Not Extinct! School Libraries for Learning and Leadership

Abstract

California is ranked 50 out of 50 states for providing school library services, with a ratio of student to public school media specialist of 6,361 to 1. The second worst state is Rhode Island, which has a ratio of 1,941 to 1. California's school libraries are declining at a time when technological developments and research in academic achievement have underscored their critical importance. Library Media Center (LMC) 2000 was a project of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), intended to establish school libraries as a critical factor in academic success and the hub of learning at a school. LMC 2000 Project strategies included providing professional development to participating SFUSD school librarians, improving the link between school libraries and San Francisco public libraries, and increasing and enhancing the use of technology in school libraries. The Project placed strong emphasis on information technology's increasing role in libraries and the critical services it provides to children who are learning read, write, and conduct research. Over the last three years, San Francisco library media teachers involved in the program have engaged in a process of professional development opportunities, networking, and communication. In a district that has experienced massive cutbacks in library media services, library media teachers have encouraged and supported each other while learning to use new technologies and sharing areas of expertise and resources. This paper describes the three years of program activities and discusses plans for future activities. (SWC) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ********************************************************************************