Research Finding:
Library media programs make a positive contribution
in award-winning schools.
Comment
National Blue Ribbon schools are acclaimed for student
achievement and innovative approaches to teaching and
learning.
In these schools, principals and teacher-librarians
are committed to the needs of students and take action
accordingly.
Individually and together principals and teacher-librarians
affirm the principles and guidelines for school library
media programs as outlined in Information power: Building
partnerships for learning in three key areas: program
administration; information access and delivery; teaching
and learning.
Facilities are welcoming, and include informal areas
for free voluntary reading and browsing.
Collections reflect the needs of the curriculum and
student interests.
These library media programs continually work to increase
access to technology.
Student access to the library is available throughout
the day and before and after school.
Successful teacher-librarians in these schools are
knowledgeable about learning theories, teaching strategies,
and instructional design. These competencies should
be included in programs of preparation of teacher-librarians.
Sources
Gehlken, Vivian Seiber. (1994). The role of the
high school library media program in three nationally
recognized South Carolina Blue Ribbon secondary schools.
Ph.D. dissertation. University of South Carolina.
223pp.
Mosqueda, Barbara Ray. (1999). The perceptions
of the role of the library media program and the
library media specialist in selected National Blue
Ribbon Schools in Florida. Ed.D. dissertation.
University of Central Florida. 191 pp.
