Customer Reviews

Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning

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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Information Power, generated by the American Library Association, lists and describes the standards for a good school library media program. Unfortunately, the standards are written as many standards are...not extremely precise and easily misunderstood. However, if the entire book is utilized, the standards are explained in detail with examples of proficiency at each level. For example, the Nine Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning are listed, and then details are given as to whether a student is acquiring a Basic, Proficient, or Exemplary level. This book is meant to be used as a handbook for creating a good program, rather than reading for pleasure or information at one sitting. If used properly, it may help set up an exemplary school media center program.

While the standards seem to be the initial focus of the ALA, the real usefulness of the document comes into play when the additional chapters are explored. The real meat of the program comes in Part Two, entitled Building Partnerships for Learning. The importance of collaboration, leadership, and technology are described within the media center program, and are given a place of respect throughout this second section. Additionally, collaborative teaching is given a high place of honor, and is, in fact, written into the goals described for a media center specialist. This section continues by including ways in which information should be accessed by patrons and delivered by the library media specialist. It is nice that the ALA didn't describe the exact methods for information access and delivery because it allows the document to be ever changing. Instead a more general Principle 1 is given, "The library media program provides intellectual access to information and ideas for learning." (p. 83). This states what is important, yet allows for the professional to find the method by which information is accessed. Additionally, the document takes the professional school librarian and sets goals that can be adapted to the specific user. Finally, goals are set forth for the school regarding the expectations of program administration, which requires a professional or certified librarian to be a part of every school (which may increase the need for even more jobs in this profession!). The references are an important addition as well as they are relatively up-to-date and important sources for a librarian to look for information.

Overall, the book nicely sets forth a comprehensive plan for a school library media program, whether at an elementary or secondary level. While the standards and principles may get rather weighty, the information behind them is important and useful.

I had to purchase this book for a school library class I was taking. It's an excellent resource for all school librarians. I found the writing style to be very clear and very thorough in explaining the role of school librarians.

According to many in my grad program, this ALA book is a must read for passing the PRAXIS for Library Science. Pay particular attention to the Appendixes.

Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning was allegedly compiled by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) to diseminate information on the principles behind and importance of school library media programs (school libraries to the unitiated) to not only library media specialists (LMSs) but also teachers, administrators and other stakeholders in the school community.

While I can see the value of this book as a resource, I cannot imagine anyone reading it who is not specifically assigned (forced) to or already in training to become a LMS (or at least a children's librarian).

The book begins by explaining the vision behind the ideal school library media program and learning standards that should be used as part of any LMC curriculum. Subsequent chapters discuss how to build collaborative relationships to foster authentic learning and make an LMP an integral part of a school experience, learning and teaching, information access and delivery, program administration, and how to connect to the learning community.

The book also has appendixes on assessment, goals for student learning, and copies of various statements and policies from ALA. There are other appendixes, but since the book was last revised in 1998 some of the information is not extremely relevant anymore.

The book is basically a series of stated principles on each topic and then sub-topics thoroughly explaining each principle. On one hand it was disheartening that the text was so dry and dense. On the other, it was comforting to see that there is not really that much to being an LMS since it all fits into a thin volume and seems to come down to collaboration at all points.

Information Power is hard to get through because of the repetition and disjointed nature of the text. Nonetheless, it does really tell everything you need to know about an LMC. I found that the best way to read it in its entirety was to just tell myself to read a chapter a day until I was done. The appendix compilingALA policies was also especially useful. I can't see many readers picking this volume up for idle reading. But I can see it being a valuable resource in that office you'll have when you finally become a school library media specialist.

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in becoming a library media specialist. It is an excellent source of information and practically required by the ALA, since that is who co-wrote it. It is also absolutely necessary if you're taking the Library Media Specialist Praxis test. A lot of the questions come from this book.

Required for Grad class but would purchase even if it was not because it contains a lot of helpful information!

It is a valuable resource for all the reasons others have stated, but I think it should be updated. Is there a new edition coming out or currently out, or is the 10-year-old edition it at this point?

Very informative book. It contains the Standards and goals that SLMS should try to reach. A good book for those that do not understand the various hats that media specialists wear. Great tool to use when preparing for the GACE.

I have used this book in 2 classes for library school. It is a must have!

Even with the publication of the new AASL SLM standards, IP is the strongest foundation for our profession. It clearly outlines the roles and expectations of school librarians, and makes an excellent text for SLM students.