School News: Library media centers are vital to student achievement and success

The Bueker Middle School Library Media Center (LMC) is a hub for activity and vital to the school and its students. Research studies have shown that a strong library media program and a professionally trained Library Media Specialist (LMS) have a positive impact on academic achievement. With 700 plus students and 60 staff members at BMS we are busy all the time. Mrs. Beth Chase, the Bueker Middle School LMS, does an outstanding job managing our LMC.

Some of the responsibilities of Mrs. Chase are to provide access to and keep track of the thousands of materials and databases, and make purchases for the needs of our teachers and students. She teaches the students to find, acquire, and evaluate the materials they need for their assignments. Reading materials are a great escape for the young reader who wants to travel, have an adventure, or have some fun. Once the materials are checked out and returned they are reshelved with the help of student helpers.

Students can check out books on a multitude of subjects at the LMC. Research is an important part of our lives and learning at BMS.

Students gather the information they need for classes and then judge the sources to see if they are reputable and what they will need for their projects. Teachers have access to materials to support and enhance their curriculum. We also have access to the online card catalog through our school website. Students and teachers can see what they have checked out, if the materials that they want are in and available, and also put their books on reserve through access by way of the school web page.

Collaboration amongst staff is vital to students' success and Mrs. Chase consistently collaborates with teachers and the other Library Media Specialists in the district.

This collaboration allows her to gather ideas from other staff members so that proper resources can be attained to help support instruction. Other important aspects of her job are covering informational literacy skills instruction, informational technology, electronic databases for research, multi-cultural topics, and a variety of other topics.

Mrs. Chase strives to make the LMC a place to explore and expand student and staff learning for the 21st century. If you get a chance, please stop in to visit the BMS LMC.