Learning through Books, Media and Technology

ARTICLES THIS ISSUE:

Information literate? These Students have information power!

"We're learning, but we don't mind!"

Lots of little kids --- lots of things going on!

Building a collaborative network --- from university to local community

Shared vision, shared teaching

Budget crunch? Teamwork makes resources do double duty

Collaboration, participation, and technology

Partners for change

Redefining the library media center

Happy collaborations based on research as a process

Success through independence, integration, and interruptions

A Good Ideas encore!

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Redefining the library media center

Yosemite High School

Yosemite High School students at work on a cooperatively planned research assignment.

Restructuring of Yosemite High School began three years ago with a vision of upgrading all programs, improving the school's inadequate library, and qualifying for the International Baccalaureate program. Every component of this restructuring effort has looked to the redefined library media center as a means to provide alternatives to the traditional classroom delivery of information.

What have they done to change the library into an active library media center?

• moved to resource-based instruction with an emphasis on technology
• employed a full-time certificated library media specialist, plus an aide
• stressed collaborative teaching and partnerships between library media center and classrooms
• engaged teachers as leaders in on-site decision-making groups
• provided teacher inservice about information technologies
• introduced simple online access techniques to staff and students
• automated circulation and the card catalog
• added a CD ROM network (six programs and growing)
• planned the addition of remote dial-in access to the CD ROM network
• solicited financial support and involvement from the local community and service organizations.

Useful collaborative projects that have already resulted from this major effort place the library media center in the mainstream of educational restructuring. Betsy Blum, library media teacher, asserts that even though tougher financial times may lie ahead for schools, a willingness to try new approaches can yield positive results. She credits Superintendent Angelo Pizelo with the vision to search out the positive, even in hard economic times.

• Yosemite High School (Grades 9-12; enrollment 900)
  50200 Road 427, Oakhurst 93644; (209) 683-4667
  Bob LaBelle, Principal
  Betsy Blum, Library media Teacher
  Yosemite Union High School District