Resources
for
Information Specialist Role |
Review Resources
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How to Evaluate Resources |
Evaluating
Websites: Trash or Treasure
A web-based lesson created by Ann
O'Neill, Baltimore County School Library Media Specialist.
Research and the Internet
This is an excellent PowerPoint presentation prepared by Purdue
University Writing Lab that outlines criteria for evaluation
of Interent resources and the rationale for evaluation. Also,
check out the other presentations on writing, grammar, etc.
Evaluating Internet Research Sources
Robert Harris, 1997. Thus is a comprehensive,
scholarly, step-by-step guide to evaluating Internet resources.
Critical Thinking 101 by Fitzgerald
Provides outstanding guidance and handouts to teach the concept
of effective evaluation of information resources. Handouts are
in pdf format and may be reproduced for class use. These are Evaluative
Strategies for K-12 Students; Problem
Markers, a excellent guide to "alert" students
about information problems; Strategies
for Specific Information Use Phase; Information
Evaluation Decision Guide (graphic organizer).
Evaluating Web Pages
An excellent source to teach the concepts of "evaluation
criteria." Each criteria has a link to an example on the
web. Illustrations of "types" of websites are also
given.
Thinking Critically about World Wide
Web Resources. UCLA College
Library, 1995.
Great questions to ask when evaluating web sources.
The World Wide Web Virtual Library :
Evaluating Web Resources
Hotlinks to 50+ outstanding web resources on the topic.
Media Selection and Evaluation
Website developed by Della Curtis for the Media Selection and
Evaluation graduate course
ISTC 615 taught at Towson University. Links to policies, evaluation
criteria, review sources, critical issues, and publishers and
jobbers. Syllabus
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ERIC
The collection of educational research documents maintained by the US Department of Education.
BlueWeb'n
searchable database of over 1000 outstanding Internet learning
sites categorized by subject area, audience, and type (lessons,
activities, projects, resources, references, & tools). Does
not attempt to catalog all educational sites, but only the most
useful sites -- especially online activities targeted at learners.
Search by subject and grade level or browse the table of contents.
The Center for the Book
State centers use themes established by the Library of Congress
to develop activities that promote local authors, book culture,
and literary heritage. Great source to locate Maryland and other
state authors.
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (F.R.E.E)
Hundreds of education
resources supported by agencies across the U.S.Federal government
are now easier to find. Arranged by content area, e.g., art,
educational technology, science, social studies, et al.
The Gateway
to Educational Materials (G.E.M)
Provide educators with quick and easy access to thousands of
educational resources found on various federal, state, university,
non-profit, and commercial Internet sites. |
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators
An outstanding categorized list of sites useful for enhancing
curriculum and professional growth. It is updated often to include
the best sites for teaching and learning.
The
Internet Public Library
Outstanding source to
locate almost anything! Compiled by the School of Information
and Library Studies at the University of Michigan
Oral History Studies in BCPS
Compiled by Della Curtis for the Oral History Studies promoted
by the Gifted and Talented Office. Website has links to actual
oral histories, "how-to" guides, and organizations.
Reference
Desk.com
Outstanding source of
great sites from A-Z.
i-Tools
Dictionary, thesaurus,
translator, people, quotations, maps, currency, and stock market
Web Gateways to Information
Website from Online Resources for School Librarians that links
to large collections of Internet resources. |
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As an information specialist, the library media specialist provides expertise in acquiring and evaluating information resources in all formats; in bringing an awareness of information issues to teachers, administrators, students, and others; and modeling for students and others strategies for locating, access, and evaluating information within and beyond the library media center. Working in an environment that has been profoundly affected by technology, the library media specialist both masters sophisticated electronic resources and maintains a constant focus on the nature, quality, and ethical uses of information available in these and in more traditional tools.
(See composite of all 4 roles.)
Information Power, American Library Association, c1998. |
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Advanced Reference
Website developed by Della Curtis for the Advanced Reference graduate course ISTC 671 taught at Towson University. Links to DIALOG, how-to Internet search guides, search engine collections, fee-based databases, government websites, Maryland and county web resources, and virtual reference services. Syllabus
Finding Information on the Internet A TUTORIAL
NEWLY revised, Fall 2000.
Using search engines, directories, and more to find information on the web; The BEST search strategy in 5 steps; and, web basics.
AASL On-line Continuing Education (AASL)
This site includes online courses, student and family activities, as well as online tours to prepare school librarians for technology leadership roles.
Internet Search Tips and Strategies. Robert Harris,
July 6, 2000. A comprehensive explanation of search strategies, and tips.
Ivy's Search Engine Resources for Kids
Outstanding compilation of hotlinks to search engines for kids and web guides for kids.
Search Engine Showdown: User's Guide to Web Searching
Compares and evaluates Internet search engines from the
searcher's perspective. Includes search engine features chart; detailed search engine reviews; and search strategies.
Searching Strategies and More!
Kathy Schrock's web-based slide shows developed for various workshops and conferences. Feel free to use them for training purposes. Available in PowerPoint and Adobe PDF format.
Using Library Pro
a powerpoint slide show that teaches students how to use Library Pro
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I will find it !
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Check out the K-12 Maryland Digital Library Project
MSDE and a group of Maryland school library administrators are researching ways to develop a
digital library of fee-based databases for Maryland students. See website for more information.

The MSDE Standards
for School Library Media Programs provide the guiding principles
for program development and evaluation in the Baltimore County
Public Schools. |
American Association of School Librarians
Position Statements
Resource Guides
These web-based guides comprise a working bibliography of resources gathered by AASL
staff to assist library media staff with all aspects of library
programming. |
Photographs on this website are
from ArtToday, a web graphic subscription service.
Your suggestions for additions are
encouraged.
Please email Della Curtis,
Coordinator
Office of Library Information Services

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