Re: GEN: Public Libraries _and_ School Libraries

[Mary Alice Anderson <maryalice@VAX2.WINONA.MSUS.EDU>]

I'M responding now to Mike Eisenberg's message, and also responding again
with something I posted earlier. Yes, we need to stress the positive and
not defend ourselves. I also think we need to emphasize our separate
missions.  We are all in the inforamtion business, but as school media
specialists we have unique, exciting and different roles in the areas of
curriculum development, staff development, technology implmenttion etc.
Our jobs have changed much more than just in how we organize and access
information. For example, the changes aren't just a matter of using the
Internet instead of a print reference book.  The changes are much broader.

In MN a grad standard called inquiry is being implmented this year; it's a
perfect "fit" with media/technology because it deals with information
literacy.  This past summer three other media specialists and I had the
opportunity to speak to hundreds of teachers about inquiry and media.
Teachers are looking for resurces and people to help them use technology
as they implement inquiry in their curriculum.     This is all an example
of being involved in the big picture --dealing with curriculum, staff
devleopment and educational change.

Mary Alice Anderson, Media Specialist
Winona MN Middle School
http://wms.luminet.net/wmstechnology