[LM_NET] TARGET: Model School Library in the US?

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

One of the discussions we had at the School Library Journal Summit in
Chicago last year was the idea of a "model school library program"
within the United States.  This would be an actual school library that
provided all of the (okay, most of the) resources, personnel,
programs, philosophies, and qualities that librarians say are needed
to provide
student achievement.  The library would be adequately staffed to allow
the librarian to collaborate with teachers, the budget would be
appropriate to provide the resources necessary for student research
and leisure reading, teacher-librarian collaboration would be taking
place, the librarian would be involved in the key areas throughout the
school programs (such as curriculum development, staff development,
technology) in order to provide support and instruction,
administrators would be supportive of the program and understand the
mission / purpose, and the
facility would be central to the school's population allowing for
access and interaction between the librarian, teachers, parents,
students and the community both during and after school.

The theory behind this project of finding a model school library
program would be to allow outsiders (administrators, librarians,
teachers, parents, and students) to visit the library to see what
types of programs were offered, the types of interaction the
librarian, principal, teachers, and students had with one another, the
administrative components (both library administration and educational
administration) involved, and the types of programs offered that
directly related to academic achievement.  As a result of the visit,
librarians, teachers, administrators, parents, and students would be
able to work toward re-creating / re-inventing the "model" within
their own schools.

While this "model" may exist in various stages throughout the United
States, it is unlikely that the "perfect school library" actually
exists (although I have
seen one during within the last ten years that certainly comes close
to being what most librarians would dream of when they think about
their "ideal library program"---and this program has won awards for
their outstanding achievement toward academic success.)

Despite the fact that several months have passed since we talked about
this concept, the idea still "haunts" me...and I wonder, is there an
actual "near-perfect school library model" somewhere in the US?

Obviously, the "ideal library" will be somewhat subjective based upon
the personnel involved and the conditions / situations surrounding the
program; however, if your school provides a "near perfect" model of an
effective school library
program, could you brag a little (with links to your library website)?

What do you think makes your library an "ideal library program" and
what would it take to replicate the experience / program by others?

What components do you think are vital (necessary, required) in order
for your library to be considered the "perfect school library
model"....if one piece were missing, could it be easily replaced to
replicate the similar results (or better)?

What would outsiders find in your library or in your program that they
could immediately take back to use / implement in their libraries?

If you'd like to share, you can send your emails to me....I'm
definitely posting this information as a HIT later for others to
review and consider.  I'm looking forward to your responses!  Thanks
for sharing!

~Shonda


-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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