Candidates make effective use of data and information to assess how the library program addresses the needs of their diverse communities.
Reflection
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."
Mattie Stepanek A library must reflect the diverse community and student population that it serves. When the staff comes together in a unified way, great things can be achieved for our students. One of the ways a librarian can facilitate this unity, is to use data and information to assess how the library program is addressing the needs of her diverse learners. |
Artifacts
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The RHS Curriculum Chart was probably the single most overwhelming and difficult assignment that I have done while at McDaniel. The idea that a librarian is responsible for knowing the curriculum of every class within the school community was mind boggling...and yet so true. While the community analysis helped me understand the diverse communities that my school served, it was the curriculum analysis that identified what services our students would need to be successful.
It was exciting to see the way subject matter overlapped and developed over time. The big picture view gave me important insights into the needs of the school. The data gathered for both of these documents will inform every action that I take. My ordering, organizing, and information access all center around who we are teaching and what we are teaching them.
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I am glad that we did this chart early in our coursework because it allowed me to create class assignments that were applicable for immediate school use. When creating pathfinders for the Information Resources class I was able to see that The Holocaust was referenced in three different classes. As a result I made sure to include information for different grade levels and subject areas that may need to access the information. I used the curriculum chart again when I created my materials order in Selection and Use. I was able to find materials with specific classes or subjects in mind. Overall, the Curriculum Chart assignment has helped me understand who my audience might be, and identify places to collaborate that might go noticed.
One of the first things that I am going to do when I am assigned my own library, is to do a community and curriculum analysis to identify the users and the information that they may need while using the library. I will then complete an analysis of the collection based on my findings to assess how successful the current collection is. This will ensure that I am using data to meet the needs of my diverse communities. It may also provide me a window into the needs of the school instructional staff. I hope to use the curriculum and community analysis to foster collaborative relationships with the staff so that we can work together to meet our communities needs.
One of the first things that I am going to do when I am assigned my own library, is to do a community and curriculum analysis to identify the users and the information that they may need while using the library. I will then complete an analysis of the collection based on my findings to assess how successful the current collection is. This will ensure that I am using data to meet the needs of my diverse communities. It may also provide me a window into the needs of the school instructional staff. I hope to use the curriculum and community analysis to foster collaborative relationships with the staff so that we can work together to meet our communities needs.