LMP Objectives.

My Vision:

My vision as a library media specialist is to be a student-centered information professional who specializes in conscientious facilitation between students and faculty and the knowledge they need to seek, use, and share the knowledge they want.

Example of a LMS Job Description from Eugene School District
This is one of the first items I would have on my online LMC handbook because patrons would easily see and understand how I view my job and what type of services I offer. It would be one of the first steps I make toward establishing a relationship with the patrons who will utilizes my services. I really like this particular description because the LMS establishes what the LMP should ideally look like before breaking down all the different jobs an LMS performs. Defining the ideal situation gives patrons a visual of how the LMP is supposed to work and will keep the LMS accountable for fulfilling the duties described. The duties follow the LMS duties outlined in Information Power. When I make a document like this, I will say much the same except I would change the statement "The librarian is able to 'get the right book in the right hands at the right time'" to encompass non-print, online, and electronic materials as well.

LMC Philosophy Example from Almond Bancroft
A Philosophy Statement would go hand in hand with the Job Description because it would validate, put reasoning behind, and bring life to all of the varies duties and services outlined in it. In addition to providing my own philosophies about why the facilitation between people and information is so vital to student success, I would also connect those philosophies to the school district mission statement and philosophy of education (if they have one) so that the LMP is defined as working within the framework of the district, and with the district and school building, to promote student achievement and positive learning experiences.

In my handbook, I would also include the mission statement of the entire school and/or district. Here is an example from Lincoln High School, in Idaho Falls, ID. In this particular example, certain goals are established by the school such as respect and commitment. I would tie my philosophies into these goals to aide the school and/or school district in promoting the achievement of them.

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Mrs. Redmond's Leadership Philosophy

The most effective leaders are people who understand that the destination they want to lead people toward is greater than themselves. As one of those idealists, I take countless risks, step out of my comfort zone, devote extra time and energy to my cause, and try to connect to as many people as I can in order to spread my vision as far as it can possibly go. I know how to make my mission understood to those that might think they do not need to care and those that are open and able to embrace the effort whole heartedly after being led to discover it. In the realm of education, library media specialists must be that type of leader who steps down into the fray to lead the school community, through committee attendance and ever-present advocacy of the Library Media Program, the faculty and administration, through staff development and collaboration, and the students, through teaching and role modeling, towards being successful information literate participants of the 21st Century. As an information professional, I am a leader who leads from the middle.

Leading from the middle requires that I be well spoken (but never overpowering), assertive and insistent (more indiscreetly than overtly), confident and well-supported (in a non-condescending manner), and always open to suggestion and change. Knowing when to give and take is the key to the success of the library media specialist because people respond the best, and give the most of their time and energies, when they are given the respect, time, and support they believe they deserve. When championing for the overall progression of humanity towards information literacy in the 21st Century, I will fight against ignorance, indifference, helplessness, and confusion every single day to not only reach and teach both adults and children about information literacy, but to forge connections and strengthen networks that continue to maintain and improve the standards in the information literacy field of study.