northeast (Nebraska) Library System the Pierce Public School library has access to materials in virtually every Nebraska library through inter library loan. Commercial database subscriptions providing access to a wide range of periodical journals and magazines are available through the Nebraska Library Commission website.

Staff Development: The library media professional works on a continuing basis with teachers to keep them updated on information skills, production of materials, and the use of information and instructional technologies. The media specialist also makes teachers aware of the constantly changing library collection.

Curriculum Planning: Information skills are integrated into every curriculum at ever grade level and are not taught in isolation. Teachers and the media specialist collaborate in the planning and teaching of information skills. Individual classes and students master their information skills by gathering, evaluating, and utilizing information.

Production: The school library media specialist offers expertise and assistance in the production of instructional materials. This includes coordinating in-school production of materials required for instructional use and other activities such as video and multimedia presentations.

Public Relations: The library media specialist effectively publicizes available services and resources, serves on school and district wide committees, participates in community projects, and demonstrates the importance of the library media program in education. Library media center news is distributed on the school and library web pages, through announcements, and in the local paper. Requests from students, faculty, and the community are handled promptly, and in a manner that reflects the staffs' knowledge that is their number one priority. Materials, equipment, and services are provided for extracurricular, community, and adult education activities.