INTRODUCTION

The integration of technology into the curriculum creates new opportunities for the media specialist, teachers, and students. The instructional role of the media specialist to teachers is one of a consultant. Collaboration between the media specialist and teacher is key in this role. The media specialist does not teach library curriculum as an isolated activity. The media specialist and teacher working together develop lessons which create a learning environment in which students have a practical application for the information seeking skills acquired in library classes.

This curriculum document is a working document, which will grow and change over time as new information resources are introduced in libraries and as federal and state standards for library media centers are developed.

In recent years, information literacy skills have diversified. In addition to books, periodicals, cassettes and microfiche, we can also access information through the Internet, CD-ROMs, periodical databases, and VHS tapes. As media and information specialists, we recognize the vital role that each of these information resources has in providing information to all students. This curriculum guide is structured to integrate all information resources currently available for use in library media centers to meet student's different learning styles and special needs.

The degree of success of an information literacy program does not depend solely on this document. To facilitate the success of the information literacy program, each school in the Clarkstown Central School District must support the curricular goals. This includes: common planning time for media specialists and teachers; appropriate staffing according to ALA standards; appropriate funding according to ALA standards; equal access for all students and staff; and including staff development for media specialists.