KA Section IV.docx

Stark, Sikes, HullenderKey AssessmentFRIT 7331Lisa Hullender, Amanda Sikes, & Jason StarkSection I: Description and Analysis of the School Library Media ProgramGeographic LocationLong County Middle School is located in Southeast Georgia in a small town named Ludowici. The population of Ludowici is 1,964 people (US Census Bureau, 2013). Grade LevelsThe Long County School Media Center is shared by 2 schools: Walker Elementary School and Long County Middle School. The current grade levels served by the media center are grades 4-8 as well as Pre-K.Socioeconomic Makeup of the School CommunityThere are 804 students in the two schools. This includes 565 economically disadvantaged students (over 70%). The school has 89 students that have a disability. There are 29 students with limited English proficiency and 21 migrant students. The school is a title 1 school.Size of Student PopulationThere are 804 students in the two schools. Of these students, 54% are males and 46% are females. The school has 409 Caucasian students, 211 African American students, 117 Hispanic students, 60 multiracial students, 4 Asian Islander Pacific students, and 3 American Indian students. Size of FacultyThere are 81 certified employees in the school and 23 staff members. Scholastic StandingCRCT Data was gathered for students in Long County Middle School which is the main focus of our research. Students in grades 6th-8th were examined in areas of Math, Reading, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. In Math, the percentages were as follows: 26.1 exceeded, 58.7 meets, and 15.2 did not meet. In English Language Arts, the percentages were: 24.4 exceeded, 62.3 meets, and 11.3 did not meet. In Reading, the percentages were: 35.9 exceeded, 53.9 meets, and 4.7 did not meet. In Science, the percentages were: 23.4 exceeded, 55.1 meets, and 21.5 did not meet. In Social Studies, the percentages were: 32.3 exceeded, 41.7 meets, and 20.7 did not meet. Long County Middle School has been a focus school for the last 3 years because of the gap in test scores between the special needs students and the gifted students.Section II: School Library Media Center Philosophy/Mission StatementOriginal Mission Statement:The Long County School Media Center exists to serve the needs of students and faculty. The mission of our media center is to aid the learning process by providing a friendly welcoming and accepting atmosphere and by providing programs and services to meet the individual needs. The media center will serve both students and faculty in supporting and promoting the learning experiences necessary to promote the curriculum and create life-long learners. It is an open media center on a flexible schedule plan, which enables the media centers resources, services, and facilities to be available to all students and teachers.Philosophy:Long County Students are the Media Centers prime users. We strive to meet their needs through support of the curriculum, their social development and their recreational development. The media center will endeavor to create a pleasant environment for the enhancement of the learner. In achieving this goal, the Media Center shall also endeavor to offer students a variety of learning opportunities by presenting materials in a spectrum of forms.Correction ParagraphAccording to Downs (2010), the roles and mission of the school library should be clear and they should also strive to accomplish the overall mission of the school. The Long County School Media Center (LCSM) mission seems to be repetitive. The opening statement declares the commitment to serve both students and faculty and later states how it will serve both students and faculty. There is room to further clarify other standards set down by the American Association of School Libraries. This statement from the Empowering Learners text seems appropriate for the mission statement revision: In this increasingly global world of information, students must be taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information ethically, and use social tools responsibly and safely (AASL, p. 12). Teaching students to be ethical users and creators of information will help focus a mission statement in the current 21st-century learning environment. Also, the mission states they are on a flexible schedule plan which supports equitable access to all children. The statement is positive but could be moved to the goals section and substituted with a statement supporting our commitment the students freedom to access information in all formats. As professional librarians, our roles in helping others understand the principles and importance of intellectual freedom are among the most important duties we have (Johnson, 2013). Changing the philosophy to goals and simplifying how the media specialist plans to achieve the mission statement will help give an overall purpose. The current mission statement does address the goal of developing lifelong learners and working in collaboration with teachers.Media Center Mission StatementThe Long County School Media Center is the information hub of the school. In support of the Long County School Districts commitment to higher educational standards, the library media center encourages and attempts to ensure that all students have intellectual access to all available formats of information including a wide range of ideas while encouraging its ethical use. The media center will serve both students and faculty in supporting and promoting the learning experiences necessary to promote the curriculum and create life-long learners. LCMS Goals: Provide a friendly welcoming and accepting atmosphere and by providing services and programs to meet individual needs. Provide an open media center on a flexible schedule plan, which enables the media centers resources, services, and facilities to be available to all students and teachers. Provide collaboration with the faculty and staff to create an extension of the classroom by planning literacy and technology lessons. Provide our students with the skills to be researchers, ethical users and creators of information through the media center, technology, and direct instruction. Section III: Long County School Library Media Center Services OverviewCirculation PolicyLong County Media Center does not have a written circulation policy. After speaking with the media specialist, she explained her policies to us. At this time, they are working on developing a media center handbook that includes policies and media center information. Long County School Media Center has a large collection of books that can be checked out by students. The students can use Destiny to access the book catalog online. The media center serves all students in fourth grade through eighth grade. In order to check out materials from the library, students are required to have an ID or at least provide their ID number. Once a book has been checked out by the student, the student can keep the book for two weeks. If not returned on time, there are late fees of .05 per each school day that it is not returned. The different grade levels are acknowledged with the use of color coding. Each grade level has a different color. These color codes are hanging from the ceiling in the different areas of fiction books. Teachers may request magazines, videos or other equipment from the library at any time.Analysis and Critique Based on Needs of 21st Century LearnersThe current policy does not meet the needs of 21st century learners. They are provided with online access to the library catalog at school, but they are not provided any access from home. They are also not allowed to check out technology or devices to use. They can only use these devices while in the media center. Students are not able to renew their books online, and there are also no E-books available in the library.Analysis and Critique Based on BYOT/BYODLong County Middle School prohibits students from bringing any electronic device to school. If caught with an electronic device, it is taken away for 30 days. If this policy is revised, the circulation policy would need to be edited to include digital resources for students to use.Analysis and Critique Based on Web 2.0 TechnologiesThere are no Web 2.0 technologies mentioned in the circulation policy. The library website does provide a few links; however, not many students even know the website is available.Analysis and Critique Based on E-BooksE-books are not an option for students in Long County. According to Johnson (2013), E-books should be considered because they can be beneficial to both students and teachers.Analysis and Critique Based on Creative CommonsThis policy is not affected by the use of creative commons.Final Thoughts on Circulation PolicyThis policy is very basic. It covers the minimum details of circulation including how to check out books and fines for books. It does not do anything to acknowledge the changing world of technology. Nothing is mentioned about web 2.0 tools or E-books. Students at this school have no access to the library from home. The lack of BYOT policy in this school limits the library since they only have a few desktop computers and chrome books available for use.The policy clearly addresses the fines for students but not for teachers. This policy is clearly more traditional and focuses on issues that do not promote literacy in the 21st century library. Students should be given unlimited access to books without the risk of fines to better promote literacy. Overall, this policy is outdated and should be revised to include aspects that promote 21st century learning.SchedulingLong County School Scheduling or hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily for teacher use. The hours of operation for students are from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily. The media center uses a flexible scheduling option. Students are allowed to visit the library during school hours as long as they have a pass from their teacher. Each teacher can send two students at a time to visit the library. Teachers are allowed to reserve the library for classroom instruction. A whiteboard and laptop are provided in the classroom area of the library. To schedule a visit, email the school media specialist. Students are allowed to use the media center while it is being used for classroom instruction. A paraprofessional is provided to assist students if the media specialist is busy with classes that have reserved the library. Students are not able to use the library outside of school hours. There are no polices in place that allow this to happen.Students are free to use any of the technology devices while they are in the library provided they are not being used for group instruction. Students are not allowed to reserve the technology devices. All devices are on a first come first serve basis.Analysis and Critique Based on Needs of 21st Century LearnersThis policy adequately addresses the needs of 21st century learners. They are allowed to visit the library as many times as they would like as long as they have a teachers permission. They can come during break or lunch as well. The media center provides space for group instruction as well as small group workspace at the tables for students to collaborate and learn. The library also provides technology (laptops and Chrome Books) for use during the instructional day. However, more polices should be developed to better allow teachers and students to schedule the library for use. Currently, there is not much collaboration going on between the media specialist and other teachers. An online calendar would be a good addition to the library website so that teachers could plan specific times for collaborating with the media specialist and they could also schedule class sessions using this calendar.Analysis and Critique Based on BYOT/BYODStudents are not allowed to bring their personal devices to school. If this policy is ever changed, it should not affect the scheduling of the media center. Although the media specialist may need to establish guidelines for students using their devices while visiting the media center.Analysis and Critique Based on Web 2.0 TechnologiesThe scheduling policy does not include anything about Web 2.0 technologies. Very few Web 2.0 tools are provided on the media center website. These tools are available from home or school.Analysis and Critique Based on E-BooksThe scheduling policy does not mention the use of E-books. If E-books become available at this school, it will not affect the scheduling for the media center.Analysis and Critique Based on Creative CommonsThe scheduling policy does not affect the use of creative commons.Final Thoughts on SchedulingThe scheduling policy does a good job with promoting 21st century learning. Students and teachers are provided unlimited opportunities to visit the media center. While they are in the media center, they have access to all books, technology, and the media specialists services. If the BYOT policy or the Web 2.0 tools are ever updated, the scheduling policy may need to be revised just a little to include procedures for these options.Services PolicyThe media center provides very basic services for students and teachers. The media center can make student and teacher ID cards. Lamination of items for teachers is also available if requested in advance. It takes 24-48 hours for all requests to be filled. However, teachers are free to laminate their materials if they do not want to wait for the media specialist. The media center also provides book binding and poster printing as well as color photo/page printing for students and teachers. Students must pay .10 cents for each color page printed in the media center. The current media specialist does not offer many other services at this time. She does provide special book readings for Read Across America Week as well as a special guest speaker once a year to promote reading to each grade level. She has also organized a media committee that meets to discuss needs of the library. She promotes collaboration; however, not many teachers have taken advantage of this service.Analysis and Critique Based on Needs of 21st Century LearnersThis policy does not seem to meet the needs of 21st century learners. It provides a basic outline of the services provided. However, no services are provided to promote digital literacy. The library does not provide access to Movie Maker or Adobe Photoshop. These programs are not installed on any computers on campus. Also, making students pay to print does not encourage or allow all learners equal access to materials. Not all students can afford to print a document, especially if the document is multiple pages.Analysis and Critique Based on BYOT/BYODLong County students are not allowed to BYOT to school. If they were allowed, the media specialist might need to revise the services policy to include allowing students to print things from their own devices or helping students install programs and software on their device.Analysis and Critique Based on Web 2.0 TechnologiesThis policy does not address Web 2.0 technologies. A good idea might be for the media specialist to have a list of Web 2.0 tools that are good for student use and then some that are good for student use. A section on the media center website could be made that would provide video tutorials on how to use these Web 2.0 tools.Analysis and Critique Based on E-BooksThis policy does not address E-books. If the school library ever gets E-books, the media specialist may need to provide services to the students to show them how to access the E-books. This could easily be done with video tutorials using Web 2.0 tools.Analysis and Critique Based on Creative CommonsThis policy does not address creative commons. However, since so much work is done in the library for group projects and individual projects, the media specialist should provide services to the students to explain creative commons.Final Thoughts on Services PolicyLong County Media Center services policy is very basic and simple. It provides information about the few services that are offered in the media center. These services mostly relate to outdated items like printing and making books and posters. The media center has to realize that more services should be provided to promote 21st century learning. Students should be provided with a wealth of information on Web 2.0 technology tools. They should also be able to have the services of a media specialist to help create videos. The media center is a big area of collaboration for the students. One of the services offered should be to show students different ways to collaborate using technology.The current services policy is mostly concerned with printing and fines. This policy should be updated to include services relevant to students and teachers in todays school.Ethics and Legal Principles PolicyThe Long County Board of Education provides employees and students with access to technology resources and the Internet for educational and instructional purposes. The School District will enforce the following procedures. Although some examples may be stated, they are intended as illustrations only and do not purport to be all inclusive of inappropriate use. Failure to comply with the Long County School System Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy shall be deemed grounds for revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action. Any parent/guardian who wishes to deny their child access to the Internet and/or the technological resources of Long County Schools must do so in writing to the supervising principal of his/her child. All students must read the following Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Agreement and shall indicate acceptance of the agreement by their signature (or their parent's signature if under the age of 18) for the respective school's student handbookACCEPTABLE USEUse of the Internet and technological resources must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the educational objectives of the Long County School System. Use of any other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. In addition to adherence to the policies and procedures of various networks and any set forth by a service provider or host system, users must abide by all rules and procedures specified and deemed necessary at the site from which access to the Internet is made. These procedures may include but are not limited to, a logbook, user time restrictions, and limitations on use of finite resources. Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited including but not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.UNACCEPTABLE USEThe user is responsible for all of his/her actions and activities involving the network and the Internet. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following: Accessing materials or communications that are inappropriateSending or posting materials or communications that are inappropriateUsing the network for any illegal activity; Copying or downloading copyrighted material on any system connected to the School Systems hardware/software/network without the owners permissionUsing the network for private financial or commercial gain or political lobbyingWastefully using resources, including print resources"Chatting" or visiting Chat Rooms on school equipment at any time.Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entitiesInvading the privacy of individuals; using another users account or passwordPosting material authorized or created by another without his/her consentPosting anonymous messagesUsing the network for commercial or private advertisingForging of electronic mail messagesCreation and sending of harassing electronic mail messagesAttempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail of other system users and deliberately interfering with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mailUsing the network and access to the Internet in a fashion inconsistent with directions from supervisors/teachers/administratorsAnalysis and Critique Based on Needs of 21st Century LearnersThis policy is very long and covers much information. Some of the policies do relate to 21st century learning. A few statements are made about digital citizenship and things that are inappropriate while online at school. However, it does not address much about copyright and plagiarism that are huge issues in 21st century learning. These things should be added to the policy to help reflect the 21st century world of education.Analysis and Critique Based on BYOT/BYODThis policy does not address BYOT since students are not allowed to bring their own devices. However, if this policy is changed, the ethical use policy will need to be changed. The policy would need to reflect rules and regulations for students using their device. It might also be helpful to include information on the policy to demonstrate how to connect to the school network using a personal device.Analysis and Critique Based on Web 2.0 TechnologiesThis policy does not address the use of Web 2.0 technologies. It does address proper use of the Internet online. However, some of these policies should be revised to include Web 2.0 tools. For example, one of the statements says, no chatting. This might need to be revised to include an exception if the teacher has provided a private chat room for the class to collaborate or discuss lessons. This policy does not address filtering of websites or how a teacher can request a site to be unblocked for educational purposes.Analysis and Critique Based on E-BooksThere is no mention of E-books in this section. If the school ever gets E-books, the policy would need to be revised. It would be wise to keep records of E-books and how they can be distributed to students and teachers. This goes back to the statement mentioned above about the lack of information on copyright laws.Analysis and Critique Based on Creative CommonsThis policy does a pretty good job explaining what not to do. However, it does not address creative commons for students and how students can protect their work. A section should be added to this policy to include this information.Final Thoughts on Ethics and Principles PolicyThis is one section of the policy that was difficult to locate. The Internet policies were located in the technology handbook found on the school website. The basic information found on copyright was located in the old media center handbook that has not been updated in years. There was nothing mentioned about creative commons, and this is especially important since students are constantly creating new things using technology. The policy is also hard to understand and includes a lot of generic statements that do not reflect things that are important in the world of education today. It focuses too much on unacceptable use and does not focus enough on how to use the technology provided in an ethical way.ConclusionThe Long County Media centers services policies are very outdated. Each one of these policies should be updated to reflect 21st century learning. Surveys should be given to stakeholders to find out what kind of policies should be in place. Creative commons should be discussed in detail, and a plan should be made for how to help students understand this concept. Many of these policies refer and reflect concepts that are no longer important in education. Creating an updated version of each policy would benefit all students, teachers and especially the media specialist in Long County Schools.Section IV: School Library Media Center Facilities

Physical and Virtual EnvironmentLearning climate:Long County Middle School media center provides a friendly, welcoming, and accepting atmosphere that supports a learning environment. The furnishings and decorations are clean and comfortable but could be brought up to date. With the addition of technology, the overall scholarly climate provides an atmosphere conducive to instruction and learning.The media center layout includes a print and lamination station, bulletin board area, book section, instruction area with smart board, group learning area, reading space with a mat, audio/visual section, the circulation desk and a computer area consisting of 10 new desktops. All of these provide the necessary environment to facilitate a class and assist teachers. The nurse station is located within the media center confines. Furnishings:There are 12 tables with a variety of available seating to set up collaborative student work. As one walks into the library from the main entrance, this is the first area brought to the attention. The area is wide and makes a person feel comfortable. There is plenty of room to spread out without feeling you are infringing on anothers work space. The tables and chairs are of matching color made of sturdy oak. There are chairs available for 44 students working in groups of 6 and 4. The media center has a story reading area. This area contains a large colorful rug for younger grade levels to sit comfortably for story time. As one enters the main entrance of the media center, the computer stations are located directly to the left. Each station is a small desk that supports two new desktop computers. There are both power and data connections built into the floor for each station. The stations are spaced for easy navigation without the worry of knocking over or damaging the hardware. All stations are positioned where screens can be monitored from the circulation desk.Throughout the book areas, there are blue bean bags scattered to give students a comfortable setting to read individually. The book area is located to the left of the media center as you enter the main entrance. Three main shelving areas along the wall provide the majority of book shelving. Each area is six shelves high with five columns for a total of 30 shelves per area. In addition to this area, there is another book area that includes four waist high shelves for books. Each of those shelves contains three levels of books that are easily accessed by all. The book selection covers a wide range of genres including 000 General Knowledge, 100 Psychology and Philosophy, 200 Religion and Mythology, 300 Social Science and Folklore, 400 Language, 500 Natural Sciences, 600 Technology and Applied Sciences, 700 Arts and Recreation, 800 Literature and 900 Geography and History. There is one shelving area dedicated to encyclopedias and globes. The fiction materials are located in the main library area and are easily accessible by all students. Fiction books are separated by grade level and have two main sections labeled 4th-5th grade fiction and 6th-8th fiction.Virtual and Technological Elements:The facility has wireless technology but currently the school has not adopted a BYOT policy. The students must use media center provided technology. Currently, the student body is not utilizing the cloud. There is an ongoing initiative to make Google Drive available but are still in the process of implementing.Work/production areas not available to students:Located directly to the left as one enters the main entrance, there is an area dedicated to teachers for bulletin board creation and lamination. The area is restricted from student use. Sounds, light, etc.:The media center has very little ambient light. Sunlight enters through three 4x4 windows along the left wall above the book shelves. The only other ambient light available originates from an outside entrance located at the rear of the facility. The high ceiling provides an open feel to the area. There are sections of fluorescent lighting intermingled with incandescent lighting. This helps balance the overall effect upon the eyes. The facility is held at a comfortable temperature throughout the school year. The media specialist can make temperature adjustments if needed. Acoustically the facility is quiet due to the carpeting. The floor is kept clean, and the carpet shows very little wear despite the heavy traffic. Upon entrance, one is greeted with a pleasing fragrance that has no hint of muskiness.Accessibility:All students and faculty have easy access to the facility. The atmosphere is open and inviting. The computer stations in the first row are spaced adequately for wheelchair access. However, the second row would be a tight fit for students in wheelchairs. All available tables are wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of open walking space. The facility lacks signs in other languages to help guide students that are non-English speaking. Audio aids are available to students who are in need. Headphones make it possible to access online media without disrupting other learning activities.The circulation desk, located at the back right side of the facility, is accessible to all students including wheelchair bound. There are two book return areas dedicated to different grade levels.Virtual Facility Resources available:The school media center website is available to students, faculty and teachers. The website is outdated and provides few resources. It contains a welcome page, useful websites page, Accelerated Reader page and teacher technology resources page. Faculty members have access to a small selection of videos to supplement instruction. These resources are stored in a small room at the back of the facility. OPACS: Long County utilizes Destiny as the systems online card catalog. The online card catalog is available to all students and faculty. It can be accessed from both school or home. Book searches and e-books are available, and other resources are accessible such as teacher professional materials and technology.Filtering software:The Long County school system implements a basic internet filter for the entire network. Students are restricted from using YouTube, social media, and other related sites. The filtering restricts many useful sites. Teachers may request that a site be unblocked, but the process is tedious and often gives no results.Needed ChangesElements that work well:The facility is well lit despite the lack of ambient light. The addition of incandescent lighting eases the harshness of the fluorescents. The overall space provides an environment conducive to learning. There is ample seating for classes or small groups who would like to work collaboratively. Changes needed:The nurse office needs to be relocated. Its presence increases the foot traffic in what is an already busy space. The main shelving is too high for many middle school students. The center also serves 4th and 5th-grade levels who certainly find it difficult to reach the upper shelves.The media center website needs a complete overhaul. The site lacks current resources for teachers, students, and parents. A modern, clean design with easy navigation and up to date events and announcements would create online traffic to the site. The site should reflect the media center as the hub of the school's learning resources and technology.The library is shared between 5-grade levels which makes it crowded at times. The high volume of students also decreases the availability for class reservation. Barriers:Web filtering hinders access to some beneficial student and teacher resources. Due to the high percentage of economically disadvantaged student population, many will be unable to utilize the Google Drive and other beneficial online tools once they are available.Environment conducive to learning:Overall, the facility creates an environment that is conducive to learning. The media center is very flexible with scheduling. Students can visit during lunch and break as long as they bring a pass. Ten new desktop computers were installed this year for student use. The books are sectioned by elementary and middle. The separation helps keep the two schools separate. There is a para pro available daily to assist all students.Facility Attractive:The facility has a need for extra storage space. There is evidence of clutter that could be moved out of sight. Student displayed projects help create a colorful environment along with decorations around the facility. This help eases what is an outdated color scheme from an older building.Education climate:There is a positive educational climate. Students and faculty are all encouraged to take advantage of the resources the media center has to offer.Adequate space:Due to the number of grade levels using the facility, space could be increased to handle the load of users. Two classes at most may be serviced at one time. That is only with one fully seated, and the other spread out through the facility. Teachers would benefit from having an enclosed work space for bulletin board creation and lamination station.Section V: Budget ResourcesLong County Media Center BudgetThe line budget amount for the Long County Middle School Media Center this year was $61,876. The media center served two schools for FY14 including Long County Middle School, Walker Elementary School and the Long County Pre-K.FTE Count and FormulaThe total count for the FTE for media budget for 2014 was 690. This was based only on the Long County Middle School and did not include the other schools. The dollar amount received per student based on FTE count for the media center was:$61,876 / 690 = $89.67Budget$69,584.01 / 690 = $100.84 ActualSpendingThe media center budget for 2014 was spent on the following items for a total of $69,584.01:Salary 54.35% $37,821.40Benefits 33.89% $23,580.29Prof Serv. .7%$487.50Supplies 2.32% $1,611.52Software 1.07% $747.50Equipment 1.00% $697.99Tech. Equip.1.72%$1,196.00Books4.95%$3,441.81Additional FundingThe Long County Middle School Media Center does get QBE funding. They receive QBE funding for salary at $61.38 per FTE count and materials at $13.03 per FTE count. Other funding comes from book fairs that are held each year. The media center also has a school store that provides funding as well as turtle book sales. In addition, the media center receives local supplements that vary from year to year.Adequacy of FundingThe media specialist feels the funding is adequate for the current needs of the media center. Enough funding is available to purchase books and software for student use. However, additional funds are needed to add more technology to the media center. According to Martin (2011), communication is critical. If additional funding is needed, the media specialist must communicate with stakeholders and vendors to try to come up with the best possible plan within the budget allowed. The media center is in need of updating furnishings as well. However, the system is currently breaking ground on a new school so it is likely that those updates will not happen for the current media center.As stated above, more funding is needed for technology so that students are able to use more E-books and other Web 2.0 tools. The school does not allow students to BYOT so students must rely on using the technology provided by the media center. If the media center wants to move towards a more 21st century focus, more funding will need to be allocated for purchasing technology for student use. Harris (2013) suggests looking for funding within the school that could be blended for use in the school library media center so this might be an option to help LCMS media center shift more into a 21st century media center.Section VI: Survey StakeholdersGroup 1 Key Assessment Library Stakeholder SurveyTop of Form1. In an average week, how many times do you visit the library? More than 5 times 4-5 times a week 1-3 times a week Never2. How many of the materials and resources in the library are user friendly? All of them Most of them Some of them None of them3. Do you know how to avoid plagiarism? Yes Sometimes No4. Do you feel comfortable when you visit the library? Yes Sometimes No5. The materials in the school media center are useful and relevant to my needs. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree6. What is your favorite reason for visiting the media center? Check out Books Use Technology Get help from the Media Specialist I do not visit the media center Other: 7. What would make you visit the media center more often? A better selection of books More technology to use A friendlier media specialist Nothing would make me visit the media center Other: 8. The media specialist is helpful and available to answer questions when I need her. Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree9. List one thing you would change about our current media center:

10. List one thing that you DO NOT like about our current media center:

Survey Results

The result of the survey shows that around 80% of people use the library about 1-3 times each week. When these students visit the library, most of them only come to check out books. A small portion of the students come for technology use and one person never visits the library. When asked what could improve the frequency of library visits, there were several answers given. The highest rated response indicated that the media center needed a better selection of books. This was followed by more technology to use and a friendlier media specialist. Most everyone surveyed felt comfortable visiting the library. They felt that the materials and resources were easy to use and relevant to their needs. They also felt that the media specialist was ready and willing to help them when asked.Suggestions to ImproveThere were a few things that could be improved based on the results of the survey. The media center needs to get a comfortable section for reading. This was indicated by several people. In addition, they would like a bigger, better selection that has more up-to-date books to choose from. Another suggestion is to add in a video production station and student collaboration station. One final suggestion was to update the interior of the media center by painting the walls and changing the old worn carpet from the floor.

Bottom of FormSection VII: Planning for the FutureLong Range GoalsShort Term ObjectivesDescription of Evaluation

Goal 1:Improve the overall learning experience of the media center and offer more adult supervision/assistance.

Objective 1a:Allow students to browse or explore media center resources. This objective specifically speaks to the student. A measurable amount of 15 minutes a day for exploring materials should show an improvement in learning. This is achievable and can be accomplished over a cumulative amount of time. This will have a direct impact on meeting the goal and this time period should be set to be met within the second half of the school year.Evaluation 1a:Review previous evaluations to get a history and help with development planning. This can be done throughout the school year.

Objective 1b:Give teachers the amount of time needed to develop technology based assignments. This objective specifically speaks to the teacher. To measure this, the teacher can work with the Media Specialist 15 minutes extra daily to develop technology based assignments. This is achievable if teacher sticks to plan. This will dramatically impact the goal. This time period should be set to be met by second half of school year.Evaluation 1b:Monthly meetings will be held to evaluate the progress of the students learning experience. This can be done at beginning of each month.

Objective 1c:Offer the students assistance with completing their assignments. This specifically speaks to the students and the teacher. An allotment or measured amount of 5-10 minutes with each student to assist with assignments. This is achievable if stakeholders stick to the allotted time. Realistically will impact or improve learning experiences. Time period should also be set to be met by at least second half of school year.Evaluation 1c:Media specialists and teachers will evaluate or measure on a standardized rubric the students outcome or results. This can be done throughout the school year.

Objective 1d:Make available resource sharing between other schools and online catalogs. Specifically Media Specialist should search for online catalogs and get with county schools to see what is available to share. The measurable amount of time should be about 1 hour a week to see what resources are available. This is achievable if Media Specialist will work as scheduled to get this set up for her school. This will realistically help reach the goal and the time period should be that this is set up for school to use by the second six weeks of class. Evaluation 1d:Librarian will furnish access to the Internet and adopt the proper user policies. This should be done at beginning of year.

Goal 2:Improve physical appearance of media center.Objective 2a:Purchase new or updated furniture that is more comfortable for the media center. This specifically relates to the principle and the Media Specialist. For measuring this, the principle and media specialist should allow one or two days aside before the new school year begins to shop for furniture. This is an achievable objective. This will realistically improve the appearance of the media center. Time period should be set up to shop for furniture during the summer break using one or two days. Evaluation 2a:Media Specialist will put together fundraisers and book fairs to supplement the expense of the furniture. Teachers can assist. This can be done at beginning of the year.

Objective 2b:Manage the physical space of the library. This specifically speaks to the Media Specialist. This can be measured by using a couple of days or two half days to set up space so it is user friendly. This can be achieved by asking friends or teachers to help. This will impact the physical appearance of the media center and the time period should be set to be done before the beginning of the school year.Evaluation 2b:Librarian can rearrange furniture to meet the users needs. This can be done at beginning of the year. Evaluate the students and teachers opinion or obtain feedback on the appearance of the media center. This can be done throughout the school year.

Goal 3:The library should be fully integrated with the purchase of new software/hardware/eBooks in order to promote students learning goals and meet individual needs of teachers, students, and stakeholders.Objective 3a:Provide categorized and classified resources that meet individual needs. This specifically speaks to the Media Specialists. To meet measurable goals the Media Specialist should set aside 8 hour day to organize the material. The time period should be set to be completed before the beginning of the school year.

Evaluation 3a:Evaluate and select appropriate learning materials/resources that will meet the needs of the students. This can be done throughout the school year.

Objective 3b:Develop curriculum that is grade level appropriate and ensure competency in the curriculum. This is specifically speaking to the teacher working with the Media Specialist. The amount of measurable time to get this done should be a couple of weeks before the school year begins. This should be an achievable objective if everyone works as a team. This is a realistic objective that will help with learning. The time period should be set to be pulled together before the school year begins.

Evaluation 3b:Conduct evaluations using multiple data sources to get a better overall picture of progress. This can be done throughout the school year.

Objective 3c:Promote learning in technical, factual, and also ethical standards when using copyrighted materials. Promote independent learning. This specifically speaks to Media Specialist and teacher. The amount of measurable time to work on this could be one day a week of working with students to explain ethical standards and providing those resources to study. This is an achievable goal and depends on learning capacity of students. This is a realistic objective to help students with learning process. The time period on this should be cumulative progression throughout the year with improvements showing by middle of school year.

Evaluation 3c:Teachers and librarians will allow time to meet and plan learning strategies, assess students work, and develop curriculum that appropriately reflects the AASL standards of performance. This should be done throughout the school year.

Objective 3d:Provide high quality resources using multiple formats. This specifically speaks to the Media Specialist. The measurement should be that the Media Specialist will spend a couple of days before the school year begins to look for these resources. This is achievable objective. It realistically impacts the goal with the providing of these resources. The time period should be set to be done before the school year begins.

Evaluation 3d: Librarian will offer development workshops for faculty to encourage technology integration. Solicit feedback from students and teachers on how resources are working with the use of a survey. This can be done during the year.

Explanation of Goals:The Library Media Program for Long County Middle School is an integral component of the total educational program. With todays 21st Century technology, it is important for the individual to be successful in problem solving and have the ability to access and evaluate information from a variety of resources to ensure literacy. The goals are set forth to uncover the weaknesses and capitalize on the strengths of the learning process that relates to the media center. Goal 1:To address the overall improvement of the learning experience the media specialist should encourage students to utilize all the available resources in the library. The teacher should allow for a flexible enough schedules so that the student can visit the library on a routine basis. Access to information is essential, and the school library media center is a logical source for information, access to information, and guidance. (MacGregor, p 3) It is also important for the teacher to be familiar with the resources available in the library. This also should take into consideration the financial and socioeconomic factors of Long County Middle School. This goal will allow students and teachers to become more aware of the Web 2.0 technologies available on the school media website. According to Bayliss (2013), technologies and books should be available to students at any time and from any place. With that being said, the teacher and the media specialist will work together to improve or update the media center website; i.e. adding E-books. This goal is realistic but may appear to be over planned; however it is better to be over planned than not include a need and fall short.Goal 2:The physical appearance of the media center plays an important part in that you want the library to appear inviting and intriguing to its users. Comfort and aesthetics are increasingly important in todays school library.(Johnson, p.112) Long County Middle School Media Center needs to have an area designated for teachers to work on creating bulletin boards and laminating. Also the shelving should be adjusted and/or lowered so that it is more accommodating for students.Goal 3: To address the important question, is the library media center a vital part of the learning process? This question should be addressed in order to prove that it is a vital part and thus will not be put on the chopping block when budgets are cut. To provide a better learning experience the media center should contain collections of books in a variety of formats that are suited for users. Collection and information access in the school library support teaching and learning by providing diverse sources of information that match curricular needs, lend themselves to units of inquiry, and are of high interest to students (AASL p.39). This goal should also address the fact that Long County Middle School needs more students to meet and/or exceed CRCT data scores. The CRCT data scores showed gaps between special needs and the gifted of grades 4 -8 and Pre-K. Adding more meaningful Math, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies resources should help in this area. Another thing that should be evaluated is whether the general resources that are provided for the school region are in use and see what needs to be added to these resources. These resources should be the ones that offer more bang for the buck.Section VIII: ReferencesAmerican Association of school librarians. (2013). Empowering learners: Guidelines for school library programs. Chicago: American Library Association.

Bayliss S. (2013). Flipping the library: Tips from three pros- The digital shift. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 20, 2015 from http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2013/10/k-12/flipping-the-library-the-digital-shift-2013/

Downs, E. (2010). The school library media specialist policy and procedure writer. New York: Neal Shuman.

Harris, C. (2012). Enter blended funding. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2015 from https://go.view.usg.edu/content/enforced/867356-CO.390.FRIT7331.17980.20154/M11-2014/Harris-EnterBlendedFunding.pdf?d2lSessionVal=0c3oEYPcydrfILOBa9TTxbj1s&ou=867356

Johnson, D. (2013). The indispensable librarian: Surviving and thriving in school libraries in the information age. Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth.

McGregor, J. (2006). Flexible scheduling: Implementing an innovation.School Library Media Research, 9, 1-34.

Martin, A. (2011). Tactics for tough budget times. Library Media Connection, 24-25.

U.S. Census Bureau (2013). Population in 2014 of Long County. Retrieved April 1, 2015 from http://www.georgia-demographics.com/ludowici-demographics