School libraries have to address the needs
of diverse students. Diversity means different characteristics and experience
that defines individuals (http://www.ala.org/acrl.org/content/73/9/547.full).
This includes ethnic and racial
background, cognitive and physicals abilities, and socioeconomic status.
However, diversity in libraries means library media specialist have to provide
appropriate resources for students of different ethnicities, races and
cultures. As a library media specialist, I must address and recognize the
information needs of diverse students.
As being a reflective practitioner, I
reflect back on all my educational professions. As a library media specialist I
have to use best approaches in assisting diverse students’ information needs.
Some approaches include the following: information skills, communication
skills, and research skills. As a library media specialist, I have collections
of books, magazines, and software for diverse students in the library. As a
library media specialist, I have to include all diverse students in library
instruction. In addition, I have to teach students how to research information
on the Internet. I have to teach diverse students how to access websites that
assist them in researching particular topics. For example, if a Chinese student
ask me a question about where to locate information about shadow puppets. I
have to provide them with online resources that discuss about Chinese puppets.
As a library media specialist, I have to provide teachers with resources to
assist diverse students in the classroom. To continue, as a library media
specialist I have to able to communicate with diverse students who speak a
different language. As a library media specialist, I have to educate myself on
how to effectively communicate with students who speak a different language. I
will definitely review information about how to communicate and understand
students who speak a different language. In addition, I will attend workshops
and programs that discuss how to communicate and understand students who speak
a different language. I want to also assist teachers on how to communicate and
understand these particular students. To continue, I want to teach diverse
students how to do research. I want to show them how to type any topics that
want to in the homepage browser. This will help them locate information on the
Internet. On the other hand, as library media specialist I will provide
resources for students will disabilities. I will have different software that
meets the needs of the different disabilities. In addition, I will purchase
large print books for students that are visual impaired. I will have touch
screen device for students who are deaf. As a library media specialist, I will
also assist teachers with resources in teaching these particular groups.
Furthermore, I will teach diverse students library skills so they can
effectively use the library.
All in all, as library media specialist, I
will assist all students. However, I have assist students differently because
students are not the same when it comes to learning information. As a library
media specialist, I will have all kinds of books for students to check-in and
check-out to read. I will have all kinds of magazines for students to read in
the library. However, I want will not allow the students to check-in and
check-out the magazines. As a library media specialist, I will have all kind of
resource books for teachers to assist them in teaching diverse students. I will
provide library services on the school library homepage. I will place online
dictionaries, online encyclopedias, online books, online educational videos,
and online magazines for diverse students to read and do any type of research.
Furthermore, I will provide teachers with information about where they can find
lesson plans to use in teaching students the school curriculum.
Bibliography
1. I’m a lot like you.
(2013). Diversity. Retrieved April 25, 2013, from
2. Diversifying
diversity. (2013). Library services for underrepresented groups.
3. Diversity in Libraries. (2013). Retrieved
April 25, 2013, from
4. Diversity Standards:
Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries. (2013). Retrieved
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