Compare+the+Two!

=So...how do the two media center jobs compare to each other?=

__Collaboration__
Kristin collaborates with classroom teachers. She explained that building administrators have stressed the importance of consistency at each grade level, so if Kristin does a project with one class, she is expected to do the same project with every class at the same grade level. The challenge of making that happen means fewer collaborative experiences. Barb assists the classroom teachers when they use the media center during class time. Since she rarely leaves the media center, she doesn't go into classrooms for collaborative projects.

__Technology__
Kristin uses Microsoft Outlook for scheduling and email communications, and also uses the phone to stay in contact with administrators and staff. There are a few computers in the library. She spoke of using Animoto with 4th graders to create book reviews; she also spoke of meeting with the school principal and computer lab assistant to discuss how to encourage classroom teachers to use the school's Netbooks and other technology resources. Barb uses the Destiny online cataloging system in the media center. Books are stamped with the return date when they are checked out. The entire school campus has wireless access; this year, for the first time, all 1331 students have student logins for using the school computers. There are 32 computers in the school media center. Barb often assists students with their logins, and contacts the school district's tech services department if she needs help. Freshmen have the opportunity to rent laptops for $40 for the school year, and each one has a Verizon card so students can access the Internet on the laptops from home.

__Program Planning and Accountability__
Kristin's schedule is always available through Microsoft Outlook, so she is accountable to administrators and staff. Programs correspond to Common Core Standards and Indiana Academic Standards, and are often in the form of mini-lessons with groups of students. Barb's schedule also changes frequently; she is accountable to building administrators as well as the district superintendent. She assists teachers who bring their classes into the library for a lesson, and supervises students in study hall.

__Policies and Procedures__
Kristin's media center policies and procedures are detailed in a one-page fact sheet that is given to parents at Back-to-School Night. The fact sheet includes information about contacting the media center by phone; checking out books; a key for identifying different types of books; and online resources. Barb's media center policies and procedures are limited to one paragraph in the student handbook. There have been two book challenges during her tenure, but I did not see a request for reconsideration form.

__ Collections __
Kristen's library includes books for early readers, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels/comics, books in Spanish, holiday books, nonfiction books, and reference books. The library recently acquired 38 Playaways which are very popular, as are various magazine subscriptions. There is an online catalog, as well as several databases for student access. There is a collection of teacher resources. Kristin says she has weeded tons of books (maybe 1000?). Barb's library includes fiction books, nonfiction books, and reference materials. There are 32 computers with Internet access and resources. With no budget, Barb is very hesitant to weed media center materials.

__Time Management and Scheduling__
Kristin has a flexible schedule that changes on a daily basis. Her assistant Monique handles the small groups that come in to check out books during the school day. Scheduling is handled via Microsoft Outlook. Kristin typically has a morning duty. Barb has a flexible schedule that changes on a daily basis. Students that come into the library individually and in small groups have to sign in on a clipboard. Teachers can email Barb to schedule time to use the media center during class. She has no assistant and spends most of the day in the media center. She interacts with a small group of students regularly as a Student Council adviser; she has a homeroom for the first time this year as well.

__Facilities__
Kristin's library books are organized and labeled by color; the media center has teacher resources as well. There is a small cluster of computers in the media center. There is a storytelling area that includes stairs for the students to sit on while the reader sits in a chair at the bottom. There are a number of large windows, some of which look out on the school hallway. Kristin has an office with a desk for her assistant. There is a circulation area for checking out books. There is also a storage room that serves as the studio for broadcasting morning announcements. Barb's library is a large room with bookcases in one area, computers in another area, and tables in a third area. There is a large circulation desk with a workroom behind it. There are also classrooms for small group work.

__ Human Resources __
Kristin has school library media certification. She has an assistant, Monique, that works on a daily basis, but Monique is also "pulled" for duties and small group work with students. Kristin also works closely with Susan, the school's computer assistant. Barb has school library media certification. She does not have an assistant. Two students voluntarily shelve books for her. Barb is also in charge of all of the school media centers in the district; decisions seem to be made by administrators without communication with her. This year the school superintendent said the school libraries were "on his radar."

__Budget__
Kristin has a "very nice" budget, calculated per student. College Park Elementary School has the lowest enrollment among elementary schools in the district. The budget has five categories, totaling roughly $8,000-$10,000. Barb has not had a budget for the last two and a half years. Fines for late and damaged books have paid for 37 new books for the media center. She also receives weeded items from the Mooresville Public Library.

__Advocacy: Promotion and Events__
Kristin's library stays open during special school "nights," like Back To School Night, Reading Night, and Math Night. She also spoke of a program where students, with parental permission, can check out up to ten books for the winter vacation. Barb did not share advocacy events with me, although she did say that the middle school has an active parent group that is handling fundraising events, like the school book fair.

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