Standard 3: Information and Knowledge

Candidates model and promote ethical, equitable access to and use of physical, digital, and virtual collections of resources. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of a variety of information sources and services that support the needs of the diverse learning community. Candidates demonstrate the use of a variety of research strategies to generate knowledge to improve practice.
Element 3.1 Efficient and Ethical Information-Seeking Behavior
Candidates identify and provide support for diverse student information needs. Candidates model multiple strategies for students, other teachers, and administrators to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information for specific purposes. Candidates collaborate with students, other teachers, and administrators to efficiently access, interpret, and communicate information.
Artifact
Library Website Homepage
Description
I created a website to provide access to media related information and resources. Links are available for reading and research resources, such as Black-Eyed Susan Books, instructions to the school’s online catalog, and database screencasts. Information on polices regarding copyright, fair use, and plagiarism can also be viewed on the website. 

Analysis
One of the most beneficial aspects of this website is the variety of information support.  Not only does the website provide links to resources within the school and school district, such as subscription databases and district policies about information use, it also provides links to resources outside the school, such as DK Find Out! and Ask Us Now! One downside to this website is the need to keep it current. Over the years, subscriptions to resources might change and websites listed might stop working. While creating this website, I learned the pages need to be easy to navigate. If learners cannot find the resources they need, then I will lose users because the website is not effectively supporting them. I will also lose users if my information on the pages is not concise. In my first draft of this website, the descriptions I wrote were long and discouraged learners from using  it.

Reflection
I am proud of this website because it showcases how a library helps learners find information.  I chose to include the best pieces I have developed that help learners seek information on books to read for pleasure and online resources for research. With such a variety of information help, I feel confident learners will find the website valuable. As a media specialist, I need to maintain current resources and policies. Staying up to date on the latest tools will take time but is necessary to support the learners I serve. 
Element 3.2 Access to Information
Candidates support flexible, open access for library services. Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop solutions for addressing physical, social and intellectual barriers to equitable access to resources and services. Candidates facilitate access to information in print, non-print, and digital formats. Candidates model and communicate the legal and ethical codes of the profession.
Artifact
Reference Website Homepage
Description
This reference website allows learners to access resources that aid in research both in and outside of school. Learners can open websites and databases.  A fifth-grade research pathfinder linked on the website contains lists of books, journal articles, and reliable websites. One page is dedicated to policies about using information legally.

Analysis
The website is beneficial because it grants access to reliable information through recommended databases and websites . With this information online, students and teachers can use the resources anytime and anywhere. Students decide what resource they need to use by reading a brief description. Adding students’ reviews would give more guidance on the best resource to use. The library is home to many high-quality information sources that learners should have access to whenever the need arrives .

Reflection
Access to the library’s resources is now one of my priorities. Organizing and updating the reference sources is essential so learners can use the best current resources. The website should be organized into categories to make it as user-friendly as possible. I would like to organize my reference website better, especially the More Sources page. Instead of having a separate reference website, one should be included within the school library site for ease of access. I will need to be cognizant of maintaining the currency of the site, or it will not be beneficial for users.   
Element 3.3 Information Technology
Candidates demonstrate their ability to design and adapt relevant learning experiences that engage students in authentic learning through the use of digital tools and resources. Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research, learning, creating, and communicating in a digital society.
Artifact
Personal Example of My Simpleshow Web Tool
Description
This artifact is a review of three web tools providing strengths and weaknesses for each one as well as ways the tools can be used for student learning. Each tool has a unique purpose, such as making videos, infographics, or storyboards.

Analysis
A positive aspect of the reviews is the diversity of tools featured. Each tool focuses on a different purpose for student use. Another positive aspect are the suggestions on ways the tools can create engaging and authentic learning experiences . A negative aspect is the number of tools reviewed. With only three tools featured, teachers might not find what they want. I would like to add a couple more tools to create more variety and increase options for teachers. This review taught me about the different kinds of tools available. Before studying web tools, I did not know they could serve many purposes. 

Reflection
While working on this artifact, I was surprised at the number of web tools available. I became overwhelmed when looking through each kind of tool because there were so many. The volume of tools made it hard to narrow down the choices to include in my review. I did not anticipate the time it would take to study the web tools. Now that I am more knowledgeable, I can continue to explore the tools but in less time. I plan to keep reviewing web tools so I can grow my list for the teachers in my school building. Staying current with technology also allows me to find alternatives when tools no longer exist or changes in access occur.
Element 3.4 Research and Knowledge Creation
Candidates use evidence-based, action research to collect data. Candidates interpret and use data to create and share new knowledge to improve practice in school libraries.
Artifact
Action Research Prezi Presentation
Description
My action research multimedia presentation gives an overview of a project I developed for a school library that studies the impact of book trailers on student reading. The presentation states a problem, provides background research, explains data collection, and describes dissemination of my research .

Analysis
The presentation does a good job showcasing how the topic is supported with background research, thus validating my decision for the study. Many techniques for collecting data, such as student and teacher surveys and interviews, are explained that will make the results reliable. One step I wish I had been able to do is gather results to see if the book trailers increased the number of fiction novels students read. Action research is time consuming and contains many parts, such as studying previous research, making data collection tools, gathering results, and analyzing those results. To make the presentation engaging, I had to determine the best way to display information and still make it meaningful so stakeholders can see the impact my research will have on the library program.

Reflection
I was excited for all the parts of my project to come together and be ready for implementation. I had carefully developed all the steps that study the use of book trailers  to expand reading among students. Now, I plan to take what I have learned about performing action research and apply it to my own library. The next time I perform action research I will take it farther by implementing data collection and analyzing results. Even though action research is time consuming, I feel it is necessary for my library program to make improvements.
All artifact images by Julie Papperman