School Libraries

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Effective school library programs and professionally trained teacher librarians play an essential role in the instructional program of each school and student achievement. In 2006, a requirement that each school district in Iowa employ a qualified teacher librarian and have in place an articulated, sequential K-12 library program became a part of 281–Iowa Administrative Code 12.3(12).  

For information about meeting Iowa Code for Library Programs while engaging in continuous improvement, please refer to the Iowa Department of Education School Library Program Standards Guidance as well as Iowa School Library Program Standards. 

Mission and Vision

OUR MISSION

Our Mission

The school library program plays a critical role in preparing learners for academic and personal success by fostering information literacy, inquiry, reading engagement, media literacy, and digital literacy. Aligned with Iowa Code 256.11(9), Iowa Administrative Code 281—12.2(256), and Iowa Administrative Code 281—12.3(10), effective school library programs, led by highly qualified teacher librarians positively impact student outcomes (Gretes, 2013; Lance & Kachel, 2018; Scholastic, 2016). An effective school library program collaborates with the school community to provide high-quality instructional resources that promote critical thinking, creativity, lifelong learning.  

In support of this mission, Keystone AEA Media Services delivers high-quality, evidence-based services that address the diverse needs of Iowa’s students, educators, and schools. By offering cost-effective library resources, integrating technology, and fostering lifelong learning, we work closely with partner districts to enhance instructional outcomes.

To fulfill this mission, each AEA has dedicated staff who lead and support media and technology programs in the following areas:

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References: 

• Gretes, F. (2013). School library impact studies: A review of findings and guide to sources. Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
• Lance, K. C., & Kachel, D. E. (2018). Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us. Phi Delta Kappan, 99(7), 15–20.
• Scholastic. (2016). School libraries work! Scholastic Inc.

BELIEF STATEMENTS (AASL COMMON BELIEFS)

1. The school library is a unique and essential part of a learning community.

As a destination for on-site and virtual personalized learning, the school library is a vital connection between school and home. As the leader of this space and its functions, the school librarian ensures that the school library environment provides all members of the school community access to information and technology, connecting learning to real-world events. By providing access to an array of well-managed resources, school librarians enable academic knowledge to be linked to deep understanding.

2. Qualified school librarians lead effective school libraries.

As they guide organizational and personal change, effective school librarians model, promote, and foster inquiry learning in adequately staffed and resourced school libraries. Qualified school librarians have been educated and certified to perform interlinked, interdis­ciplinary, and cross-cutting roles as instructional leaders, program administrators, educators, collab­orative partners, and information specialists.

 3. Reading is the core of personal and academic competency.

In the school library, learners engage with relevant information resources and digital learning opportunities in a culture of reading. School librari­ans initiate and elevate motivational reading initiatives by using story and personal narrative to engage learners. School librarians curate current digital and print materials and technology to provide access to high-quality reading materials that encourage learners, educators, and families to become lifelong learners and readers.

4. Learners should be prepared for career, college and life.

Effective school librarians use evi­dence to determine what works, for whom and under what conditions for each learner; complemented by community engagement and inno­vative leadership, school librarians improve all learners’ opportunities for success. This success empow­ers learners to persist in inquiry, advanced study, enriching profes­sional work, and community partici­pation through continuous improve­ment within and beyond the school building and school day.

5. Intellectual freedom is every learner’s right.

Learners have the freedom to speak and hear what others have to say, rather than allowing others to control their access to ideas and information; the school librarian’s responsibility is to develop these dispositions in learners, educators, and all other members of the learn­ing community.

6. Information technologies must be appropriately integrated and equitably available.

Although information technology is woven into almost every aspect of learning and life, not every learner and educator has equitable access to up-to-date, appropriate technology and connectivity. An effective school library bridges digital and socioeconomic divides to affect information technology access and skill.

Professional Roles of Teacher Librarian

School Librarians at the Heart of Transformation

INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Technology plays a crucial role in every aspect of the teacher librarian (TL). As an information specialist TLs use technology tools to supplement school resources, assist in the creation of engaging learning tasks, connect the school with the global learning community, communicate with students and classroom teachers at any time, and provide 24-7 access to library services. A teacher librarian introduces and models emerging technologies, as well as strategies for finding, assessing, and using information. I am a leader in software and hardware evaluation, establishing the processes for such evaluation to take place. Doing so requires frequent evaluation of the use 

Expertise in the ethical use of information also remains a cornerstone of this teacher librarian’s role as information specialist. As copyright options continue to expand for creators, the teacher librarian must be versed in the theoretical grounding and practical application of such Iaws in order to teach the ethical use of information to the learning community. This involves new understandings of fair use and forms of licensing that allow users to modify original content. Students, teachers, and other members of the educational community look to the teacher librarian to set guidelines for navigating fair use issues. 

TEACHER

TEACHER

In the role of the teacher the TL empowers students to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. The TL supports students’ success by guiding them to: 

• read for understanding, breadth, and pleasure
• use information for defined and self-defined purposes
• build on prior knowledge and construct new knowledge
• embrace the world of information and all its formats
• work with each other in successful collaborations for learning
• constructively assess their own work and the work of their peers
• become their own best critics

The teacher librarian advocates for reading for pleasure and supports reading comprehension skills across all formats. The teacher librarian has the resources to build a library collection that reflects the needs of learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and with diverse abilities and aspirations. A leading SLMS stays abreast of both national trends of popular reading material and student interests within the school community. I advocate for reading in all formats, such as graphic novels, periodicals, and online sources. 

INSTRUCTIONAL PARTNER

INSTRUCTIONAL PARTNER

As outlined in Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning the teacher librarian works with members of the school community to develop the policies, practices, and curricula to guide student learning. The teacher librarian collaborates with classroom teachers to develop assignments that are matched to academic standards and include key critical thinking skills, technology and information literacy skills, and core social skills and cultural competencies. The teacher librarian guides instructional design by working with the classroom teacher to establish learning objectives and goals, and by implementing assessment strategies before, during, and after assigned units of study.

PROGRAM ADMINSTRATOR

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

As program administrator, the teacher librarian ensures that all members of the learning community have access to resources that meet a variety of needs and interests. The implementation of a successful school library program requires the collaborative development of a program mission, strategic plan, and policies, as well as the effective management of staff, the program budget, and the physical and virtual spaces. The teacher librarian also addresses broader educational issues with other educators in the building, at the district level, and at the professional association level. 

Ethical Principles

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

The Keystone AEA Media Program serves as a learning and resource hub for our staff, administration, teachers, students and other members of the school communities to share information and ideas (ALA Bill of Rights).  It is the responsibility of the Media Administrator to educate, promote, and protect the intellectual freedom of all our patrons and to align services with the Agency’s mission, vision and values to improve learning for all. 

We understand the importance to make known the principles that guide the work of Keystone AEA Media Services.  The American Librarian Association states the values to which we are committed and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this world’s ever-changing information environment (Code of Ethics, ALA).

Keystone AEA is committed to serving each patron’s intellectual freedom rights,  their right to privacy, all the while promoting, protecting and educating patrons on the standards of copyright. These principles are ethical frameworks that guide this school library program’s decision making to best serve our school library patrons to provide a positive learning environment.  

Citations:
American Library Association. (2019). Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program:  An Interpretation to the Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/accessresources
American Library Association. (2019). Code of Ethics.  Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/tools/ethics
American Library Association. (2019). Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
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EIGHT GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our Guiding Principles

• ONE
• TWO
• THREE
• FOUR
• FIVE
• SIX
• SEVEN
• EIGHT

GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1

We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; adhere to service policies; and work diligently to deliver accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.

Resources for Learning

AREA TEACHER LIBRARIAN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AGENDAS

• November 17, 2017
• April 5, 2018 
• October 18, 2018
• March 8, 2019 
• April 4, 2019
• November 5, 2019
• August 13, 2020
• Better Together Conversations / Resources 19-20
• Better Together Planning Document
• Better Together Conversations / Resources 20-21
• Better Together Planning Document
• September 22, 2021
• WIN Conversations 2021
• April 28, 2021
• Better Together Conversations / Resources 21-22
• Better Together Planning Document
• April 5, 2022
• December 9, 2022
• April 13, 2023
• August 17, 2023
• November 2, 2023
• April 4, 2024
• September 26 and October 3, 2024 – Unlock the Power of Insignia
• November 12, 2024
• April 10, 2025 (TBD)

FRAMEWORK FOR INSTRUCTION FOR THE SCHOOL LIBRARY LEARNER

As a component of School Library Program Standards (TL1) adopted by the Iowa DoE in 2019, an optimizing school library program offers a knowledge-rich K-12 library curriculum as a component of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) universal instruction. The purpose of a K-12 Framework for Instruction for School Library Learners is to showcase the key facts (knowledge), skills (be able to do),  and experiences that can only be gained firsthand through the school library program.  The school library is a classroom and learners are supported. This framework is a roadmap designed to support a K-12 scope and sequence to curriculum implementation at the District and building levels.

Mock-up Framework for Instruction for the School Library Learner 

BOOKS

BOOKS:

Butler, Rebecca P. School Libraries 3.0: Principles and Practices for the Digital Age. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015.

Miller, S., Bass, W.  Leading from the Library: Help Your School Community Thrive in the Digital Age. International Society for Technology in Education, 2019.

In Bristow, B. A., In Spires, K., Sears, M. E., & H.W. Wilson Company,. (2018). Sears list of subject headings. 23rd Edition.

Donham, Jean (2005). Enhancing Teaching and Learning: A Leadership Guide for School Library Media 
Specialists. New York: Neal Schuman.

American Association of School Librarians,. (2018). National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school libraries.

Gorman, M. (2004). The concise AACR2. 4th edition. Chicago: American Library Association.
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Lowe, K. (2009). Resource alignment: Providing curriculum support in the school library media center. Millers Creek, NC: Beacon Consulting.

Moreillon, J. (2007). Collaborative strategies for teaching reading comprehension. [electronic resource] : maximizing your impact. Chicago : American Library Association, 2007.

School Libraries Work!  Scholastic Publishing, 2016. 

Stripling, B. K., & Hughes-Hassell, S. (2003). Curriculum connections through the library. Westport, Conn. : Libraries Unlimited, 2003.

Wildemuth, Barbara M. (2009). Applications of social research methods to questions in information and library science. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited ISBN 978-1-59158-503-9.

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). (2009). Washington, DC: The Association. ISBN 978 1 4338 0562-2

CONFERENCES

Professional Conferences

AASL (American Association of School Libraries) National Conference

Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)

IDEA (Illinois Digital Educators Alliance) Con

Iowa Technology and Education Connection (ITEC) Annual Conference

Iowa Library Association Conference (ILA)

ISTE ( International Society for Technology in Education) Events – National Conference

 

JOURNALS

JOURNALS

​Lance, K.C., & Hofschire, L. (2011, September 1). Something to shout about: New research shows that more librarians means higher reading scores. School Library Journal, 57, 28-33.

Lance, K., & Hofschire, L. (2012). Change in School Librarian Staffing Linked with Change in CSAP Reading Performance, 2005 to 2011. Denver, CO: Colorado State Library, Library Research Service.  ​

Todd, Ross. “The Evidence-Based Manifesto”School Library Journal 54, no. 4 (April 2008): pp 38-43.

Todd, Ross J.”School Libraries & Evidence: Seize the Day, Begin the Future”Library Media Connection 22.1 (2003): 12-18.

WEBSITES

WEBSITES

• American Library Association Digital Literacy Definition
• National School Library Standards (2018)
• National School Library Standards crosswalk with Future Ready Librarians (2018)
• National Association of Media Literacy in Education, (NAMLE) (2022)
• Iowa Department of Education and Iowa School Library Program Standards (2019)
• Future Ready Librarians (2018) 
• ISTE Standards for Students
• ISTE Standards for Educators
• Information Fluency Continuum Benchmark Skills for Grades K-12 (2014)
• Library Bill of Rights
• Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights

Family Literacy

What the research tells us

Many studies have been done in regards to the importance of successful experiences with children’s literacy development (McGill-Franzen and Allington (2003), Guthrie and Anderson (1999), Cunningham and Stanovich (1998), Anderson, Wilson and Fielding (1988).  What the research says has been clear. Children raised in homes that promote family literacy grow up to be better readers and do better in school than children raised in homes where literacy is not promoted. 

Keystone Area Education Agency is an invested promoter of literacy within our school community and want to foster a love of literacy within the homes of our students. We understand that reading proficiency by third grade is an important predictor of school success, and that early identification and ongoing support for readers who struggle is an essential component (Anne E. Casey Foundation, 2013). According to Iowa law (Iowa Code section 279.68 and 281–Iowa Administrative Code 62) beginning in 2017, school districts must provide an intensive summer reading program for any student between their 3rd and 4th grade year who exhibits a substantial deficiency in reading.  To support this effort, Keystone Area Education Agency would like to encourage a love of literacy within the home as well as encourage parents and guardians to get involved with their children’s literacy efforts within the summer months.

We encourage families

Read Together

Visit Local Library

Visiting the library together is a great way to foster family literacy activities. Not only do libraries often offer access to books on a wide range of literacy levels and subjects, there are many community literacy projects happening throughout the year as well.  Guest speakers, reading clubs, poetry reading, workshops, storytelling and craft projects are among some of the activities both of our local public libraries offer to their patrons.  Please see enclosed website links for additional information. 

Visiting the library together is a great way to foster family literacy activities. Not only do libraries often offer access to books on a wide range of literacy levels and subjects, there are many community literacy projects happening throughout the year as well.  Guest speakers, reading clubs, poetry reading, workshops, storytelling and craft projects are among some of the activities both of our local public libraries offer to their patrons. 

Keystone Literacy Resources

Parents are welcome to explore our Keystone Literacy resources to learn more about how to support your reader at home, along with finding digital tools, including striving reader strategies.

For more information

Mindy Reimer

Media Administrator

Elkader

E-Mailmreimer@keystoneaea.orgemail

Mobile: 563-232-5637
School: 800-632-5918

Wakelet – Your Curated #AEA1Stacks Resources

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