Library Assessment Project

Learning Environment Assessment:

On the Path to Success!

Jennifer GladkowskiMaegen RoseLIS 773: School LibrariesAssessment of School Library Program

Donald L. Morrill Math & Science Specialty School

Donald L. Morrill School is a Chicago public elementary school located on the Southwest side of the city. It has a population of 850 students. 55% of the student population is Latino, and 45% is African American. 20% of the student population have special needs. The school has been on academic probation for the past 12 years, but the 2011-2012 school year saw improved ISAT scores. http://morrillcps.org/

Learning Environment #1"The school library encompasses both physical and virtual spaces that provide flexible, equitable, and efficient access to resources for all learners." (Linking for Learning, p. 32)

~ Historically, the school librarian did not create a space aimed at ensuring learners of all levels could access physical or virtual resources.

~ There is little evidence of a virtual space beyond the availability of a few computers and other equipment in the library.

~ Given the seriously outdated nature of materials found throughout the library, the collection had not been weeded in over a decade, nor did it represent the growing needs of the school population.

Outdated Materials Found Summer 2012

Learning Environment #1 (cont.)

~ It is unclear what library policies and procedures were in place for collection development, circulation, technology and overall learning.

~The ability to have a well-planned, technology rich, student-focused library media center has always existed, but opportunities and resources were not severely under-utilized.

Based on an in-person visit of the library and information provided by the new school librarian, the library program rates as Deficient in Learning Environment #1, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program Guidelines Rubric.

Learning Environment #2"The school library consists of both physical and virtual resources that have been selected through strategic planning, research, and evidence-based practice." (Linking for Learning, p. 34)

Physical Resources:

~Up until now, reference collection has stagnated; most recent set of encyclopedias is from 2004.~Collection does not fully represent the needs of the student population - not enough engaging nonfiction texts.~Fiction collection is a mixed bag of outdated titles, as well as a limited amount of newer, award-winning and commercially popular titles.~There is a need for a graphic novel collection and wider array of young adult titles.~Collection has not been weeded or maintained in accordance with the Chicago Public Schools Collection Development Policy:http://policy.cps.k12.il.us/documents/604.7.pdf

Over 100 copies of the Harry Potter series, books 1-7

It is important for school library collections to have popular materials available to students. However, those materials should be diverse and available in a variety of formats.

Learning Environment #2 (cont.)Virtual Resources:

~Student and teacher surveys indicate that online databases are not utilized; most teachers were not even aware the district subscribes to these databases.~There is available technology available in the library (SmartBoard, projector, document camera, and desktop computers) but has not been utilized regularly up to this point by students or previous librarian.~There are a limited number of playaways and audio books, a greater variety of formats is needed to provide access to text for students with special needs (20% of student body).~Teachers indicate a lack of collaboration between themselves and the librarian about digital resources available to the school community.

Based on the evidence, the library program rates Deficient in Learning Environment #2, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program Guidelines Rubric.

A well-organized space is key to a library's usability. The space should be both functional and practical, striking a delicate balance between physical resources and virtual exploration. This library has great room for improvement.

Learning Environment #3"The school library media program receives adequate annual funding from the appropriate local authority to achieve program goals." (Linking for Learning, p. 36)

~Previous administration prepared the budget with little to no input from librarian.~Funds were not well maintained previously, as evidenced by large quantities of single titles, brand-new unshelved books, and unopened Leap Pad devices.~Lack of evidence of advocacy for funding, as outdated reference and nonfiction collection demonstrates.~Previous administration failed to encourage previous librarian to utilize available technology.~Current administration has pushed the use of tablets and ereaders, and has purchased these devices to ensure their use.~No grants were applied for within the last 10 years.~Current administration has provided a sizable budget to develop the physical & virtual collection.

Based on the evidence, the library program rates as Basic in Learning Environment #3, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program Guidelines Rubric.

Learning Environment #4The school library media program respects the principles of professional ethics, intellectual freedom, and the ethical and responsible use of information. (Linking for Learning, p. 38)

~ The new school librarian could not identify any prior models or efforts to teach the school community about ethical and responsible use of information.

~ Historically, there has been little, if any collaboration between the school librarian and the teachers.

~ No policies on internet safety, acceptable use or challenged books were found.

The library program rates as Deficient in Learning Environment #4, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program Guidelines Rubric.

The Future of the Library ProgramNext Steps:

Despite this assessment, the current administration, after one year on the job, is making a concerted effort to transform this library program into one that is viable and provides engaging, high-quality resources to its students. By replacing the previous librarian with a new one who is currently pursuing an MLIS, it is likely students will be empowered to become "well-informed learners and decision makers." The addition of current technology, formats, and relevant collection materials all seek to ensure that students will graduate from 8th grade well-equipped and prepared to succeed in high school.

Library Program Goals~Provide professional development for teachers on how to use the online catalog and databases

~Instruct all students how to use the online research tools ethically

~Create a functional school library website and blog

~Purchase new and relevant materials, including fiction & nonfiction titles, magazines, database subscriptions, and ebooks for use on 35 Nooks and 6 iPads

~Subscribe to professional library journals

~Continue to weed the collection monthly to make room for new materials

~Empower students and staff to utilize all available technology resources

~Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure library instruction supports classroom instruction as well as the Common Core State Standards

References

Chicago Public Schools Department of Library and Information Services. http://cpslibraries.wikispaces.com/.

Donald L. Morrill Math & Science Specialty School. http://morrillcps.org/.

Illinois School Library Media Association. (2010). Linking for Learning. 3rd edition. Canton, IL: ISLMA.