Toolkit for School Library Media Programs - American Library ...

and continues to rise. But the real pay off is the
satisfaction you get from helping students discover the
joy of reading and learn essential information literacy
skills. I feel like I’m making a difference in their lives not
just today, but 10 or 20 years from now. As a profession,
librarians are committed to protecting the freedom to
read and ensuring that information is freely available to
all. I’m proud to be part of that.
5. Why should the library get more money when we
have to cut other areas?
There is no such thing as good education without a
good library. Studies have shown there is a direct link
between student achievement and library media centers
that are professionally staffed and well stocked with
books and technology (see “More Tools/Research” on
page 39). In the last five years, our media center’s
buying power has decreased by [add number here]
percent. Without an increase, we cannot provide the
quality or quantity of resources that our students and
teaching staff deserve.
6. Since everything is electronic, shouldn’t the library
need less money?
Technology offers many advantages, but saving money
isn’t necessarily one of them. Computers and other
electronic resources must be maintained, updated and
staffed. Also, everything is far from electronic. Our library
has a large collection of books, magazines, videos and
other learning resources that aren’t on the Internet—and
probably never will be. Our students must be skilled in
using many different media if they are to succeed in
today’s world.
7. What is “information literacy” anyway?
Information literacy means knowing how to find,
evaluate and use information from a variety of sources. It
means knowing when a book may be more helpful than
a Web site. It means knowing what questions to ask. Is
the information complete? Accurate? Is someone trying
to sell something? Good decisions depend on good
information. School library media specialists know that
the best source of information isn’t always Google. They
teach 21st century research skills that students will use
throughout their lives.
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8. Why should we invest in books when they have
the Internet?
Our students need both if they are to learn and achieve.
If students are to learn how to be effective consumers of
information, they must understand and be able to use
many different media. The Internet, for instance, is useful
primarily for current information. Books and other print
resources offer a greater breadth and depth of
information than can be found online. Sometimes a
video is a better learning tool than a book or the
Internet.
To download the new print-ready graphics for school libraries, go to
www.ala.org/@yourlibrary, click on School Library Campaign, and then
Graphics.