Middle School Library Literacy

Four goals to be completed by the end of 8th grade:

1. Library Skills

To be able to successfully identify specific sections of the library (Like Reference or Fiction) by using signage or spine labels.
To be able to use the Computer Catalog to locate information within the library.
To utilize the Dewey Decimal system and understand the use and meaning of it in the library.

2. Research Process

To be able to identify the 4 steps of the traditional research process, with the addition of the concept of databases in 8th grade.

1. Reference
2. Circulating materials
3. Periodicals, in paper or electronic form
4. Internet

To understand why research is performed in this order.
To be able to demonstrate each step and show the location of that material in the library.

3. Book Selection

To be able to distinguish between fiction and nonfiction
To be able to identify different literary genres, such as science fiction and mysteries
To be able to distinguish contemporary literature from classical works
To be able to distinguish between books that are appropriate for their age/reading level, and books that are inappropriate for their age/reading level
To be able to select books based on the appropriateness of content, prior knowledge of genre, and personal preference.

4. Internet usage

To be familiar with how to access the internet through a computer, i.e. how to turn it on, how to use a mouse, and the meaning of certain keyword symbols.
To have a basic understanding of what the internet is, does, and what kind of information they can expect to find on it.
How to search the internet efficiently and constructively, by comparing different types of search engines and directories, and applying Boolean logic when appropriate.
To be able to evaluate information from the internet by using tested methods taught by the information specialist and by using their own critical thinking schools.