FWIW: I was recently asked (by an administrator) to give her some *realistic*
questions and *recommended* responses to expect while interviewing candidates for 2
library positions. Here's the crib sheet I gave her:
LIBRARY MANAGEMENT:
Q:. This LMC is a one-person operation: how would you prioritize all the
responsibilities of managing a library program for a school this size ? (Note: it
is important for candidates to know – up front – if there is no library support
staff!)
A. Suggested job priorities, in order:
1. collaborating with teachers; developing authentic inquiry-based learning
activities, teaching effective info-lit skills
2. collection development to meet curriculum needs; having new materials available
as soon as possible, letting teachers know what is available for use
3. managing the daily work: checking books in/out, shelving, reports, maintaining
the computers and automation system.
Q. What resources / strategies would you use to select:
-- new books for purchase?
-- new subscription databases?
-- websites to recommend for student research?
A. For books: review journals such as School Library Journal, Library Media
Connection, VOYA (for middle and/or high schools) annual Best Books programs from
nationally-known presenters, Regional Library consortium’s Book Evaluation meetings.
For subscription databases: review journals such as Library Media Connection,
Classroom connect, THE Journal. Should test (use free trials) databases with
student AND teachers before purchasing!
For websites: use Librarians’ Index to the Internet, Surfaquarium, Classroom
connect, LM_Net, Awesome Library for recommendations.
Q. Many LMC’s now maintain a web presence in order to provide 24/7 resources and
services to students and staff. What do you consider the most important elements
of a library website?
A. Candidate should be able to discuss web-design skills, rationale and strategies
for developing and uploading pathfinders; e.g,: selection/evalution of useful
links, etc.
(IOW: has the candidate done any research about this library’s programs/services ?
Have they looked at the school website? the Library website? (if such already
exist)
INFORMATION SKILLS:
Q. Teachers have been complaining that kids are just copying stuff off the Web,
and then handing that in as ‘research.’ What would you suggest for dealing with
this problem?
A. Teach cyber-ethics, as part of all computer skills and research activities
Collaborate with teachers to design projects that require critical and creative
thinking skills, not just regurgitation of facts.
Q. How can you help teachers develop effective inquiry-based learning activities?
A. Knowledge of multiple learning styles.
Knowledge of core content curriculum standards
Knowledge of teaching resources that offer project ideas
Skilled at teaching the research process
Collaborative attitude
Q. Many of our students think they just need to go online and Google for
information. What else do YOU think they need to know, to be effective
web-searchers?
A. Developing essential questions to focus their research
Difference between free web and invisible web
Value of using quality/authoritative sources such as subscription databases
Boolean search strategies
Comparison of web vs. print resources
Q. How would you make sure that all students develop critical web-searching skills?
A. Possible Info-skills cycle course to ensure that all students continue
development of info-lit skills taught in lower grades.
Ongoing collaboration with gr. Level teams to ensure that skills are developed
sequentially and utilized across the curriculum in both simple and complex research
activities.
TEACHING AND LEARNING:
Q. Why do you want to work with these grade levels?
Note: there is a BIG difference in working with elem vs. middle-schoolers, vs.
high-schoolers!
A. Possible responses: Knowledge of middle school curriculum, philosophy,
developmental stages of early adolescence
Q. How do you see (middle school) philosophy impacting the library’s mission and
goals?
A. Providing resources and materials to meet personal, non-academic needs and
interests: range of reading levels, variety of formats, etc.
Providing instruction in independent learning skills
Providing a non-judgmental haven for exploring new ideas.
Q. Describe a recent learning experience – other than your coursework for
certification – that would help you in this job. (In other words – is the
candidate a life-long learner?)
A. Could include state Association conferences, in-service workshops, regional
library consortium programs, etc., in
• Technology applications, including library automation systems, website
development, etc.
• New resources, including book examination and review programs, online database
training,
• Curriculum and information-literacy issues, including cyber-ethics, collaboration
strategies, etc.
• Marketing techniques, book repair, etc.
Does that help?
Alice Yucht, Teacher-Librarian
Heritage Middle School, Livingston NJ -- but only until June 19 !
http://www.hmslibrary.info (school)
http://www.aliceinfo.org (personal)
"Tact is the ability to tell a person to go to Hell in such a way that he or she
goes home and packs, looking forward to the trip."
--Valeria D. Truitt
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