Julia Burke

SLM-521

School Library Media Sites—Elective #9

July 15, 2009

School Library Media Sites

Photo c. 1899

Retrieved from http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/

Whether it is 1899 or 2009, I believe that the purpose of libraries is to provide people with access to information that they probably would not have otherwise. As time has passed, though, the means of this provision have drastically changed. An integral part of any library’s interaction with its users today is its web site. When exploring school library media sites specifically, it immediately becomes apparent that their purpose is to enable students not only to navigate their own school library but the Internet at large where the amount of information can seem unfathomable. What follows is a list of components that I believe should be included on a school library media site as well as an explanation of their significance.

Mission Statement The purpose of a mission statement is to provide a clear set of objectives outlining the goal of the site. In this way, the student is made aware of the importance of the site as well as the significance of the student’s utilization of it—the site exists to serve the student in their quest for information. This statement can also be used as an implicit form of promotion for the library as well.

OPAC The provision of the Online Public Access Catalog (the virtual card catalog) allows the user to search anywhere, at anytime. This increased flexibility can encourage students to take advantage of the library’s resources. Providing links to other OPACs (colleges, universities, public libraries, etc.) greatly expands the educational reach of the student. The convenience of these direct links from a school library’s own site promotes further exploration.

Links to Appropriate Search Engines The Internet can be a “less than educational” minefield and by providing links to appropriate search engines, school librarians can allow students some autonomous searching while (hopefully) avoiding any inappropriate information. Once again, the convenience of direct links encourages use. (Example: http://www.kidsclick.org )

Links to Reference Tools Direct links to such resources as encyclopedia, dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, etc. provides a convenient and quick way to access information.

Access to a Librarian A major resource in any library is the librarian. By giving students a way to consult a librarian it encourages them (the students) to utilize this resource as well as gain a sense of support and reassurance.

Research Support A school library should not only provide guidance for information retrieval but should also give students a working understanding of the ethical use of this information. Documentation of sources and a comprehensive definition of plagiarism are invaluable components of a school library media site. The location on the site itself brings these issues to the forefront.

Reading Promotion Book discussions, student generated lists of favorite books, and student book reviews on the school library site provides a forum for students to actively engage in the reading experience. The interactive nature of these exercises encourages student participation as well as confidence.

General and Contact information Links to the school district’s main web page with subsequent contact information (administration, faculty, etc), announcements of special events, messages to parents (and the district community at large), and school (including library) policies reinforces the significant and central role played by the school library media center.

In addition to the previous list of components there is the overall appearance of a school library media site to consider. I believe that sites should have photo images and color but not be so overwhelming that the user has to engage in a hunt for what they need to find. Too many bright colors, animated images, and sounds can be intimidating as well as irritating which, in turn, defeats the purpose of the site. (This can be very subjective.) The goal of a school library media site should be to welcome, encourage, and to educate its users to take advantage of a wonderful resource.

Sources Consulted

Valenza, Joyce. School Library Websites—Home http://schoollibrarywebsites.wikispaces.com/

Minkel, Walter. (June 2000) ’Tis a Gift To Be Simple. School Library Journal 03628930, June 2000, Vol. 46, Issue 6.