“You may remember it simply as the school library, the place you went between classes to read, do
homework or conduct research for a term paper. But the school library of yesterday has given way to a
new and exciting place--the school library media center--where information is available in a wide
variety of formats, both print and electronic; where materials and activities are coordinated with
classroom assignments; and where students learn information skills that will prepare them to live and
work in the 21st century.
Today's school library media program plays an integral role in educating children for the future. It is
where students learn to find, analyze, evaluate, interpret and communicate information and ideas--
skills they will need as adults to live and work in an information-based society. In addition to serving as
independent learning centers, the programs of many centers are directly integrated into the curriculum.
Savvy parents and educators know that the school library media center is key to teaching students not
just to read but also to practice the skills they need to seek, evaluate and use information throughout
their lives. In fact, research shows those students from schools with professionally staffed, fully
equipped libraries score higher on achievement tests.”
Excerpt from the American Association of School Libraries
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasladvocacy/schoollibrary
