Program Goals

    When I entered this program almost two years ago, I did not have specific goals in mind beyond  just learning how to be a good Media Specialist and landing a job when I graduate.  It did not take long for me to understand the critical function of a School Library Media Program in any school, and with that understanding came critical learning goals for this program.  They are the following:

• Learn to foster a love of reading and literacy with the students
• Learn to impart Information Literacy Skills to all students in the school
• Learn to collaborate with the teachers and administrators to make sure that the Media Program supports the goals and needs of the school
• Learn to manage the logistics of an efficient Library Media Program 
• Become an advocate of School Library Media in Georgia
• Make my Center a fun place to be!

How I have met my goals for this program:

    I can honestly say that every class I have taken in this program has imparted knowledge of some one or more of my goals.  The first year coursework enabled me to understand the day to day details of the job and the second year coursework imparted theory necessary to improve a program and become an advocate of Library media in my school and statewide.  My Internship gave me the confidence to believe I can actually do this job and love it at the same time.

How the SLM Program prepares me for the future: 

    This SLM program has given me a solid foundation in all important areas of Library Media.  The projects were not only relevant to the work I will do, but can actually be adapted and used in a live Media Environment.  The advice and encouragement I have received from my professors and peers leaves me with resources once I graduate, and the resources that we have been exposed to in the state library media world will keep me up to date on the newest trends and issues.  This program has done nothing but prepare me to run a great media program someday.

Future Professional Plans:

    I have obtained a job in an elementary school in Rockdale County for the fall of 2008.  I am going to an excellent school with a good Media Program and a great collection.  I am excited about the prospect of teaching information literacy skills, managing the program, and implementing some of the things I learned and did in my internship.  I am sure it will not all be easy, but I feel like I have a good foundation from which to build upon.