Section 2: School Library Media Center Philosophy / Mission Statement

Current Mission Statement:

The Media Center will be a place where excellence and opportunity go hand in hand.
Academic achievement and student involvement will be the primary focus of the
Media Centers activities. Our goal is to produce productive citizens from a diverse
population that can face the on-going challenges of tomorrow. This will be
accomplished by:
1.

Assisting students and staff in becoming proficient engaged users of information

and ideas.
2.

Creating an atmosphere where learning is nurtured and actively pursued.

3. Providing the print and electronic resources needed to support the schools
academic goals and state standards (CCGPS).
By following the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for
the 21 Century Learner ("AASL standards for," 2007) we will help students to:
st

Develop the skills necessary to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge

Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new

situations, and create new knowledge

Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our

democratic society

Pursue personal and aesthetic growth

Critique:
Mitchell County Middle Schools Library Mission Statement addresses its purpose by
establishing a goal, and steps to accomplish that goal. It states the need to provide
access to information by providing the print and electronic resources needed to
support the schools academic goals and state standards (CCGPS), but it does not
clearly state what those academic goals are. A climate conducive to learning was
established by creating an atmosphere where learning is nurtured and actively
pursued. A connection of the school media program to the local learning community
was created by assisting staff in becoming proficient engaged users of information and
ideas, but it still needs to make a connection beyond that to parents and the broader
community. Although the mission statement addressed the basics of a school library
media center, a technology aspect should be added. Students of today are greatly
impacted by technology and benefit from its implementation. Mitchell County Middle
Schools mission statement reflects that of an emerging school library program. With a
few minor additions, the mission statement will be promising.

Revised Statement:
The Media Center or Mitchell County Middle School will be a place where excellence
and opportunity go hand in hand. Academic achievement and student involvement
will be the primary focus of the Media Centers activities. Our goal is to produce
productive citizens from a diverse population that can face the on-going challenges of
tomorrow. This will be accomplished by
1.

Assisting students and staff in becoming proficient engaged users of information

and ideas.
2.

Creating an atmosphere where learning is nurtured and actively pursued.

3. Providing the print and electronic resources needed to support the schools
academic goals as outlined by CCRPI and state standards (CCGPS).
4. Provide quality resources and services to the students, staff, administration,
parents and community members.
5. Making technology materials available and providing proper training and support
in order to prepare the learner for the 21st century community and workforce..
By following the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for
the 21 Century Learner ("AASL standards for," 2007) we will help students to:
st

Develop the skills necessary to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge

Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new

situations, and create new knowledge

Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our

democratic society

Pursue personal and aesthetic growth