Dear Sirs and Madams,

On behalf of all members of the Orange County Association of Educational Media Specialists we believe it is essential for our students to have certified Library Media Specialists in all Orange County school libraries.

Orange County School Board is proposing cutting all elementary and middle school media specialists. Our students and programs need your support through adequate funding.

1. Instruction - The library media specialist is trained to enhance student achievement through a systematically, collaboratively planned instructional program teaching Information Literacy, Literature Appreciation, Research Skills, Literature-based Instruction.

• Plans lessons collaboratively with teachers.
• Teaches Research lessons using the FINDS model.
• Teaches lessons on copyright and plagiarism.
• Helps students find recreational reading materials that are age and content appropriate.

2. Curriculum and Assessment Support - The library media specialist is taught to enhance student achievement by supporting all facets of the instructional program including Reading Promotions and guidance, instructional support, student/teacher production, and supporting the school improvement plan (SIP).

• Assists teachers and classes with research and the use of print and non-print materials.
• Acquires materials that support curriculum: books, audiovisual materials, equipment, and databases.
• Keeps faculty informed of most recent technological and educational trends.
• Facilitates interlibrary loans for teachers for materials not available in our own library.
• Promotes the Sunshine State Young Readers Award program and County Battle of the Books.

3. Resource Management - The library media specialist is trained to provide appropriate, accurate and current resources in all formats to meet the needs of the learning community. This includes acquiring, organizing, maintaining and weeding the collection of books, DVDs, and curriculum support materials.

• Establishes policies and procedures.
• Provides home-school communication on the internet and newsletters.
• Keeps 9000+ materials inventory in order and accessible.
• Operates the county-wide library management system.
• Facilitates fund raisers, such as Book Fairs, to provide revenue for new books.

4. Program Administration -The library media specialist is knowledgeable in technological processes and resources to enhance learning and serve as an infrastructure for administering a properly staffed and well funded library media program through budgeting, allowing access to the Media Center, developing an accessible Internet site, and teaching information retrieval using an online catalog.

• Opens the library before school and after school for student use.

• Provides the annual inventory required by superintendent.
• Keeps track of overdue materials within the school building and district

5. Media Center Environment - The Library Media Specialist provides an inviting, accessible and stimulating environment for individual and group use.

• Policies and procedures are in place for a safe environment for all students.
• Keeps the computer screens, keyboards, and headsets clean and contacts the Technology Coordinator when repair is necessary.
• Keeps tables, chairs, and other furniture in order.