Artifact

Current Issues in School Library Media

Reflection

Not just one or two, there were easily ten file folders full of blue mimeographed worksheets on how to use a card catalog; an old-fashioned, pull out the drawer and look for a subject card, card catalog, in my inherited file cabinet. I feel confident that today's students, from kindergarten through high school, have no need of instruction in the use of a card catalog. What they do need is a media specialist who is up-to-date in the school library media field. In order to write this paper describing the current issues facing school library media specialists, I had to consult several professional journals. Based on the information I collected, I can now implement those ideas. For instance, advocacy for the school library media center is one of the biggest challenges facing media specialists at this time. Since I am aware of that, I was eager to create a Media Advisory Committee. By working with this committee I have been able to analyze the current state of the media center and develop goals for the future. In addition to advocacy, writing this paper also opened my eyes to issues of funding. Not only have I held a bookfair, but I also maintain a "Birthday Book" program, both of which provide addition money for the media budget. My research into the current issues affecting school library media centers has heightened my awareness of important areas that need special attention. I have been able to bolster my budget and successfully advocate for needed changes. One of these changes is the removal of the outdated card catalog, and of course all of the worksheets that go with it.

McDaniel College
founded in 1867 as Western Maryland College
Westminster, Maryland 21157-4390 USA
410-848-7000
© McDaniel College. All rights reserved.