Core Curriculum for Library Media Curriculum
The revised Utah Library Media/Information Literacy Secondary Core Curriculum brings an emphasis to helping students deal more effectively with the explosion of information in our world. No longer is it possible for educators to teach the entirety of the vast amount of available information. Students must become adept at locating and using information, and educators must guide them toward becoming critical-thinkers and problem-solvers. The library media teacher, as the information professional, and classroom teachers, as content specialists, will need to collaborate to provide students with an information problem-solving process and an appreciation for reading that have wide and lifelong application.
The three roles of the library media teacher; i.e., information specialist, curriculum consultant, and teacher are taking on new meaning in the Information Age. By implementing all three roles, the library media teacher takes a leadership role in coordinating curriculum integration throughout the school. To this end, he or she plans a library media program that encompasses both research and guidance in valuing the many aspects of reading—browsing, book sharing, and reading for information, enrichment, and recreation. The library media program goals that promote both reading and research help to ensure that all students are effective users of ideas and information.
The Big Six Information Problem-Solving Process© serves as a structure upon which to build relevant skills. The Big Six© process allows for integration of problem-solving skills throughout the curriculum. It accommodates different learning styles, rates, and capabilities. When using these Big Six© skills, students apply the following questions to guide them: