Information Centers

Mission Statement

The mission of the Information Department is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.

Information Literacy Program

The Millard School District is committed to the development of an information/media program that is integrated with the instructional program of the district. This commitment is bolstered by the substantial support provided in the form of remodeled facilities, new resources, staff, training, technology and equipment.

In Millard, we believe that this integrated approach to the information/media program is one reason for the high academic achievement of our students. We also believe that this approach is a critical element of our school improvement efforts. Millard Public Schools value the contributions made by our dedicated staff to make our school libraries the best in the nation!

Millard Public Schools Board of Education policy affirms the intent that the information center is an integral part of the instructional program of every school. The policy of the board has been implemented by a comprehensive plan to change the traditional paradigm of the school library by engaging teachers, parents, administrators, support staff and the professional school library media specialist in a collaborative, teaming arrangement in which the library becomes an information center, the true center of learning for the school.

Key elements of the change effort have included staffing of the information centers with full-time certified staff and paraprofessionals, the construction of large and flexible facilities that are centrally located, adding new technologies, flexible schedules, budgeting for curriculum based collections, and a collaborative environment. The office of staff development plays an active role by providing classes and training for both certified and paraprofessional staff.

Support Services

• Karen Adams 691-1222
• Mary Jean Hagerty 691-1231
• Donna Helvering 691-1227
• Laurie Jones 691-1230
• Rita Scheiding 691-1277
• FAX 691-1224

Support Services staff provide a variety of behind-the-scenes functions which greatly enhance the effectiveness of the Information/Technology program in Millard Public Schools. Their work involves ordering, cataloging, and processing of library books, video materials, audio materials, compact discs, digital video discs and other materials for checkout using the district circulation system. When schools receive materials, they are ready for immediate use by teachers and students. Additionally, Support Services staff are responsible for scheduling and distribution of videos and other curricular materials which are housed at this facility. They also arrange for preview of educational materials.

Hours of Operation

High Schools: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday evenings)
Middle Schools: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Elementary Schools: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Holdings

The Millard Public Schools’ collection consists of approximately 400,000 books, audiovisual items, print periodicals, plus Internet access and several online resources. Subscription databases include First Search, Wilson Web, GaleNet, ProQuest Professional, and SIRS Discover and SIRS Researcher.

Technology

Information specialists are leaders in the use of technology. They serve on school and district technology committees and team together with teachers to plan and teach collaborative units utilizing technology. The Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning (AASL, 1990) assist information specialists and staff on what students should know and be able to do. NETS technology standards also help guide instruction requiring the use of technology. Students are encouraged to utilize various models of information/technology and use some of those same systems to produce evidence of their learning.

2003 AASL School Library Media Program of the Year Award

Millard Public School District is proud to be the recipient of this prestigious award. If you visited our district you would find evidence that:

• Students are skillful producers and consumers of information
• District guidelines provide support to schools in the area of acquisitions, curriculum integration, technology, and district professional development.
• Program goals are achieved through administrative support, flexible scheduling, full access to resources, instructional expertise, and collaborative planning by teachers and information specialists.
• Information centers are viewed as a fun place where students can feel successful, locate information, learn new things, and experience new technologies.
• Information specialists are leaders in the use of technology. They serve on school and district technology committees and serve as district technology liaisons.

In Millard Public Schools, the role of the information specialist is at the very core of the total educational program. Our most important and valued assets are the information specialists. Thank you to AASL and ALA for recognizing Millard as a leader among school districts in the area of information and school library service.