About NMS Library
Welcome
The library media program is a vital component of the teaching and learning process at Nissitissit Middle School. The goals of the library media program are consistent with the school and district’s vision and mission, state frameworks, state and national standards, and organizational library, media, and technology standards.
The library media specialist (LMS) assumes the teaching role of information specialist and teacher, and team-teaches with content area teachers across the curriculum. In grades 6-8, information research and literacy are integrated across content and in specialty areas. The LMS and technology teacher collaborate regularly to solve technology problems; assist teachers with their technology needs, and review student competencies and expectations.
The LMS meets with new faculty during orientation prior to the beginning of the school year to explain services, policies, and procedures. When available, the LMS meets with teams to plan lessons and strategies for locating and using information resources. The LMS also meets with individual teachers upon request. Collaboration includes defining a need, developing strategies to assist student learning, implementation, and assessment.
The LMS fosters independent and collaborative inquiry by enabling students and teachers to utilize various information resources and technologies. The library/media (LM) program encourages and engages students in the learning process. It encourages the use of technology as a tool to create and support learning experiences. The LMS is knowledgeable about current research on teaching and learning and skilled in accommodating the needs and abilities of all students. Since the LM program promotes life-long learning for all, individual learning styles, abilities, and needs are provided for in the diversity of available local and global resources.
Student recommendations for purchases are acknowledged and all requests are purchased when money is available and interest is sufficient. Fiction circulation accounts for an average of 34% of all circulation. Providing for student requests accounts for this statistic. Additionally, students and teachers place a small star on the back of a book if they enjoyed it. This simple gesture guarantees a wide readership.
The teaching and integration of information literacy, technology, and media literacy standards is essential to the library media program. The LM program prepares all students and teachers to be efficient and effective users and producers of information. Strategies for the selection, use, and evaluation of resources and creating and communicating information continue to be taught on an as needed basis in grades 6-8. A district Information Skills curriculum was completed in 2000. The LMS works closely with the technology specialist to develop appropriate information and technology opportunities for teachers. The LMC provides 14-networked computers for hands-on experiences.
The LMC provides access to accurate and current information and technology for learning in an equitable and flexible manner. Resources are carefully selected and systematically arranged, and represent a wide rang of subjects, levels of difficulty, and format. The LMC has policies written and implemented for selection and reconsideration, acceptable use, copyright, and intellectual freedom. The LMC is a member of the Central Massachusetts Regional Library System (CMRLS) and all resources provided as a result of this membership are available and promoted for student and teacher use. Collections are routinely trucked to teacher classrooms for extended periods of time.
The collection is current and supports the Massachusetts Frameworks and Curriculum Standards. The collection is developed after collaborating with students and teachers and other district library/media professionals. Teacher recommendations are always considered. The LMS is also consulted prior to school-wide purchases of equipment, textbooks, and software. Any teacher, departmental, or team initiative is evaluated by the LMS to determine if sufficient resources are available or if supplemental resources will need to be purchased.
The North Middlesex Regional School District and Nissitissit Library/Media Program will support the district-wide vision and mission statements and will play an integral role in the teaching/learning process. The program will enhance the quality of students’ lives and will contribute to their becoming life-long learners who can locate, evaluate, use, and create information. Each student will have the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to be successful participants in a democracy.
MISSION
The mission of the Library/Media Program of the North Middlesex Regional School District is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.
The mission is accomplished by providing:
The mission is accomplished through:
Learning and teachingAbout NMS Library * eResources * Student Guide * Faculty Guide * NMS Home