4.1

//Reflection on AASL Standard 4.1: Managing information resources //
The mission of the library is to provide information to its supported population. At the national and state levels this includes establishing standards and advocacy for the school library mission. In a number of our classes we examined the need to protect free access to materials and the work done by the ALA (in conjunction with other organizations) to publicize the issue of Banned Books. We conducted our own analysis of this topic in SCED 518. During the course of ISTC 615, we learned the level of detail required for acquisition of all materials. Each of us prepared a list of serials we would consider procuring. This analysis was timely as I was in the midst of preparing our yearly serials request. I used the results of my work and that of my classmates to prepare a list of recommendations. Using sample copies I borrowed from the county library, I worked with teachers to narrow our final purchase list. While this process was time consuming, it showed me the need to think deeply about the needs of our students and search widely for materials that would satisfy those needs. This lesson was further reinforced during EDUC 717 as a prepared a curriculum based text set. ISTC 653 was a fascinating class as it put into perspective many tasks I had been undertaking on a regular basis. The advent of the MARC record format, with its international readability, is truly an impressive accomplishment. I enjoyed creating the records in class and it has given me a deeper understanding of my OPAC system and the confidence to annotate the records to meet my collections needs. I used my knowledge to catalogue items in a grant I won; it contained a number of prints new to the county system. The flexibility inherent in the MARC system accommodates titles in multiple formats and extensive local annotation to facilitate patron use. I work with the Dewey Decimal System every day; again, ISTC 653 provided me the framework to understand why certain classification decisions are made and how to explain the system to my students. We conducted analysis of the best practices and alternative collection tools. I am glad to understand the Library of Congress system and find it useful as I use the Enoch Pratt library resources and conduct my own collection analysis. During ISTC 601, we looked critically at a number of facilities and designed our own ideal location. This work has materially assisted me with the re-design of my own facility. I have ensured that titles are organized coherently based on user needs and interests and signage displayed, established a specific teaching areas to assist students focus on learning; obtained new equipment to support a special Kindergarten learning area and implemented changes to the school home page OPAC to incorporate frequently used resources.



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