Classes to become a Professional Librarian

Below is a collection of my efforts in the courses as I work for my professional license. There will be 3 classes completed. The descriptions are included below and class has its own page. Artifacts and Reflections are on the Artifacts & Reflections page.

Information Technologies - This course examines the current and emerging technological systems and software used in schools and libraries, their selection, implementation, management, and evaluation as well as legal and ethical issues involved in their use.

Leadership and Administration of Library and Technology Programs - This course is designed to be a seminar that examines administrative and leadership issues, policies, and practices pertinent to operation of effective information, media and technology programs in schools and districts, building on the knowledge and skills mastered in the Library Administration course (902 with stipulations level).

Virtual Libraries - In this course, you will explore the issues in creating a virtual information environment in schools and build a prototype virtual learning commons to support organized access to information in a variety of formats, curricular units where students collaboratively build knowledge, a site for sharing student participation and production, and a venue for supporting literacy and the love of reading. 

Professional Classes Reflections and Artifacts





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In Training and On The Job

It's amazing that no matter how well prepared you think you are after college; there are still so many things you don't know once you start a job.

I was lucky enough to find a Librarian job before even finishing my licensure requirements, so I worked on an emergency license while I finished my practicum hours.  I started in July 20, 2012 employed as the District Librarian for the Adams-Friendship school district.  There are 5 schools spread throughout Adams county with 5 libraries to manage - no such thing as easing in for this first time librarian.  I was lucky enough to start with a completely redone HS library, it is beautiful and welcoming for its students.

New Opportunity

My love of reading began in middle school.  Becoming a Librarian is something that I’d considered in the past and now the UWSSLEC consortium and WISE scholarship are allowing me the opportunity to do it already.  I am looking forward to this new branch in my educational career.

This will be a collection of my efforts in the courses as I work for a new license.  There will be 7 classes completed during the program.  The descriptions are included below and each class has it's own page where I will include artifacts; there are three additional pages for my practicum, service project, as well as a page detailing the Content standards established by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction.

Digital Tools - This course is designed to provide educators with the opportunity and tools to examine and reflect on alternative ways to conceptualize classroom curriculum and instruction that integrates technology in light of current research, current tools and the changing world.  It is designed as a foundational class for teachers just beginning their graduate studies in preparation to become School Library Media Specialists.

Finding and Using Information - The purpose of reference and information work is to provide information service that invites curiosity and supports the development of knowledge in the community by discerning and answering questions, and supporting interests, inquiries and investigations.  The course introduces basic theory and professional practice, and the tools, information resources and problem solving strategies used by professionals to: connect users of the library with the information they seek; provide associated services; and evaluate efficacy.  For those professionals who get hooked, it really IS about inspiring dreams, sparking curiosity and solving problems.

Children's Literature - This course is designed to assist School Library Media Specialists in developing an expanding understanding of the genres and range of children's literature.  Focus will be primarily on books appropriate for grades k through 9.  Exploration of curricular themes, instructional methodologies and a variety of materials will result in increased understanding of the role of the School Library Media Specialist and the prime importance of support of, and interaction with, other school faculty and staff.  Programmatic planning will result in increased and positive literature-centric interactions between children and their parents.  Most importantly reflective reading of a broad spectrum of children's literature will enable SLMS to make more informed decisions in collection development.

Young Adult Literature - This course allows student to examine the range of print and mediated literature available to young adults. Criteria for evaluation, selection, and guidance in use to meet both student and curriculum uses are discussed. An appreciation for the literature is developed through experiences in reading, viewing, and classroom reporting.

Organizing Information - This course introduces different approaches and systems currently used for organizing items in libraries. Students will acquire practical knowledge of rules, standards, and tools used for bibliographic description and control, classification, and subject/content access.

Information Literacy - This course will examine the theoretical basis for the librarian as an instructional partner, teacher, and curricular leader in the school.  This course both develops knowledge and skills of potential library media specialists in the four Wisconsin standards with the heaviest emphasis on standard B as well as prepares them to teach all these skills to students.  Students will acquire the disciplinary knowledge in the methods of inquiry, develop an array of methods and technologies to carry out effective instruction and evaluating student learning in a diverse body of learners, practice decision-making in context, examine their role as a change agent in schools.  Learn to collaborate with other educators and the wider school community, and develop a professional code of ethics based on that of the American Library Association.  This course emphasizes problem solving and reflective thinking through its field-based assignments and case studies.

Administration - This course introduces students to entry level concepts for the maintenance, management, and evaluation of school library media centers and services. Course addresses overall administrative issues such as selection and collection policy development; advocacy; personnel; budget and the Common School Fund; facilities; programming; collaboration; the instructional leadership role of the school librarian, and more. This course is required for the 902 initial level license.

Practicum - My practicum occurred at Ripon High School; Madison Elementary and Jefferson School for the Arts in Stevens Point; and at all libraries in the Adams-Friendship school district. See practicum tab for more details.

Service Project - My service project was in partnership with the Wautoma Public library.

Reflections

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