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The Roles and Perceptionsof the Library Media Specialist

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The Roles and Perceptionsof the Library Media Specialist

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The role of the library media specialist has transformed immensely over the past few centuries. Back in the 1500s and 1600s, there were not many librarians or libraries for that matter. In the 17th century, free public libraries began to spread, but they also limited access to only approved people. Many libraries also did not circulate their books. They chained their books to try to prevent theft. In the 1700s, some libraries began to allow students to access materials even if they were not members. The librarian was a great source of help to these students. As we get closer to current day (1900s), librarians became more and more necessary as the general public was allowed access to materials and materials began to circulate. Librarians also were given the task of preserving materials. As we move closer still, the librarian's role as reading advocate became more prominent.

Now, the library media specialist has many new roles while still maintaining some traditional ones. For instance, one of the major roles is still as reading advocate. We want our students to be life-long learners, and reading is a huge part of that. Another role is as teacher. THe library media specialist teaches 21st century skills such as critical thinking, researching, digital literacy, teamwork, creativity, etc. With the development of technology, the required skills for students to be successful has shifted; therefore, so has the role of the library media specialist.  The library media specialist is also there to support teachers and administrators. They are there to support their curriculum and technological needs. Schools need qualified library media specialists. "Research demonstrates that there is a correlation between student achievement and the presence of a well-funded school library media center with a professional library media specialist" (McKracken). The library media specialist is invaluable to schools and students. Library media specialists have a vast knowledge of books, research skills, creative and critical thinking skills,  and of course technology. The development of technology and CCSS standards have helped to further develop the role of the library media specialist. Principals and other administrators rely on them to lead professional development activities, to maintain age appropriate materials on the shelves, and to instill a love of reading into students. Teachers perceive library media specialists as  partners in planning curriculum, and as their go-to person for quick technology help. Students see the library media specialist as another source of help, whether it is in choosing the next book to read, teaching them valuable research skills, finding a source for their research project, or even printing a document.

I am very happy that the library media specialist in my school has been so helpful. Jerry has helped in pinch with technology trouble, helped with research projects, found and ordered supplemental materials for new units, etc. JErry retired in June. Luckily, Judy has taken over. She has been a language arts in my school for 15 years. She has been a certified library media specialist for 5 years now. I'm sure she will be crucial to the success of my students and me!!

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2001 - the Children's Internet Protection Act required Internet safety policies and filters block content to be put in place.

~The importance of teaching 21st century skills is evident.

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Mary Kingsbury

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~Assimilation of immigrants became important to the role of the librarian in the early 1900s.
~1900 - Mary Kingsbury was the first professionally trained school librarian.
~1903 - Mary E. Hall - Second professionally trained school librarian.

~ Early 1900s, libraries were providing access to newspapers, pamphlets, reference books, novels, poetry, etc.
~1920 - the first set of school library standards was formed. "The report stated that, 'for the first time administrators see that the library is the very heart of the high school'"(eduscapes).

~The school library to the right is in Hutchingson Central High School in Buffalo, NY. The photo was taken in 1919. This school library followed most of the new standards.

1936 - many schools did not maintain a full-time professional librarian. The teaching staff shared the responsibility (many times the English teachers).

1943 - More and more children were using school libraries.

1954 - computer use for retrieving information was just beginning. Harley Tillet used IBM 701 to conduct searches for bibliographic records.
1950s - librarians take on a more active role in promoting general public awareness in addition to their typical roles.
1960s - academic libraries assisted through grants.

1970s - THe ALA and other similar organizations realize the importance of advocacy. Public relations groups and advertising agencies were hired to help promote libraries.

1990s - Technology changed very quickly. "Electronic databases became common information resources and the Internet was a major tool in information sharing" (eduscapes).

~1994 - The Digital Library Federation was formed.
~"The Institute of Museum and Library Services was formed in 1996 with the mission 'to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. We provide leadership through research, policy development, and grant making'"(eduscapes).

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1800-1824 - The push for government libraries.
1815 - The first comprehensive catalogue of the Library of Congress was published.
1850 - The Public Library Act in The United Kingdom sparked legislation around the world. Public libraries grew greatly through the end of the century.

Melvil Dewey - Late 1800s - laid the ground work for the Dewey Decimal System.
1887 - the first library school was opened by Dewey-Columbia College

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The rise of subscription Libraries

1787 -  the Copyright Clause of the United States Constitution authorized copyright legislation.

Museum libraries and private libraries also increased.

Art was displayed in libraries as well.

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~The 17th Century - free public libraries began to spread.
~Academic Libraries were also becoming more elaborate in order to aid intellectual discovery.
~1670 s- The first survey of school libraries was conducted.

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Church Libraries - The picture below is the Vatican Library.
1578 - 1578 Thomas Ashton gave priority to the creation of a school library in Shrewsbury, England.

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"History of School Library Standards-A Timeline." Georgia Library Media
Association. 6 February 2008. Retrieved from https://glma.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/history-of-school-library-standards-a-timeline/

Lamb, Annette. (2016). "History of Libraries." eduscapes. Retrieved from  http://eduscapes.com/history/index.htm

McKracken, Anne. (April 2001 - Volume 4) "School Library Media Specialists’
Perceptions of Practice and Importance of Roles Described in Information
Power."  AASL School Library Media Research. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol4/SLMR_SLMSPerceptions_V4.pdf

Monti, JIm. (2015). "Library Media Specialists: Changing Roles in Turbulent
Times." Follett Apsen Article. Retrieved from      https://www.follettlearning.com/wps/wcm/connect/3108d2eb-9b74-452e-8236-78cd367c17e7/library-media-specialists-changing-roles-in-turbulent-times.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Walsh, Josh. (18 March 2014). "The Shift: Media Specialists and the Common
Core." Technology Integration, Eutopia Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/media-specialists-and-common-core-josh-work