SLIS School Media Alumni
"I made the change from public library work to a school media environment primarily because I wanted to be more directly involved with children in their education, and I wanted to facilitate the development of their information literacy skills-especially a lifelong love of reading. I have more of a sense of connectedness, continuity, and deeper personal satisfaction as a school media specialist than I experienced previously in public libraries."
"SLIS did a good job of preparing me for what I would encounter in schools. The teachers I work with have a variety of skill levels when it comes to computers. Team-teaching is one of the aspects I enjoy most about my job. For example, recently I helped a Latin teacher develop a Web site for homework distribution, and I worked with a social studies teacher to incorporate technology into an ethnic studies class."
"I was working as a librarian in a small school when I decided to start taking courses for my master's degree. After I finished, I got a job at Hamilton Heights Elementary School as a school media specialist. During my 11 years as a school media specialist, I increased my knowledge of computer programs and learned how to integrate technology into the curriculum. Now I am the curriculum/technology coordinator for the district."
"When I graduated from IU, I didn't just have the answers to the challenges facing a school librarian in 1984-I had the ability to think through problems and effectively handle the situations I faced over a 15 year career. Microcomputers were just on the scene in 1984. I certainly didn't learn about the Internet as a student, but the proactive philosophy I learned at IU has helped me to bring the Internet and digital video to the students and teachers in my school. These progressive skills are what make IU graduates so valuable to employers and why I seek IU graduates to fill openings in my library."
"Teachers who are interested in becoming media specialists should realize that they will still be teachers, first and foremost. Your primary motivation in becoming a school media specialist should be your interest in designing curriculum, working one-on-one with students and teachers, and being a leader in the building and at the district level."
