Ultimately,
a library media specialist is the human intermediate that facilitates a
relationship between people and information. A school library media
specialist has further duty to teach students how to independently seek,
understand, and enjoy resources in varied forms and for varied purpose.
Best practices for the school library media specialist include both
tangible responsibilities and upheld values and ideals. Though the
discipline of library and information science must fluctuate with the
technologies and trends of information, the following beliefs and roles
will guide me as a Library Media Specialist.
Responsibilities
ALA Council. (2004). Core values of librarianship. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/corevalues
---. (2008). Code of ethics of the American Library Association. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics
IFLA Governing Board. (2016). IFLA code of ethics for librarians and other information workers. IFLA. Retrieved from https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11092
Responsibilities
- To provide and optimize methods of accessing diverse materials both print and non-print to all patrons, regardless of demographics, abilities, beliefs, or wealth.
- To offer diverse materials for multiple purposes, including personal development, education, cultural enrichment, leisure, and informed participation in democracy. (IFLA, 2016)
- To reject restrictions on information access and advocate for practical, free access to all patrons.
- To publicize and promote collection and services for community use and growth.
- To create and evaluate systems that promote ease of access and resource development appropriate to patron needs.
- To promote services and texts to develop reading literacy and information literacy that creates conscientious and practiced information consumers.
- To offer technical support for both modern and traditional technologies, including maintaining and preserving print resources and troubleshooting digital processes.
- To uphold and promote the safety and respect of human rights and confidentiality, including legal statutes such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Library Bill of Rights, Economic Barriers to Information Access, and other user and intellectual freedom protection measures.
- To define and publish policies for selection, organization, preservation, provision, and dissemination of information with regard and input from stakeholders. (IFLA, 2016).
- To maintain and follow principles of planning and budgeting for developing collection, partnerships, and other network structures.
- To maintain and enhance knowledge and skills through professional development, training, reading, and keeping informed of library/media procedures and practices.
- To contribute to the professional community via research, advocacy, publication, teaching, mentoring, et. al.
- To reaffirm the role of the library media center as an essential public good to preserve and promote a healthy society.
- To support the open sharing of ideas to promote understanding and dialogue in an increasingly complex society, both locally and globally.
- To maintain relevant and emerging interests of social, cultural, and economic well-being of communities, both locally and globally.
- To promote communication and support of diverse populations, including varied demographics, orientation, beliefs, identity, citizenship, mental and physical abilities, or background.
- To maintain transparency in the workings of government, administration, and business as a function of democratic support.
- To defend intellectual rights, including advocating fair use and regard to copyright.
- To maintain neutrality and unbiased stance regarding collection, access, and service, while remaining passionate about the need for each.
- To advance the experience and access of library users, colleagues, and institutions without regard to private interests.
- To treat all individuals with respect and equality, beyond personal existence and choices.
ALA Council. (2004). Core values of librarianship. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/corevalues
---. (2008). Code of ethics of the American Library Association. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics
IFLA Governing Board. (2016). IFLA code of ethics for librarians and other information workers. IFLA. Retrieved from https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11092
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