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Library Program Overview |
| Mission & Belief Statements | Program Overview | Role of the Teacher Librarian | Collaboration | ICCSD School Libraries | ICCSD Library Staff |
The future will require everyone to learn continually. The goal of the library program is to enable all students to be independent, life-long learners who are skilled users of information and ideas. This goal is addressed through an information literacy curriculum which is taught collaboratively by teacher librarians and classroom teachers. The teacher librarian's knowledge of materials, technology, and strategies complements the instructional and content skills of the teacher. Integration of library and classroom activities is the essential element of the library program.
The library program includes direct instruction in how to locate, use, and evaluate information. The use of technology for information-seeking constitutes an ever-expanding part of the library program as students learn to access data through the use of computers, to use word processing to convey information, and to use other applications of technology to organize, analyze, and present information. Each library includes an electronic materials catalog, access to online resources, and computers and other equipment for production of student work.
Centralized building collections contribute to the instructional process as the library provides access to a wide variety of materials and equipment for students and staff. Teacher librarians take pride in their skills in developing collections to address the needs and interests of all students. Centralized cataloging and processing services are provided to all teacher librarians.
An important component of library curriculum is literature, especially at the elementary level. Children are introduced to the work of significant children's authors and illustrators. Substantial energy is directed toward helping students learn to select books for personal reading which are appropriate to their interests and reading ability at all levels. The greater Iowa City community joins the library program each autumn in the celebration of Community Reading Month, an event sponsored by the Iowa City Community School District in partnership with Hills Bank and Trust Company, The ICCSD Foundation, the Iowa City Public Library, the University of Iowa, and other sponsors. This project brings authors to the schools and affords community members the opportunity to attend book talks and participate in other reading activities. Book talks are prepared and delivered at all levels by teacher librarians, which send a message to students that adults in our community highly value reading as an important activity for life-long learning and enrichment.
The philosophy of the library program allows for collaborative instruction of information literacy skills between the classroom teacher and teacher librarian. Combined with the literature component at all grade levels, an atmosphere of academic success for all students can be achieved.
This page was last updated on August 22, 2010.