IRLS 481-581: Course Outline

Fall 2006

Topics and Focusing Questions

Module I

The Nature of School Library Administration

 

How does the value we place on the four roles of the teacher-librarian impact the administration of a school library?

 

Philosophy and Objectives in School Library Programs

 

What is the impact of our educational philosophy on the objectives of the school library program?

 

Innovations and Trends:
Scheduling and Collaboration for Instruction, including
Technology and Web-based Information

 

Is there an "average" day in a school library?

Innovations and Trends: Part 2

 

What are some of the research process models used in school libraries today?

 

Module 2

Library Learning Experiences

 

How do we initiate and/or respond to collaboration with classroom teacher colleagues and with school principals?

Nine Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning – Part 2

 

How do the AASL/AECT 9 information literacy standards align with the published K-12 curriculum standards?

 

Standards-Based Collaborative Lesson Planning and Teaching

 

What can a teacher-librarian do to help make the classroom teacher's job less stressful/easier?

 

Evidence-based Practice

 

How do we measure the impact of our work on student achievement?

 

Module 3

Pivotal People: Principal and Classroom Teachers

 

How do we design and implement a marketing-advocacy effort to ensure the success of the school library program?

 

More People - Library Staff, Student Assistants, Volunteers, Student Users, Community Users

 

How do we involve these stakeholders in the success of the school library program?

 

State, Regional, and National Organizations

 

Why should teacher-librarians be active in professional organizations?

 

Marketing and Advocating for the Profession

 

Why should we take marketing and advocacy to the district, state, and national levels?

 

Module 4

The Library Facility: Equipment, Furniture, and Floor Plans

 

Why do the aesthetics and functionality of the school library matter?

 

Budgeting, Financing, Grant-writing, and Fundraising

 

How do you find the funds you need to accomplish your goals?

 

Ordering, Processing, and Circulating Materials

 

Plus Collection Maintenance and Inventory

 

How do you establish procedures for collection management?

 

Putting It All Together