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For the past several years, librarians in my district have been talking about change and transformation.

We started several years ago, just by dipping our toes into RSS and blogging.

Then we talked about collection development and how it looks different now that so much information can be found through subscription databases and on the free web.

We all went through the “23 Things” and learned about web 2.0 technologies.

Then last year we started trying to put all of that learning together by writing a new vision statement for the library program.

A fabulous group of librarians met several times last year for this project. They took their task very seriously and had many brain-busting sessions in order to get it just right. They put together a profile of our current library program that included the history of Library Services in the district, previous vision statements, an assessment of the current services offered, and demographic information. They compiled information from current research about the characteristics and best practices of effective library programs. They also surveyed teachers and administrators in the district to get their perspective on what the library currently offered and what they wanted from the library program.

All of this information was synthesized and distilled into the following vision statement that was presented to the whole group at our first meeting of the year:

MISD librarians envision a 21st century library program that increases students’ achievement and potential for future success.

• The 21^st century library has two distinct manifestations. The physical library features an inviting, friendly atmosphere staffed by a certified professional who works to help teachers and students navigate an increasingly complex information environment; the virtual library provides access to library resources and tools 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both physical and virtual libraries promote intellectual freedom and provide equitable access to the resources and tools required for learning.

• In the 21^st century library, reading is a foundational skill for learning, personal growth and enjoyment. It is encouraged at all grade levels through various promotional and instructional activities designed to develop successful readers.
• In the 21^st century library, inquiry provides a framework for learning. Students are taught to locate, select, evaluate and use information appropriately and effectively.
• In the 21^st century library, collaboration is fundamental. Teachers and librarians work together to deliver instruction that focuses on critical thinking skills, literacy skills and curriculum connections.
• In the 21^st century library, learning is social, customized and personalized. Students are connected with information and each other, while creating new understandings and celebrating accomplishments.
• In the 21^st century library, technology is ubiquitous. Library users employ technology to locate materials and information, circulate items, collaborate with each other and create products. Librarians provide leadership and training for teachers and students in the use of current and emerging technologies.
• In the 21^st century library, the collection is varied, balanced and current. It features information in multiple formats for all needs and interests, supports the curriculum and is appealing to library users.
• In the 21^st century library, systems and routines are established that break down barriers and allow students and teachers to use the library independently and at point of need.

What is does your vision for the 21st century school library look like?

Image citation: Forward by Bruce Berrien.

Twitter is everywhere these days and people are using it to talk – about librarians. On Tuesday, there was a long conversation about the role librarians should play in schools today and if they are even capable of playing it!

Joyce Valenza responded to the conversation with some very perceptive comments, as usual. She said:

Being an information (or media) specialist today means being an expert in how information and media flow TODAY!  It is about knowing how information and media are created and communicated. How to evalute, synthesize, and ethically use information and media in all their varied forms.  It is about being able to communicate knowlege in new ways for new audiences using powerful new information and communication tools.

In my mind, if you are not an expert in new information and communication tools, you are NOT a media specialist for today.

Joyce also pointed out that the Twitter conversation took place out in the open where anyone could follow it. If these are the kinds of things people are saying in public, what are they saying in private?

What are people saying about the librarians in our district? Initiatives like 23 Things and other staff development sessions that we offer are designed to help our folks be the kind of information specialists that are required in the 21st century.

Is it making enough of a difference? How would teachers and administrators in our district answer the central question of this week’s Twitter conversation: What’s the point of having a media specialist if they aren’t specialists in the media forms of the day?

The Blue Skunk Blog has an interesting discussion going on. It started with this post, in which Doug Johnson defines postliterates as “those who can read, but chose to meet their primary information and recreational needs through audio, video, graphics and gaming.” He then suggests that, even though the term “postliterate library” seems like an oxymoron,

our best libraries are already postliterate, increasingly serving sets of users who communicate, recreate and learn using media other than print. And the attitude we as professional librarians adopt toward the postliterate may well determine whether our libraries continue to exist.

In part 2 of the discussion, Johnson lists 10 hallmarks of a postliterate library and touts librarians as leaders on the campus that can encourage the use of new technologies and resources.

Some very thought-provoking ideas here. What do you think?