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Creating a Mission for the School LibraryFemelyne C. WesolowskiSan Jose State UniversityLIBR 233-10 School Library Media CentersJune 30, 2014Author NoteFemelyne C. Wesolowski, LIBR 233-10, School Library Media Centers, San Jose State University.Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Femelyne C. Wesolowski, Post Office Box 25677 Barrigada, Guam 96921. E-mail: femywesolowski@Creating a Mission for the School LibraryThe mission statement defines the purpose, work, and function of an organization. It serves to measure how the organization designs it work and the direction for its work. (Keeling, 2013) It provides the foundation for collaboration among the stakeholders. It demands building an open, “candid” relationship with the stakeholders. (Zmuda, 2007) Creating a mission statement for a school library includes conducting an environmental scan - reviewing what is already in place in the library, surveying what is valued by the school community, gathering information for the foundation and resources of the library’s learning goals, and aligning policies and procedures.Daniel L. Perez Elementary SchoolDaniel L. Perez Elementary School (DLPES) is located in the heart of Yigo, the northernmost and second most populated village of Guam. It is one of three public elementary schools in the Lagu, or north, region of Guam. It serves students in HeadStart and Grades Kindergarten to Five. The students live in the housing subdivisions adjacent to the school, those located on the eastern side of Marine Corps Drive (Guam’s main highway), and those located in the southwestern area of the village. DLPES is next door to the Mayor’s office and within walking distance to three convenience stores, the village baseball field and basketball court, and five minutes driving distance to the village gym, restaurants and other businesses, Andersen Air Force Base, and World War II sites such as the South Pacific Memorial Park or the Chaguian Massacre Site.Figure 1. Map of Guam and YigoSchool DemographicsDLPES ranks second among the three Lagu region elementary schools with a school population of 681. The students are diverse in culture and language: 38% Chamorro, Guam’s first people; 35% Filipino; 22% Pacific Islanders; 4% other; and 1% white. This translates into 46% of the students as English language Learners. Additionally, 77% of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, and 5% are eligible for Special Education services. (GDOE, 2013, SPRC: DLPES) Figure 2. DLPES’ Student DemographicsSchool BackgroundSince School Year (SY) 2010-2011, the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) district has been transitioning from a ten-year long reading reform program focus into the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. District-wide workshops have been training administrators and teachers with the use of curriculum maps, alignment of the CCSS and Guam’s Content Standards & Performance Indicators, the implementation of a common district assessment for reading and math, and a review of teaching and learning strategies, e.g. graphic organizers and thinking maps. (GDOE, 2013, Curriculum Documents)In March 2012, DLPES completed a three year re-visit report for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The principal at that time streamlined the accreditation focus, or work, groups. The school community revised its school mission, its Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs), and addressed the Critical Areas of Follow Up in their newly formatted School Management Action Plan (SMAP). (DLPES, 2012, p. 57-60)The report also shows that DLPES is working on collaboration and communication to improve instructional practices and discuss assessment data, e.g. grade level meetings with the school’s curriculum coordinators, quarterly peer walk- through, shared professional literature, discussion and analysis of SAT10 and reading reform data. Three extracurricular activities support academic literacy: The Saturday Institute hosts University of Guam students tutoring select students in Science and Social Studies; Mother Read Father Read teaches parents literacy activities for use at home; HOLD (Home Opportunities in Literacy Development) allows students to bring home classroom books to read. The school has also built a computer lab of fifteen stations with the help of local businesses and organizations. (DLPES, 2012, p. 61-64, 67, 83)A significant challenge faced by DLPES and other schools is the stability of the school administration and library personnel. Principals and Assistant Principals have been shuffled among the schools these past two summers. There is a limited pool of certified librarians and teachers. DLPES’ library plan was written under one principal and librarian; then its implementation was attempted by another principal and librarian. (DLPES, 2012, p. 55)Library BackgroundDLPES’ WASC report lists the Critical Area for Follow Up #11: “Library needs to be fully utilized – Reading and Research.” (DLPES, 2012, WASC Report, p. 69) The school team describes the challenges related to the school library. In SY 2010-2011, a three year school library media program plan was written but not implemented the following year because the certified librarian did not return. Classroom visits were scheduled but a school aide assisted with checking out books. The report states that a librarian was hired in SY2011-2012 and was to review the library media program plan. (DLPES, 2012, WASC Report p. 90)On June 13, 2014, this writer was formally interviewed for the school librarian position at DLPES. During the interview, the principal shared that in SY 2012-2013, the librarian provided some service, e.g. bringing book carts to the classrooms, showing children’s VHS videos during library visits, and completing the automation but on a personal computer. The principal also shared that for SY 2013-2014, the school did not have a librarian or a library technician. The visit to the library showed the work to renovate and re-organize the physical space, to conduct a thorough inventory of the current print and media collection, and to establish a functioning computer system for the library.Until this writer receives a formal confirmation as the school librarian, the principal could not share the most current library media program plan, which she stated was updated this past school year by DLPES’ technology committee. She did report that the ten new computers she ordered were to be set up by the vendor this summer and eight new tables were to replace the old, long rectangular tables. As of this report, a formal confirmation has not yet been received.Librarian’s OpportunityHowever, the SY 2010-2011to 2012-2013 school library media program plan for DLPES is available on the GDOE website. The plan begins with the mission statement, goal, and general objectives for all GDOE’s public school libraries. A cursory review of the other school library plans reveals that the mission statement, goals, and objectives are the same. The program components: Curriculum, Technology, Automation, Collection Building and Maintenance, Library Structure, Special Programs and Other Activities are addressed based on the particular needs of the school. Each component describes the need, lists the objectives, outlines the action steps and cost, and ends with a statement that justifies the need. (Guzman, 2012)Table 1. Mission Statements for DLPES and Guam DOE Library Media ProgramMission StatementDL Perez Elementary SchoolDaniel L. Perez Elementary School is committed to providing all students with a safe, dynamic, and nurturing environment that prepares them to be productive, innovative, and global-minded citizens.Mission StatementGuam Department of Education Library Media ProgramThe mission of Library Media Program of Guam Public School System is to provide information to students and staff in a variety of formats, teach the skills to use it and instill the desire to read and explore as lifelong learners.As the new librarian / new employee entering DLPES with its more focused mission and ESLRs, with a district entering full implementation of a more refined set of academic standards and expectations, with a library in great need of an environmental, instructional, and technological renovation, this is an exciting opportunity to forge a new direction, new image for the school library.Surveying the CommunityForging a new direction begins with knowing the school and library background and continues with input from the school community. While stakeholder input cannot be gathered at this writing, a survey can be developed for future use. The survey can be adjusted for each stakeholder – teachers, staff, students, parents. It should provide an opportunity for them to give ideas and opinions on the design of each program component of the library media plan. The existing school library media plan lists the following components Curriculum, Technology, Automation, Collection Building and Maintenance, Library Structure, Special Programs and Other Activities, which can be compared to the components listed in AASL’s Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs.(2009, p. 31) Sample questions for each component are listed in the table below. Table 2. Program Components and Sample Questions to Improve Library PlanEmpowering LearnersGDOESample QuestionsInstructionCurriculumSpecial Programs &Other ActivitiesWhat should students learn from the library? About information literacy? Technological literacy? Digital literacy?Learning SpaceLibrary StructureHow should the library be designed to promote student learning? Promote love of reading?CollectionCollection Building & MaintenanceTechnologyAutomationWhat book titles, subject areas, or authors should be included in the collection as based on classroom instruction?What kind of technology would be useful for students?StaffingWhat knowledge and skills will volunteers need to assist in the library? BudgetCreate a prioritized list of materials and resources that should be available in the library.Surveying Shared ValuesCommon themes and values will emerge from the survey responses. These values reveal the “character” of DLPES by showing what is important to the school. (Keeling, 2013, p. 31) Since an actual survey cannot be conducted for this writing, the activities listed from the WASC report (2012), which show the school’s relative commitment to the importance of a library, can be interpreted to reflect the Core Values of Librarianship. (ALA, 1996-2014, Core Values) The following matches a current activity to the core values then projects a potential activity.Access:Although the school did not have a certified librarian or a library technician, a school aide was assigned to maintain scheduled visits and to check out books.Future Planning:Explore fixed and flexible scheduling with classroom teachers to ensure basic library instruction and support classroom instructionFuture Planning:Discuss with administration the possibility of hiring a library technicianConfidentiality / Privacy:No activity indicated from available information.Future Planning:Establish procedure to record students’ Technology Agreement Policy – to use online resources for school use only; for appropriate use onlyDemocracy:No challenges reported from available information.Future Planning:Review any existing district and or school challenge policies or procedures, especially as students request for materials which may be “controversial”Diversity:The teachers and staff participated in an equity workshop and cultural events, and implemented an anti-bullying campaign.Future Planning:Promote school diversity through program planning, e.g. participation with island-wide Micronesian Fair, and development of Guam and Pacific collectionEducation and Lifelong Learning:The computer lab promotes the skills learned, which will be useful at all grade levels and beyond. Test data reflect the diligence in instruction and learning. (See Figure 3)Related Values:Collaboration, Communication, UnityFuture Planning 1:Build relationships with teachers through grade level or professional learning communities; start with one or two teachers or grade levels for collaborative planning, teaching, and evaluation of lessonsFuture Planning 2:Promote recreational reading, reading interests, reading for fun with activities planned with students, e.g. posters, bookmarkers, reading clubsIntellectual Freedom:No challenges reported from available information.Future Planning:Review existing policies and proceduresPreservation:The audio-visual equipment is outdated and will need to be replaced, but the library is clean and orderly. New tables suitable for small groups will replace older, rectangular tables.Future Planning:Review de-selection or weeding policies or procedures to ensure removal and replacement are justifiedProfessionalism:The district seeks to employ certified personnel in recognition that their knowledge and skill greatly impacts student learning.Future Planning:Establish relationships with other school librarians and participate in local library associationsThe Public Good:No activity indicated from available information.Future Planning:Invite stakeholders to provide input or feedback on value of activity or eventService:Keeping the schedule to check out books is a limited service. A more expanded will need to be developed.Future Planning:Participate in professional development activities by providing dynamic workshops for teachers, staff, parents, studentsSocial Responsibility:No challenges reported from available information.Future Planning:Promote round table discussions related to student issues and concerns with opportunities for all involved to participateFigure 3. DLPES Gains in SAT10 Proficiency LevelsCurriculum AlignmentThis writer is concerned with this aspect of the planning because the WASC report and the School Performance Report Card provides instructional information based on the reading reform program but not on the work done with the Common Core State Standards. (DLPES, 2012; GDOE, 2013, SPRC: DLPES) The CCSS will be central to all instruction, including library instruction. (ALA, 1996-2014, Learning standards) At the interview for DLPES, the principal asked about alignment of CCSS with AASL standards, but discussion was limited.The plan will be to first, inventory the current print and media collection; second, discuss with the principal and teachers the availability of curriculum maps, integrated themes, and alignment of CCSS to prioritized skills; and third, draft the survey for teachers and students to include questions about topics of interest and instruction, ideas for resources needed from the library, and potential schedules for collaboration on lesson planning. In the meantime, planning for the library instruction will focus on the AASL standards and multiple literacies, including digital and technological literacy and 21st century skills. (ALA, 2009, p. 23) Ideas to promote recreational reading include contests to design bookmarks or posters, reading workshops or book clubs. Ideas to promote research include website visits and evaluation, creation of pathfinders, and collaboration with the technology committee on use of the computer lab.Ideas to promote parent involvement include messaging parents with online presence about library and school events; surveying potential connections or resources for volunteers, donations, or partnerships; visiting families who do not have reading or computer resources to discover and share how the library can be a resource for them. Working with the Parent Family Community (PFC) Outreach Program will be essential for the last idea. The PFC Outreach includes a Social Worker and Community Aide who conduct home visits to deliver or get school requests, organize parent workshops and provide information to other service agencies. (GDOE, n.d., PFCO)A potential partnership to work on is the University of Guam or the Simon Sanchez High School students who speak the various Pacific island languages. They can serve as volunteer readers, tutors, translators for the students at DLPES to motivate, inspire, guide as they model continued learning and reading.Technology InputAs stated, DLPES has a computer lab of fifteen stations, and ten computers will be set up in the library this summer. (DLPES, 2012, p. 64) Working with the technology committee will be an important relationship in order to determine established procedures and instructional practices, to maximize the use of existing technology, to teach appropriate online etiquette, search process, and copyright responsibility. The survey can include what has been learned and what other interests might be. It can also determine the participation of parents and staff in using the computer lab or experience with computers.Library Policy and ProceduresAt this writing, the current policy and procedures are not available. The school website is not active, making it difficult to check for a library link. A thorough review of what is recorded and practiced will be needed to determine the best service to provide the school community. The survey will have to include a comparison of what exists to what is needed and still functional for the library.The service will have to highly consider the 77% who are eligible for free and reduced lunch and the 46% who are eligible for the English as a Second Language Program. Will it be feasible to set up fines? Will there be confusion or frustration in explaining to families who come from areas without library experiences? What are potential effects of any policy established that may prove detrimental to the enforcing that policy, e.g. “working off” fines? What resources will be most appropriate to promote the library?Drafting the Mission StatementThe table below shows the school’s mission statement and compares Guam DOE’s Library Media Program Plan Mission Statement against the mission contents that reflect a well-designed statement. The DLPES Library Mission Statement should be aligned with the school and district mission statements. This serves as a working document with which the school community can provide input to shape the library program. (ALA, 2009, p, 8) The draft along with the survey can be presented before or at the teacher orientation for the new school year, shared with parents at their orientation or Open House, and discussed with students during classes. The goal is to write the statement that reflects the community and its desire for a library that serves their needs.Table 3. Comparison of Current Mission Statements to Mission Statement ContentMission Statement ContentsDLPES LibraryGuam Library Media Program PlanDaniel L. Perez Elementary School is committed to providing all students with a safe, dynamic, and nurturing environment that prepares them to be productive, innovative, and global-minded citizens.Library Represents the CommunityDLPES Library serves the school community – students, teachers, staff, and parents -The mission of Library Media Program of Guam Public School System is to provide to students and staffLibrary Supports a Positive Learning Environmentwith a welcoming and dynamic learning environment that promotes academic progress and personal enrichment;to provide information in a variety of formatsLibrary Reflects the Ethical Code of the Professionthat provides a high quality and robust print and digital collection which reflects the standards of the AASL and Guam DOE; andto teach the skills to use [information] and instill the desire to read and explore as lifelong learners.Library Guides the Policies and Procedures and Aligns to the School Missionthat promotes intellectual freedom, democratic ideals, and social responsibility for the good of the person and the community.Justification for the MissionDLPES Library serves the school community – students, teachers, staff, and parents –The WASC report lists the accreditation and grade level teams as a working community.51% of the parent survey was returned indicating either teachers working closely with parents to ensure response or parents desiring to be involved in their child’s school experience. (DLPES, 2012, p. 17) with a welcoming and dynamic learning environmentThe visit to the library reveals a strong need to re-paint clean but white-washed walls on which hung old-looking décor, replace old or broken furniture and outdated audio-visual equipment, and re-organize the layout to be more inviting and approachable. that promotes academic progress and personal enrichment; The lack of a stable certified librarian and library technician has impeded the full use and mission of the library. DLPES has made accommodations with a computer lab and literacy programs (The Saturday Institute, Mother Read Father Read, HOLD).Branding the library as a learning commons must begin with promoting what can be possible – supporting instruction in the classroom, offering a steady and vibrant instruction in the library, promoting reading for fun and personal interests, becoming a contributing member of the school, and caring about the community.that provides a high quality and robust print and digital collectionThe visit shows a large number of the print collection in the shelves. A closer inventory as the automation process is begun will further reveal what can be used to support classroom instruction and to invite recreational reading. An inventory of the audio-visual collection will require replacement of VHS and audiocassette tapes and players, old or broken TV sets and carts. The ten computer stations purchased by the principal are a good start in promoting the library’s service.which reflects the standards of the AASL and Guam DOE; andThe school community must be taught that checking out books is not the only library service available. Building relationship with the teachers and students is imperative. Providing a caring, supportive, hands-on, informative presence will include becoming part of a team, setting up a library website with useful links and information, coverage in the school newsletter and website.that protects intellectual freedom, democratic ideals, and social responsibilityThe holiday celebrations as part of the school calendar can be a starting venue to introduce these values as research for ideas and activities, books and media become part of the classroom instruction which can broaden the knowledge base and connect rights and privileges to what can be lived out in an American community. Displays in the office or cafeteria or rotating classrooms or dedicated bulletin board are more opportunities to promote ethical, global thinking and behavior.for the good of the person and the communityComing in new will have its challenges but as the School Librarian for DLPES, I will bring informed authority, welcoming presence, caring support and ever hopeful, I will begin to “empower [the school community] to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information” and ideas. (ALA, 2009, p.8)Conclusion: Plan of ActionDevelop the survey for each stakeholder to provide ideas and opinions for each component of the library program: Mission, Curriculum, Technology, Automation, Collection Building and Maintenance, Library Structure, Special Programs and Other ActivitiesObtain permission from the administration on when to conduct the survey for teachers and staff – online program such as Survey Monkey and how to work with the teachers to distribute the surveys to students and parentsCompile survey results and present at a faculty / staff meeting and parent orientation or Open House or a dedicated meeting to invite parent volunteers and classroom visitsBuild a school library website and link to the school websiteSet up library instruction for the school year, per grade levelInventory the physical collectionPaint and re-organize the physical environmentInventory the records for policies and procedures; research as needed with district officeSet up or program the computer stations for library administrative operations and library instructionSet up budgeting proceduresPut on a smile; unlock the doors, welcome in the first classReferencesAmerican Library Association. (1996-2014). Core values of librarianship. Retrieved June 29, 2014 from Library Association. (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines for school library programs. Chicago, Illinois: American Association of School Librarians.American Library Association. (1996-2014). Learning standards & common more state standards crosswalk. Retrieved June 30, 2014 from . Perez Elementary School Accreditation Team. (2012, March). WASC accreditation: Three-year term re-visit report. Report presented to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.Guam Department of Education. (2014, February 10). Curriculum documents: Superintendent’s message. Retrieved June 30, 2014 from Department of Education. (n.d.). Student support services division: Parent family community outreach program. Retrieved June 30, 2014 from Department of Education. (2013, October 30). School performance report card: D.L. Perez elementary school. Retrieved June 29, 2014 from , A. T. (2012, March 26). Daniel L. Perez elementary school library media program three year plan school year 2011-2013: Three year plan revision. Retrieved June 29, 2014 from , M. (2013). Mission statements: Rhetoric, realty, or road map to success?.?Knowledge Quest,?42(1), 30-36. Retrieved from LIBR 233-10 Course Modules Permalink: ?. (2007). Hitch your wagon to a mission statement.?School Library Media Activities Monthly, 24(1), 24-26. Retrieved June 29, 2014 from Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums. (n.d.). Partnerships. Retrieved from , D. (2008).?An analysis of the mission statements of K--12 christian schools: Their components and the value they hold for the organizational leader.?(Order No. 3344674, Indiana Wesleyan University).?ProQuest Dissertations and Theses?, 252-n/a. Retrieved from (288353909).Appendix AGuam DOE & DLPES Vision & Mission StatementsVision StatementGuam Department of EducationOur educational community prepares all students for life, promotes excellence and provides support.Mission StatementDL Perez Elementary SchoolDaniel L. Perez Elementary School is committed to providing all students with a safe, dynamic, and nurturing environment that prepares them to be productive, innovative, and global-minded citizens.Mission StatementGuam Department of Education Library Media ProgramThe mission of Library Media Program of Guam Public School System is to provide information to students and staff in a variety of formats, teach the skills to use it and instill the desire to read and explore as lifelong learners.Library Media Program GoalsQuality library programs serve to improve literacy skills and academic achievements of students by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials, an equipped, technologically advanced library media center, and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists. (NCLB)General Objectives1. All students shall have a ready access to all materials needed for academic achievement at DLPES.2. All students will participate in reading enhancement programs, library skill lessons, and literature appreciation projects facilitated by the librarian.3. All students will be introduced to advanced media technology and have the opportunity to experience its use.4. Required supplies and equipment will be made available and maintained to make the achievement of our goals and objectives a reality.Appendix BGuam Department of Education Library Media Program PlanOutline of Program Components, Goals, and ObjectivesGoals & ObjectivesKnowledgeActionCURRICULUMAchieve academic excellenceResearch skillsSet up curriculumReinforce knowledgeDewey Decimal SystemSchedule once a week lessonsReinforce standardized skillsStudents’ abilitiesAlign with DOE standards, CCSSStudents’ interestsAlign with AASL standardsUse resources & equipmentRelate reading to their personalappropriatelyTECHNOLOGYProvide accessMulti-media equipmentPurchase 1 computer – libraryTeach basic computer skillsHardware equipmentPurchase 2 computers – OPACSoftwarePurchase 2 printersDVD playerPurchase laptop computersInternet accessPurchase multimedia projectorsAUTOMATIONAvailable 24 hour serviceLibrary World SystemPurchase upgradesProvides optimal accessPurchase barcodesProvides organization,Purchase scannersInventory control, Transfer skillsCOLLECTIONUpdate for current /appropriateBooks, media, periodicalsHW Wilson subscriptionSchool Library JournalLIBRARY STRUCTUREAssess current floor planMore comfortable furnitureIndependent cubbiesCharging stationDisplay shelves/racksSPECIAL PROGRAMS & OTHERSExperience authorshipNational Library WeekStorybook character paradeRecord books readNational Book WeekBook fairCreate booksIncentives ................
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