Professional Philosophy
Linking The Global Classroom
As a 21st Century Information Literacy Specialist, my philosophy involves linking students to the global classroom through information literacy skills. There are always opportunities to absorb knowledge if you approach situations from an inquisitive point of view. It is the library media specialist's duty to assist in preparing students to become proficient in the use of tools that will allow them to succeed in our global society. The library media specialist must aide students in developing into life long learners. They must protect each patron’s intellectual freedom, and guide students in the safe and ethical use of information.
In order to become life long learners, many factors must exist, and library media specialist play a critical role in the development of those factors. Through providing a collection that encourages students to explore the many genres in literature as well as the information offered in nonfiction materials, students have the opportunity to develop a love for reading. It is through this reading exploration that students will develop the intrinsic motivation to seek knowledge for life. Through collaborations with classroom teachers, library media specialists provide the resources and information literacy expertise to help student’s succeed.
It is the duty of the library media specialist to protect the intellectual freedom of all student patrons by providing unobstructed and safe access to information, in both print and digital formats. It is also the duty of the media specialist, in conjunction with the parents and administration, to determine the guidelines of appropriate materials for the age and grade level of the students that it serves. Once those guidelines have been established, it is crucial that students have open access to these materials.
The library media specialist should model and provide guidance to students, staff, and the entire school community in the ethical use of information. Digital citizenship has become a major focus in education because of the many electronic devices that are now so prevalent in our schools. Providing education to the school community on these issues and policies creates a great opportunity for library media specialist to take leadership roles in these initiatives.