Changing Roles of Students and Media Centers in the 21st Century
The perception of the media center and the media staff is constantly changing. Technology, the WWW, integrated instruction, and teachers as facilitators have altered the role of the media center as a integral part of the overall curriculum of the school.
Working with the entire school community, the library media specialist takes a leadership role in developing policies, practices, and curricula that guide students to develop the full range of information literacy skills. The library media specialist works closely with individual teachers in the critical area of designing authentic learning tasks and assessments and integrating the information and communication abilities required to meet subject matter standards.
In the 21st century, it is more important than ever for students to become experts at methods of locating information. They must become more aware of their responsibility to evaluate the validity of the sites they use as resources for research. It is also important for them to analyze all resources to determine the appropriate time to use each. They must come to a realization that there is value in all resources, print and electronic. When they become proficient in using the one that best suits their need, they will gain the rewards of a being a true information-seeker.
In my opinion, it is a great time to be involved in the education of information literacy. It is an exciting time to assist students in discovering the limitless possibilities of information through research.
This is my sixth year helping students research as a media coordinator instead of an English teacher, and I encourage all Cougar students to take delight in reading for pleasure and in finding information and forever seeking to learn more. I love everyday at CHS, and look forward to getting to know each and every student, since I no longer have students of my own in a classroom setting.
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