Middle Schools with two media specialists

["Louise A. Costello 3057974441" <COSTELL@MAIL.FIRN.EDU>]

I am currently a high school media specialist, but spent 25 years in middle
school media centers.  More than ten years ago, our county cut back staff
in middle school media centers to one professional no matter what the size
of the school- and some of our middle schools have more than 2200 students!

I received a phone query from a graduate student in a school media program
who is writing a proposal to bring staffing in our middle schools back up
to two professionals.  She wanted to know how the job description would be
divided in a multiply staffed center.  We discussed at some length the
print/non-print division that was generally used in our schools when they
were in the two person pattern. I also talked with her in general about the
ability to "keep the lid on" the media center with one professional, as
opposed to being able to have a full service program, including real live
planning with teachers and integrating skills with instruction.  She is a
classroom teacher and readily admitted that she never has time to plan with
her media specialist, because their one media specialist for 1600 students
is always busy with another class.

I told her at the conclusion of our chat that I would ask for some input
from others on this.
Thanks!
Louise Costello
costell@mail.firn.edu