This core includes methods for acquiring, organizing, and disseminating information. We practice that core under the broader philosophical umbrella of an institutional mission and the more narrow goal of meeting the needs of each individual student. In either case, to make wise choices, we must understand why we are doing what we are doing. We need to examine our priorities. Both are based on a shared vision of what school library media centers should be in our district.
Time spent on upfront planning can facilitate choices later.
Without some guidance, surely the tail wags the dog. This knee-jerk reaction reminds me of the story of the man who rescued the small boy stranded in the tallest branches of a fruit tree. After he gently placed the child on the ground, he returned to pick the fruit for the boy from the top of the tree. He became so involved in tasting the fruit that he forgot the boy and was startled to hear a small voice calling from below. In dealing with the vast array of choices in school library media centers, you must begin with the end in mind.