Stephanie Greene
June 11, 2003
McDaniel College
SLM 501
MENTOR ASSESSMENT PAPER
I have had valuable experiences working with Courtnay Moore, the Media Specialist for Glenwood Middle School in Howard County. Over the past two years, I have considered Mrs. Moore my mentor in many ways, gaining insight from her about the Media Center as well as teaching in general. Mrs. Moore began her Media Specialist position at the same time as I began as an Assistant. Mrs. Moore finished her School Library Media Masters program (through McDaniel College) during the first half of last year. Prior to completing her degree, Ms. Moore taught High School Social Studies in Anne Arundel County for 10 years. I value her methods and hope to include them in my own Media Center.
I have discussed the following issues with Mrs. Moore. I feel that it would be appropriate for me to list the question and answers in a bulleted format for easy access and future reference.
1. At the beginning of the school year, what tasks must be completed?
q Establish new accounts for teachers (in circulation system and on server)
q Session with new teachers and provide an introduction to library and resources.
q Make sure computers are up and running for teachers (including all communication systems, e-class, access to server)
q Put up book displays
q Schedule 6th grade orientation
q Tweek, prepare, trash, create new orientation lessons
q Long range planning meetings for research unit
q Create Back-to-School folders
o Copyright policy
o Computer lab policy
o Newsletter
Notes: If I had not been in the Media Center the previous year, I would also conduct an equipment and material inventory to become acquainted with the collections.
2. What does the librarian see as the strengths of her program?
q Reading Promotion: (Chat & Chew Book Clubs, Displays, Book Talking, Black-Eyed Susan Contest)
q Collaboration with teachers and public library to “create authentic learning opportunities for all students”
q Solid Instruction in Information Retrieval Skills and Literacy Skills for establishing life long learners
q Provides “warm and fuzzy” atmosphere for all members of learning community (if she has enough chocolate)
q Collection Development – finding resources to support the curriculum of the school (includes websites)
Notes: I find that Mrs. Moore is extremely accommodating when creating schedules for media use. She attempts to allow everyone to equally access the facilities.
3. What is the librarian’s most pressing priority?
q Connect the students with literature and resources
Notes: We both feel that the perception of the school, students and staff included, is that the Media Specialists most pressing priority is to “drop everything and help me now!”
4. Does the librarian keep a file of lessons? What is her favorite lesson?
q Absolutely
q Favorite Lesson: Website Evaluation
This lesson points out the gullibility of the learner. It emphasizes the necessity to think before blindly copying all information that the learner finds online.
Notes: Lessons from previous years are always revisited and updated to suit the changing needs of the learning group. It is always important to evaluate and assess each lesson before using again.
5. How does the librarian train faculty on technology?
q Individually – As Need Basis
Mrs. Moore provides training in this manner because if she teaches anything technology oriented out of context (without practical need or hands on use) it is a “waste of time”.
Notes: I have seen through my work with Mrs. Moore, that this sentiment is true and unfortunate. I have trained staff on very basic technology (Outlook Express, Power Point, etc.). It is very difficult to convey to the staff the importance of learning even basic technology. In many cases, the teachers are not willing to take the time to learn. In other cases, they forget what they learned due to lack of use.
6. Explain the budgeting process.
Account #1: Library Media & AV (3600) includes B&T, etc.
q This account supplies the books, software, periodicals, DVDs, laminating film, transparencies.
q On July 1, 75% of account is provided.
q After enrollment numbers are confirmed, on November 11, the remaining 25% of account is provided.
q The dollar amount is based on per student. This year: $4.60 per student x 800 students.
q Must spend account by April 15 or lose remaining dollars.
q
Recommendation: Spend
this account early (by Thanksgiving). This ensures that the resources you have
ordered are actually being used THIS year.
Account #2: Equipment Account
q Dispersion of funds is under same principle. 7/1 and 11/1 based on confirmed enrollment numbers.
Account #3: Annual 3100 Account
q This account is used to purchase toner.
Account #4: In School Accounts that include Book Fair Money, Lost Book Money, Gift Book Fund
Notes: This is definitely the most confusing part of the Media Specialist’s job. Fortunately, there is a lot of support for attending to this role.
7. Does the librarian belong to state and national professional organizations? Why or why not?
q Local: EMAHC (obligatory)
$7-/year (provides snacks at meetings, haha)
q State Organization: MEMO
$40-/year
sponsers BES
provides continuing education during conferences
q ALA – AASL
$160- (could be tax write-off)
supplies materials for Banned Book Week, Teen Read Week
grants and scholarships
Notes: I see the value in membership with these organizations. I can see that it can be quite expensive maintaining such expertise in the field.
8. How does she keep current? What will you do?
READ ALL OF THE JOURNALS!
q Articles and reviews in SLJ, LMC, Booklist, Tech & Learning, VOYA, SB&F
q List serves!
q Media Specialist Meetings (monthly)
q Continuing Education courses
Notes: I will also develop and maintain relationships with the Media Specialist separate from meetings. They can be valuable resources. It is also important to keep current with the new literature. Mrs. Moore takes home books to read as often as possible, including books that students suggest so that she can stay on top of what’s hot.
9. Can she describe current school library research? State and national funding mandates?
q Job justification. Certification of LM staff is crucial to academic success.
q Does LM program influence Academic Success? Is it substantial or a waste of time, energy and resources?
q What motivates kids to read? (beyond elementary school)
q Meaningful Technology Experiences (do we make technology a “means” not an “ends”)
Mrs. Moore feels that the state and national funding mandates have unrealistic expectations based on the money the media is given.
Notes: I would like to pursue more information on the gender differences in reading. Why are more girls reading in middle school? What motivates boys to read. Also, I would like to find out how to focus in on the needs of middle school and high school readers. In addition, I think focusing on creating libraries with multicultural influences would be a strong research element. Lastly, I think it is important to focus on atmosphere and architecture of the physical design of school media to give the learners and teachers a more comfortable, meaningful and memorable experience.
10. What changes would the librarian make in the library if it were renovated?
Our media center was recently renovated by and redesigned with the help of a former Media Specialist, Sylvia Hazzard. It is a raspberry pink color. There is a circulation area that is positioned centrally to view the entire media. Glass walls provide sight yet distance from the computer lab. Natural light is amply provided.
Mrs. Moore would add:
q A comfy lounge area for readers
q More wall space for displays
11. How would you want your library designed? Where would you put the various sections?
I feel spoiled. I would probably design my media to incorporate most of the details that my Media Center already includes. The media center that I work in provides sections for individual work, group work, and full class work. There are multiple entrances to prevent major distractions. There is a glassed in computer lab with two printers. We have our circulation desk at one end of media overlooking the action. Materials are easy to reach and always accessible. The color needs to be soothing. It is very important to have soft areas to relax in. Providing a quiet reading area with pillows or bean bag chairs would be nice. This would need to be positioned very close to the circulation desk so that the students can be well supervised. An office area would be nice. Storage space is essential.