Library Media Specialist (Grades K–12)
Subtest 1 Sample Items
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Question 1
1. Which of the following considerations is most important when formulating a mission statement for
an information media program?
- aligning the goals of the information media program with the goals of the school and the district
- describing the information media program's relationship to the community's public libraries
- identifying the information media program goals that will require the most financial resources
- articulating procedures for ensuring that the information media program provides a variety of accessible
resources
Answer to question 1
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) An information media
program should be an integral part of the overall school program. In order for the information media
program to achieve this outcome, its mission statement must reflect the school's and the district's
broader goals for student learning.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) An information media program should be an
integral part of the overall school program. In order for the information media program to achieve this
outcome, its mission statement must reflect the school's and the district's broader goals for student
learning.
Question 2
2. Which of the following aspects of a school's information media program will best support students
in becoming lifelong learners?
- maintaining a quiet space for independent research
- creating engaging displays that spotlight different information resources
- hosting special events such as author visits and book club meetings
- providing ongoing instruction on how to find, evaluate, and use information resources
Answer to question 2
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) One of the principal
purposes of the school information media program is to help students access and use information. By
teaching these strategies on an ongoing basis, the school library media specialist helps students develop
a skill set that can be used to address information needs in a variety of educational and real-world
contexts.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0001) One of the principal purposes of the school
information media program is to help students access and use information. By teaching these strategies
on an ongoing basis, the school library media specialist helps students develop a skill set that can
be used to address information needs in a variety of educational and real-world contexts.
Question 3
3. A library media specialist would like to invite an author to visit the information media center and
make a presentation to students. However, the school and information media program budgets do not have
funding for this project. Which of the following steps should the library media specialist take first
in trying to secure funding for the author visit?
- sending a letter to students' families requesting monetary donations to pay for the author visit
- writing a description of the author's life and works to include in a grant proposal for the costs of
the visit
- investigating the possibility of a school business partner or local organization sponsoring the author
visit
- making a formal request to the district's chief financial officer for the monies needed for the author
visit
Answer to question 3
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) In times of increasingly
tight budgets, it becomes more important to look to businesses and local organizations as partners who
can often provide resources to supplement the information media program's resources. This outreach contributes
to a sense of shared purpose between businesses, local organizations, and the information media program
in providing students with high-quality and enriching learning experiences.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) In times of increasingly tight budgets, it
becomes more important to look to businesses and local organizations as partners who can often provide
resources to supplement the information media program's resources. This outreach contributes to a sense
of shared purpose between businesses, local organizations, and the information media program in providing
students with high-quality and enriching learning experiences.
Question 4
4. Which of the following strategies by a school library media specialist would be most effective in
increasing awareness of the information media program and garnering support for its goals?
- maintaining ongoing informal communication with students, teachers, administrators, and the community
- offering to assist teachers with administrative tasks during especially busy times of the academic
year
- informing students and teachers when new resources enter circulation and when resources are discarded
- placing a suggestion box in the information media center inviting feedback about the program
Answer to question 4
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) An important benefit
of maintaining ongoing informal communication with members of the school community is that it enables
the library media specialist to share information about the program and its services in the context
of discussions about school and classroom issues. For example, a teacher may mention that students are
having difficulty understanding a topic in science. This comment gives the library media specialist
an opportunity to inform the teacher about information media center resources that would be helpful
in promoting the students' understanding of the topic.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) An important benefit of maintaining ongoing
informal communication with members of the school community is that it enables the library media specialist
to share information about the program and its services in the context of discussions about school and
classroom issues. For example, a teacher may mention that students are having difficulty understanding
a topic in science. This comment gives the library media specialist an opportunity to inform the teacher
about information media center resources that would be helpful in promoting the students' understanding
of the topic.
Question 5
5. Which of the following tasks is the most important for sustaining a middle school information media
program that effectively supports the school's curricular goals?
- evaluating students' abilities and proficiencies with regard to specific information literacy skills
- creating media guides that facilitate students' independent exploration of instructional topics
- providing opportunities for students in all grades to access, use, and evaluate information in all
subject areas
- guiding students' work in the information media center during teacher and staff instructional planning
time
Answer to question 5
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) The role of the information
media program in the total school program is one of alignment and support. The primary goal of the school
curriculum is to promote student learning. An effective information media program supports this goal
by interweaving information literacy skills (access, use, and evaluation of information) into subject-area
instruction and relevant educational contexts.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0001) The role of the information media program
in the total school program is one of alignment and support. The primary goal of the school curriculum
is to promote student learning. An effective information media program supports this goal by interweaving
information literacy skills (access, use, and evaluation of information) into subject-area instruction
and relevant educational contexts.
Question 6
6. With the goal of developing mutually supportive relationships, a newly hired high school library
media specialist strives to establish and maintain connections between the school learning community
and the larger library community. Which of the following actions would be most effective in helping
the library media specialist meet this goal?
- planning quarterly meetings with local public librarians and other informational professionals to cross-promote
programs, share resources, and coordinate collaborations
- developing a calendar of school events focused on information media access, use, and evaluation
- hosting an annual meet and greet for the school and inviting a limited number of other community-based
information media groups and associations to attend the meeting
- forming a Library Advisory Council for the school and inviting a representative from one of the local
public libraries to observe and participate in meetings on a scheduled rotating basis
Answer to question 6
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) To establish and maintain
connections between the school community and the larger library community for the purpose of mutual
support, a library media specialist must plan regular contact with a range of information professionals
in the community and work collaboratively with them.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0001) To establish and maintain connections between
the school community and the larger library community for the purpose of mutual support, a library media
specialist must plan regular contact with a range of information professionals in the community and
work collaboratively with them.
Question 7
7. A first-year elementary library media specialist is developing goals for the information media program
for the year. Which of the following goals would be most appropriate for a new library media specialist?
- Design and implement an incentive system to improve reading scores.
- Promote the nonfiction section of the information media collection to increase circulation in this
area.
- Update the information media center facilities and furnishings.
- Replace any print materials in the information media collection that are more than five years old.
Answer to question 7
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0002) A core goal of any
information media program should be the promotion and use of all of its resources. Promoting information
media center resources that are not well-used is not only a goal that is in alignment with the core
values of a successful information media program, but also a goal that a newly hired elementary library
media specialist can quickly and readily engage.
Correct Response: B (Objective 0002) A core goal of any information media program
should be the promotion and use of all of its resources. Promoting information media center resources
that are not well-used is not only a goal that is in alignment with the core values of a successful
information media program, but also a goal that a newly hired elementary library media specialist can
quickly and readily engage.
Question 8
8. Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies collaboration between a middle school library media
specialist and a classroom teacher to enhance learning for students?
- The library media specialist regularly provides the teacher with an assessment of each student's information
literacy skills.
- At the beginning of the school year, the library media specialist teaches a lesson on how to use information
from the online catalog to locate resources in the information media center.
- The library media specialist meets with a teacher to explain the advantages of having students use
online databases for science research papers.
- During a social studies unit on the Civil War, the library media specialist gives several booktalks
on historical texts about the Civil War.
Answer to question 8
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0002) By giving booktalks
on texts that are related to a current unit of study, the library media specialist is providing curricular
support. The booktalks can be effective in encouraging students to explore topics they are studying
in greater depth and from different perspectives.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0002) By giving booktalks on texts that are related
to a current unit of study, the library media specialist is providing curricular support. The booktalks
can be effective in encouraging students to explore topics they are studying in greater depth and from
different perspectives.
Question 9
9. An elementary school library media specialist is participating on a school improvement team that
is developing an action plan for improving students' reading scores on the state assessment. In ongoing
discussions of possible strategies to implement, the library media specialist regularly describes ways
in which the information media program can help promote the desired outcomes. In this situation, the
library media specialist is most clearly demonstrating which of the following professional roles?
- program administrator
- information specialist
- program advocate
- educational leader
Answer to question 9
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) As a program advocate,
the library media specialist has a responsibility to continuously promote the information media program's
essential role in the school's overall educational program. Through active participation on school committees,
the library media specialist has the opportunity to inform colleagues about the information media program,
share research on the influence of information media programs on student achievement, and encourage
committee members to fully utilize the program's resources and services.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) As a program advocate, the library media
specialist has a responsibility to continuously promote the information media program's essential role
in the school's overall educational program. Through active participation on school committees, the
library media specialist has the opportunity to inform colleagues about the information media program,
share research on the influence of information media programs on student achievement, and encourage
committee members to fully utilize the program's resources and services.
Question 10
10. With regard to the management of an information media program's facilities, a library media specialist
would most likely perform which of the following functions?
- alerting district personnel when the information media center needs to be updated or expanded
- arranging the physical layout of the information media center to be accessible to all users
- assigning custodial staff a schedule for performing routine maintenance tasks in the information media
center
- hiring outside contractors when emergency repairs must be made to the information media center
Answer to question 10
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0002) Many aspects of the
information media program's facilities are beyond the scope of the library media specialist's responsibilities.
However, the library media specialist does have authority when it comes to the layout of the information
media center. The most important issue with regard to physical layout is accessibility (e.g., aisle
space, workstation height), because users will not be able to use resources if they cannot maneuver
through the information media center.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0002) Many aspects of the information media program's
facilities are beyond the scope of the library media specialist's responsibilities. However, the library
media specialist does have authority when it comes to the layout of the information media center. The
most important issue with regard to physical layout is accessibility (e.g., aisle space, workstation
height), because users will not be able to use resources if they cannot maneuver through the information
media center.
Question 11
11. A high school physics teacher and the school library media specialist are collaboratively planning
a student research project. Which of the following planning techniques would best help ensure that the
research project promotes the development of students' technology literacy skills?
- creating a schedule for students' use of classroom and information media center technologies during
the project
- identifying several students who are technologically proficient to teach mini-lessons on specific skills
during the project
- locating online tutorials for using various technologies that students can access on an as-needed basis
throughout the project
- examining the project components to identify specific technology skills students will need to complete
the project
Answer to question 11
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0002) By examining the project
components during the planning process to identify the skills students will need to complete the project,
the library media specialist will be able to provide instruction in these skills on a just-in-time basis
in the context of the project. This type of contextualized instruction has proven to be effective in
promoting students' skill development.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0002) By examining the project components during
the planning process to identify the skills students will need to complete the project, the library
media specialist will be able to provide instruction in these skills on a just-in-time basis in the
context of the project. This type of contextualized instruction has proven to be effective in promoting
students' skill development.
Question 12
12. A high school's library media specialist and art teacher decide to work together in an effort to
promote the development of information and technology literacy skills among students. Which of the following
practices is the best example of what the library media specialist can do in order to achieve these
goals?
- assisting students in listing search terms for a research paper focused on a particular period in art
history
- advising the art teacher regarding different formats for images in a slide presentation of famous sculptors
- assigning students the task of developing an online research guide for specific resources for a unit
on women artists
- instructing students in the use of an illustration program on the information media center's computers
for a technical drawing assignment
Answer to question 12
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) By assigning students
the task of developing an online research guide for resources on women artists, the library media specialist
not only provides curricular support but also creates an opportunity for students to apply information
and technology literacy skills to a topic they are studying.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0002) By assigning students the task of developing
an online research guide for resources on women artists, the library media specialist not only provides
curricular support but also creates an opportunity for students to apply information and technology
literacy skills to a topic they are studying.
Question 13
13. Which of the following actions would be considered a violation of professional standards for library
media specialists?
- The library media specialist delays responding to a request for assistance from a teacher who has been
openly critical of the information media program.
- The library media specialist limits professional development activities to reading professional journals
and participating in online newsgroups.
- The library media specialist delegates some information media center tasks, such as managing materials
circulation, to a trained library media paraprofessional.
- The library media specialist seeks funding for the information media program beyond the budget provided
by the school district.
Answer to question 13
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0003) The American Library
Association's Code of Ethics as well as other sources of professional standards clearly state that library
media specialists will provide the highest level of equitable, unbiased, and courteous service; treat
colleagues and others with respect, fairness, and good faith; and distinguish between personal convictions
and professional duties.
Correct Response: A (Objective 0003) The American Library Association's Code of
Ethics as well as other sources of professional standards clearly state that library media specialists
will provide the highest level of equitable, unbiased, and courteous service; treat colleagues and others
with respect, fairness, and good faith; and distinguish between personal convictions and professional
duties.
Question 14
14. Which of the following activities by a high school student represents the most appropriate use of
school technology?
- e-mailing a library media specialist at another school about an interlibrary loan
- posting information for a research project on a classroom blog
- accessing an online bookstore and making a purchase with a personal credit card
- creating a virtual birthday card and sending it to a friend or relative
Answer to question 14
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Most school and district
policies for the acceptable use of technology stipulate that students' use of technology at school should
be for educational purposes. Posting information for a research project on a classroom blog meets this
criterion.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Most school and district policies for the
acceptable use of technology stipulate that students' use of technology at school should be for educational
purposes. Posting information for a research project on a classroom blog meets this criterion.
Question 15
15. Which of the following actions by a library media specialist best reflects a key ethical standard
of the library profession?
- implementing antitheft measures in the information media center
- proctoring student achievement assessments
- protecting the privacy of individual students' circulation records
- sponsoring school clubs or extracurricular activities
Answer to question 15
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) A central tenet of
the library profession is promoting intellectual freedom. Providing students with intellectual freedom
requires the library media specialist to keep students' circulation records confidential unless a court
order exists to release the records.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0003) A central tenet of the library profession
is promoting intellectual freedom. Providing students with intellectual freedom requires the library
media specialist to keep students' circulation records confidential unless a court order exists to release
the records.
Question 16
16. The reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act in 2006 included which of the following changes to the
law that affects school information media programs?
- directing library media specialists to report suspicious Internet activity by students in the information
media center
- allowing federal authorities more latitude to conduct electronic surveillance in information media
centers
- requiring information media programs to provide a minimum number of resources about the September 11
attacks
- curbing federal authorities' ability to subpoena information media programs for students' or teachers'
circulation records
Answer to question 16
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Section 215 of the
USA Patriot Act (2001) allows access by federal authorities to records and other items (the library
provision). The reauthorization in 2006 provided greater judicial oversight and review of this access
and limited the number of federal officials who could authorize access.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act (2001)
allows access by federal authorities to records and other items (the library provision). The reauthorization
in 2006 provided greater judicial oversight and review of this access and limited the number of federal
officials who could authorize access.
Question 17
17. Which of the following methods is likely to be the most effective way for a library media specialist
to keep teachers informed of legal developments affecting access to or the use of information in schools?
- sending teachers an e-mail that includes links to relevant Web sites describing the legal developments
- working with the school principal to provide teachers with explanations of and handouts about legal
developments at faculty meetings
- posting summaries of legal developments in prominent locations such as the teacher workroom and information
media center
- bookmarking on school computers library Web sites that monitor legal developments so that teachers
can access information as needed
Answer to question 17
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Direct communication
with teachers about legal developments affecting access to and use of information in schools allows
the library media specialist to address any questions teachers may have about how a particular legal
development is likely to affect their instructional practices. Providing a handout to teachers about
legal developments offers a summary of the information presented at the faculty meeting and gives them
something to reference in the event future questions arise.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0003) Direct communication with teachers about
legal developments affecting access to and use of information in schools allows the library media specialist
to address any questions teachers may have about how a particular legal development is likely to affect
their instructional practices. Providing a handout to teachers about legal developments offers a summary
of the information presented at the faculty meeting and gives them something to reference in the event
future questions arise.
Question 18
18. A school district has applied a new Internet filtering program at the recommendation of the district's
director of information technology. The high school library media specialist is concerned that the filtering
program is restricting the use of some educational materials appropriate for the high school curriculum.
What is an effective strategy for addressing this concern so that high school students and teachers
have the Internet access they require?
- offering to teach a high school workshop about information ethics and use if the filter is removed
at only the high school level
- developing a petition arguing that filtering in any form violates First Amendment rights and presenting
to the school board and administration
- collecting complaints from students and teachers whose web searches were blocked and emailing these
to the director of information technology and school administration along with a request for removing
the filter
- collaborating with the director of information technology and school administration to develop an acceptable
use policy that will clarify student and staff expectations for school Internet use while the district
permits the filter to be less restrictive
Answer to question 18
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Since some type of
filter is required for schools receiving federal funding, the most effective strategy in this instance
is to work with the director of information technology and school administrators to ensure that the
school's acceptable use policy clarifies the rights and responsibilities of students and staff using
the Internet at the school, thereby allowing the filter to be less restrictive.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0003) Since some type of filter is required for
schools receiving federal funding, the most effective strategy in this instance is to work with the
director of information technology and school administrators to ensure that the school's acceptable
use policy clarifies the rights and responsibilities of students and staff using the Internet at the
school, thereby allowing the filter to be less restrictive.
Question 19
19. The middle school library media specialist is teaching a seventh-grade science class a lesson about
assessing Web sites for authority and reliability as students prepare to research topics for their science
fair proposals. The library media specialist wants to ensure that training in ethics and online safety
is included. Which of the following approaches can best ensure that these topics are presented?
- using a detective game that helps students practice safeguarding their identities while identifying
traits of reputable and questionable web-based information
- live-editing an online encyclopedia article to demonstrate how quickly information can change on the
Internet
- guiding students through a textbook-based tutorial about Internet safety, while completing graphic
organizers, before they can conduct online research
- having students develop aliases and fictitious profiles when posting online rather than using personal
information on all social media sites and other Web sites
Answer to question 19
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0003) Using a detective game
keeps students in a scientific mindset while also teaching them about Internet safety and source reliability.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0003) Using a detective game keeps students in
a scientific mindset while also teaching them about Internet safety and source reliability.
Question 20
20. Which of the following curriculum goals for a high school information media program is most consistent
with the central principles of information and technology literacy?
- Students will identify accurate and inaccurate information in print and digital information sources.
- Students will adhere to a standard format for presenting information to peers and other audiences.
- Students will use a full range of print and digital information sources to meet various information
needs.
- Students will develop an original system for organizing information from multiple information sources.
Answer to question 20
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0004) At the core of both
the American Association for School Librarians' Standards for the 21st Century Learner and the Information
and Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM) Information and Technology Literacy Standards is the idea
that students will use multiple literacies to read, view, listen, and communicate information in a range
of formats for a variety of purposes.
Correct Response: C (Objective 0004) At the core of both the American Association
for School Librarians' Standards for the 21st Century Learner and the Information and Technology Educators
of Minnesota (ITEM) Information and Technology Literacy Standards is the idea that students will use
multiple literacies to read, view, listen, and communicate information in a range of formats for a variety
of purposes.
Question 21
21. A fourth-grade teacher's class visits the information media center to conduct research for a project.
The library media specialist was not involved in the development of the project. Which of the following
approaches to this situation by the library media specialist would best help foster a collaborative
relationship with the teacher in the future?
- identifying an information resource that would be most useful to students for the project and offering
to teach a mini-lesson on the resource to the class
- expressing to the teacher the importance of working together to provide students with an information-based
learning experience
- working with individual students to establish their information needs and showing them where materials
are located in the information media center
- suggesting to the teacher ways in which the project could be adapted to prompt students to visit the
information media center on their own
Answer to question 21
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Offering to teach a
mini-lesson to the class on a helpful resource supports students in achieving the objectives of the
assigned project. This approach also shows the teacher how integrating information skills into a content-area
assignment can facilitate student learning and help achieve better learning outcomes.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0004) Offering to teach a mini-lesson to the class
on a helpful resource supports students in achieving the objectives of the assigned project. This approach
also shows the teacher how integrating information skills into a content-area assignment can facilitate
student learning and help achieve better learning outcomes.
Question 22
22. Which of the following outcomes is likely to be the most important benefit for a library media specialist
of serving on a curriculum development committee?
- enabling the library media specialist to write an appropriate mission statement for the information
media program
- helping the library media specialist develop effective personal communication skills
- facilitating the library media specialist's ability to establish instructional partnerships with teachers
- increasing teachers' respect for the library media specialist's role within the school
Answer to question 22
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0004) Serving on a curriculum
development committee allows the library media specialist to work with teachers toward a common goal,
a first step in developing a sense of teamwork that is essential to the collaborative process. As a
curriculum committee member, the library media specialist has an opportunity to illuminate areas of
the curriculum where information and technology skills can be integrated. This will help teachers recognize
the potential benefits of partnering with the library media specialist in planning and implementing
instruction.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0004) Serving on a curriculum development committee
allows the library media specialist to work with teachers toward a common goal, a first step in developing
a sense of teamwork that is essential to the collaborative process. As a curriculum committee member,
the library media specialist has an opportunity to illuminate areas of the curriculum where information
and technology skills can be integrated. This will help teachers recognize the potential benefits of
partnering with the library media specialist in planning and implementing instruction.
Question 23
23. A middle school library media specialist is updating the school's information literacy curriculum.
Which of the following resources should the library media specialist consult first in this
process?
- ongoing information literacy initiatives in the district
- state standards for the accreditation of information literacy programs
- existing instructional plans for information literacy skills
- current national information literacy standards for students
Answer to question 23
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) The national information
literacy standards (American Association of School Librarians [AASL] Standards for the 21st Century
Learner) outline the skills, dispositions, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies
students need to develop to become lifelong learners. It is important for the school's information literacy
curriculum to reflect the most recent national standards to ensure that students gain the information
skills they need. Alignment with national standards also reveals any gaps in the current information
literacy curriculum.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) The national information literacy standards
(American Association of School Librarians [AASL] Standards for the 21st Century Learner) outline
the skills, dispositions, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies students need to develop
to become lifelong learners. It is important for the school's information literacy curriculum to reflect
the most recent national standards to ensure that students gain the information skills they need. Alignment
with national standards also reveals any gaps in the current information literacy curriculum.
Question 24
24. An elementary school library media specialist gives teachers a brief overview of potential new resources
during faculty meetings and puts the resources on display in the teachers' workroom for several days
afterward. The library media specialist then meets briefly with teachers in each grade level to get
their feedback on the resources. This practice most clearly demonstrates the library media specialist's
understanding of the importance of:
- assisting teachers in implementing interdisciplinary instruction.
- participating with teachers in curriculum development activities.
- working with teachers in the selection of resources to support curricular needs.
- providing teachers with expertise in the use of resources for various purposes.
Answer to question 24
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0004) This item requires
the examinee to demonstrate knowledge of methods for collaborating with staff in selecting and acquiring
resources to support curricular needs. By providing an overview of the resources at a faculty meeting,
the library media specialist can alert teachers to resources that may support a specific content-area
curriculum. Teachers are then able to examine the resources they believe to be most relevant on their
own. Seeking teachers' feedback on potential new resources invites collaboration and facilitates the
library media specialist's ability to provide resources that support the school curriculum.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0004) This item requires the examinee to demonstrate
knowledge of methods for collaborating with staff in selecting and acquiring resources to support curricular
needs. By providing an overview of the resources at a faculty meeting, the library media specialist
can alert teachers to resources that may support a specific content-area curriculum. Teachers are then
able to examine the resources they believe to be most relevant on their own. Seeking teachers' feedback
on potential new resources invites collaboration and facilitates the library media specialist's ability
to provide resources that support the school curriculum.
Question 25
25. The library media specialist is developing a series of interactive lessons for students in the middle
school. How can the library media specialist best develop this curriculum so that it follows standard
practices and aligns with state and national standards for technology literacy?
- developing a list of exciting interactive tools and lesson plans, and then matching these tools to
particular state and national standards
- compiling a document that lists multiple national and state standards and then identifying the particular
standards that this curriculum meets after it has been written
- developing a roadmap that identifies the state and national standards being met by each lesson, activity,
and assessment, as well as identifying which teaching strategy is being employed to introduce the topic
and unit of study
- using "backward design" to identify the desired outcomes, based on state and national standards, then
determining how to assess these skills, and lastly developing activities and lessons that will aim toward
those goals
Answer to question 25
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) Backward design provides
a vetted approach to ensuring that lessons focus on how to reach pre-identified ends as determined by
state and national standards.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0004) Backward design provides a vetted approach
to ensuring that lessons focus on how to reach pre-identified ends as determined by state and national
standards.
Question 26
26. The library media specialist is making a case to the school principal about the need to be involved
in curriculum development meetings. What provides the strongest rationale for why it is important that
the library media specialist is included in these discussions?
- The library media specialist is a certified teacher who should be included in all curriculum development
meetings.
- Information and technology literacy skills can best be incorporated and scaffolded appropriately during
curriculum design.
- The library media specialist can help provide resources to teachers as needed if included in curriculum
development meetings.
- Research is a fundamental skill of learning, and the library media specialist is there to ensure that
research projects continue to be part of the curriculum.
Answer to question 26
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004) In order to best meet
the district's goals for information and technology literacy in a manner that is coherent and makes
sense to students, the library media specialist should be included in curricular planning.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0004) In order to best meet the district's goals
for information and technology literacy in a manner that is coherent and makes sense to students, the
library media specialist should be included in curricular planning.
Question 27
27. An elementary library media specialist is leading a committee that is deciding whether to keep computers
in a lab configuration or to place the computers in classrooms. Which of the following statements by
the library media specialist provides the best rationale for placing the computers in the classrooms?
- "Computers can serve a broader range of purposes in the classroom than they can in a computer lab."
- "Placing computers in the classroom will enhance teachers' overall proficiency with technology."
- "Classroom computers will help ensure that individual students have equitable access to information."
- "Having computers in the classroom facilitates the integration of technology into daily instruction."
Answer to question 27
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0005) Providing computers
in the classroom extends teachers' instructional capacities by making a blend of digital and in-person
practices possible while also providing more frequent exposure to technology and the literacies needed
to use technology well than is permitted by less frequent use of a computer lab.
Correct Response: D (Objective 0005) Providing computers in the classroom extends
teachers' instructional capacities by making a blend of digital and in-person practices possible while
also providing more frequent exposure to technology and the literacies needed to use technology well
than is permitted by less frequent use of a computer lab.
Question 28
28. Which of the following statements best describes a contemporary trend in literature for children
and young adults?
- The graphic novel genre has increased significantly in popularity among readers across age groups.
- Nonfiction books have decreased in overall popularity with both males and females.
- Traditionally high-interest books on topics such as dinosaurs have become less popular with young readers.
- Poetry has surpassed fiction as the most popular genre for preadolescent readers.
Answer to question 28
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0005) According to Books
in Print, since 2002 the number of new graphic novels published has doubled. Library media specialists
across the United States report that graphic novels circulate nearly twice as often as other materials.
A significant number of school information media centers have reported adding graphic novel sections
for children as well as young adults because demand has expanded.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0005) According to Books in Print, since 2002 the
number of new graphic novels published has doubled. Library media specialists across the United States
report that graphic novels circulate nearly twice as often as other materials. A significant number
of school information media centers have reported adding graphic novel sections for children as well
as young adults because demand has expanded.
Question 29
29. A middle school library media specialist creates a Web site for the information media program that
includes, among other information, library policies, links to projects that library media specialists
and teachers are working on with students, an interactive calendar of information media program events
and school events, a guide to copyright rules that can be downloaded, and a link to the information
media program's online catalog. Which of the following outcomes is likely to be the primary advantage
of this Web site?
- encouraging community members to visit the information media center
- providing expanded access to the information media program and services
- demonstrating to teachers an effective use of the educational technology
- reinforcing the important role that technology plays in the school
Answer to question 29
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The active nature of
the Web site created by the library media specialist provides users with direct access to services such
as the online catalog and calendars of events. As individuals become increasingly connected through
wireless mobile computing devices, smart phones, and tablet computers, the information media program
Web site will enable users to access and use the program and its services from a range of remote locations.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) The active nature of the Web site created
by the library media specialist provides users with direct access to services such as the online catalog
and calendars of events. As individuals become increasingly connected through wireless mobile computing
devices, smart phones, and tablet computers, the information media program Web site will enable users
to access and use the program and its services from a range of remote locations.
Question 30
30. Students in an eighth-grade social studies class are working on a research project in which they
are required to use at least one Internet source. Twice a week, the teacher brings the class of 30 students
to the information media center so that they can research their topics. The center is equipped with
10 Internet stations. Which of the following approaches by the library media specialist is the most
effective way to manage the limited Internet access?
- having students identify the Web sites they plan to visit prior to using the computers
- assigning technologically proficient students to create a pathfinder for the whole class to use
- consulting with the teacher to identify alternate times that groups of students can use the computers
- providing students with the local public library's policies for Internet use and hours of operation
Answer to question 30
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) Students have a right
to equitable access to school resources and technologies. With a limited number of Internet stations,
the library media specialist and the teacher will need to look for times in the daily or weekly schedule,
beyond regular research periods, for students to use the Internet to ensure equitable access for all
students.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) Students have a right to equitable access
to school resources and technologies. With a limited number of Internet stations, the library media
specialist and the teacher will need to look for times in the daily or weekly schedule, beyond regular
research periods, for students to use the Internet to ensure equitable access for all students.
Question 31
31. A flash drive is most commonly used for which of the following purposes?
- backing up computer files
- conducting a video conference
- connecting a peripheral to a computer
- converting a paper document to a digital image
Answer to question 31
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0005) A flash drive is a
small high-capacity storage device. Flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, which make
them an appropriate choice for backing up computer files.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0005) A flash drive is a small high-capacity storage
device. Flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, which make them an appropriate choice for
backing up computer files.
Question 32
32. During a new student orientation session at a middle school, a student asks the library media specialist
if the information media center has any hotspots for lending. Which of the following devices is the
student suggesting an interest in borrowing?
- rechargeable battery
- mobile wireless router
- personal music device
- portable printer or scanner
Answer to question 32
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) A hotspot is any location
where WiFi network access (usually Internet) is made publicly available. Hotspot lending""making mobile
WiFi hotspots available for borrowing""is a trend in public libraries and school districts seeking to
better serve communities in "digital deserts," where significant numbers of people do not have access
to broadband Internet at home.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0005) A hotspot is any location where WiFi network
access (usually Internet) is made publicly available. Hotspot lending""making mobile WiFi hotspots available
for borrowing""is a trend in public libraries and school districts seeking to better serve communities
in "digital deserts," where significant numbers of people do not have access to broadband Internet at
home.
Question 33
33. An elementary library media specialist is part of a task force that is deciding whether to keep
the majority of the school's computers in the information media center or assign them for placement
in classrooms. Which of the following goals provides the best rationale for the educational efficacy
of placing the computers in the classrooms?
- serving a broader range of research purposes
- enhancing teachers' overall technological proficiency
- facilitating the integration of technology into daily instruction
- ensuring the gifted program students have adequate access to information
Answer to question 33
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) Facilitating the integration
of technology into daily instruction is the best reason to use in arguing that computers in classrooms
are more effective than computers in the information media center. Daily practice and instruction with
information technology is part of developing students' information literacy skills.
Correct Response: C. (Objective 0005) Facilitating the integration of technology
into daily instruction is the best reason to use in arguing that computers in classrooms are more effective
than computers in the information media center. Daily practice and instruction with information technology
is part of developing students' information literacy skills.
Question 34
34. In which of the following situations would it be most appropriate and effective for the library
media specialist to create a specialized collection of resources within the school's larger information
media collection?
- The school district has implemented after-school tutoring programs at each elementary school.
- Students' socioeconomic and educational backgrounds vary widely throughout the district's schools.
- Middle school students' test scores throughout the district have become stagnant over the last three
years.
- Each high school in the district has a specific curricular focus (e.g., health sciences) in addition
to the basic curriculum.
Answer to question 34
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0006) While collection development
policies recommend in general that library collections be arranged in an organized and predictable manner,
such as that provided by use of the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification System,
it is appropriate for books focused on a specific curricular area to be housed together in cases where
that collection and approach serves the particular mission of the school, beyond the standard curriculum.
Correct Response: D (Objective 0006) While collection development policies recommend
in general that library collections be arranged in an organized and predictable manner, such as that
provided by use of the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification System, it is appropriate
for books focused on a specific curricular area to be housed together in cases where that collection
and approach serves the particular mission of the school, beyond the standard curriculum.
Question 35
35. A school's information media program's print collection does not include a book that is vital to
a student's independent study project. Which of the following steps would be most appropriate for the
library media specialist to take in helping the student gain access to the book?
- investigating the availability of the book through an interlibrary loan from another library in the
area
- suggesting that the student search online for useful abstracts, excerpts, and reviews of the book
- posting a query on the school's Web site asking if anyone in the school community owns a copy of the
book
- purchasing the book immediately with funds from the information media program's budget
Answer to question 35
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) This item requires
the examinee to demonstrate knowledge of strategies for identifying and acquiring resources beyond the
information media center. When the full text of a book is essential to a student's research, an interlibrary
loan from a public, university, or school library can provide a quick solution. Interlibrary loans are
also cost effective when funds from the information media program's budget are limited because there
are generally no fees involved.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) This item requires the examinee to demonstrate
knowledge of strategies for identifying and acquiring resources beyond the information media center.
When the full text of a book is essential to a student's research, an interlibrary loan from a public,
university, or school library can provide a quick solution. Interlibrary loans are also cost effective
when funds from the information media program's budget are limited because there are generally no fees
involved.
Question 36
36. A teacher complains to the library media specialist about a book in the information media program's
collection that the teacher considers to be offensive. The teacher wants the book to be removed from
the shelves. Which of the following actions represents the most appropriate first step for
the library media specialist to take in this situation?
- informing the teacher of the procedures for filing a formal challenge
- referring the challenge to the principal for additional review
- removing the challenged book from circulation until its contents can be evaluated
- posting the challenge to the school Web site for community feedback
Answer to question 36
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) The teacher has a right
to express an opinion about a book in the information media program's collection. However, according
to the American Library Association, a complaint should be filed in writing and the complainant properly
identified before any action can be taken regarding a challenged book. It is the library media specialist's
responsibility to inform the teacher how to move from expressing concern to filing a formal challenge.
Correct Response: A. (Objective 0006) The teacher has a right to express an opinion
about a book in the information media program's collection. However, according to the American Library
Association, a complaint should be filed in writing and the complainant properly identified before any
action can be taken regarding a challenged book. It is the library media specialist's responsibility
to inform the teacher how to move from expressing concern to filing a formal challenge.
Question 37
37. In which of the following situations would it be most appropriate to discard a piece of equipment
from the information media center?
- The equipment is cumbersome to move to and from classrooms.
- The equipment is extremely worn and would cost more to repair than to replace.
- The equipment is used only a few times during each school year.
- The equipment is several years old and no longer the most current model available.
Answer to question 37
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Keeping extremely worn
equipment in the information media program collection runs a risk of the equipment failing at a time
when students and teachers need to use it. The library media specialist has to determine the most cost-effective
way to ensure teachers' and students' access to the equipment. Expensive repairs and down time without
the equipment can be less cost effective in the long term than purchasing a new piece of equipment.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Keeping extremely worn equipment in the information
media program collection runs a risk of the equipment failing at a time when students and teachers need
to use it. The library media specialist has to determine the most cost-effective way to ensure teachers'
and students' access to the equipment. Expensive repairs and down time without the equipment can be
less cost effective in the long term than purchasing a new piece of equipment.
Question 38
38. A library media specialist who was recently reassigned to a new school is analyzing the information
media program collection. Records indicate that the collection was last weeded three years ago. Which
of the following questions should the library media specialist consider first in analyzing
this collection?
- Which of the resources in the collection are circulated most frequently?
- Does the collection include the recommended number of resources per student?
- Are most resources in the collection available in more than one format?
- How well are resources in the collection aligned with the current school curriculum?
Answer to question 38
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: D. (Objective 0006) One of the information
media program's central goals is to support the school curriculum. Since standards in some content areas
are updated more frequently than others, there would be a strong likelihood that a collection that had
not been weeded in three years would include resources that are no longer relevant to the curriculum.
In content areas where the standards have been recently updated, there may be areas in which the collection
has few or no resources.
Correct Response: D. (Objective 0006) One of the information media program's central
goals is to support the school curriculum. Since standards in some content areas are updated more frequently
than others, there would be a strong likelihood that a collection that had not been weeded in three
years would include resources that are no longer relevant to the curriculum. In content areas where
the standards have been recently updated, there may be areas in which the collection has few or no resources.
Question 39
39. Which of the following issues is most important for a library media specialist to consider in the
selection of resources for a school's information media program collection?
- encouraging reading for enjoyment through resources that represent a variety of genres
- promoting intellectual freedom through resources that represent diverse perspectives
- acquiring an equal number of resources for each content area and grade level
- achieving an appropriate balance of resources for curricular and recreational needs
Answer to question 39
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Intellectual freedom
is one of the guiding principles of the library profession, including the intellectual freedom of students
of all ages. A library media specialist can safeguard intellectual freedom by selecting resources that
include different points of view. By making this a priority, the library media specialist can help students
become critical thinkers.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) Intellectual freedom is one of the guiding
principles of the library profession, including the intellectual freedom of students of all ages. A
library media specialist can safeguard intellectual freedom by selecting resources that include different
points of view. By making this a priority, the library media specialist can help students become critical
thinkers.
Question 40
40. The library media specialist has planned to update the information media center's health and science
materials. Which of the following principles provides the best basis for choosing which items to weed
from the collection?
- items that are dusty, are older than ten years, or have a cover that would not appeal to a student
- items that have inaccurate information or depictions that would be considered biased, have been superseded
with newer editions, or do not support the curriculum
- items that are more than five years old, have only grayscale or black-and-white images, or have been
challenged by parents, students, or administrators in the recent past
- items that have controversial content that has been challenged in recent years, or have the potential
to be challenged given their contents in the current learning environment
Answer to question 40
- Answer Enter to expand or collapse answer. Answer expanded
- Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) These criteria roughly
align with the MUSTY principle for weeding recommended by many library associations and some state educational
offices: remove items that are misinformed or biased (M) or in poor physical condition/ugly (U), superseded
by duplicate copies or newer editions (S), inappropriate reading level or content for the students served/trivial
(T), or irrelevant to the local curriculum and collection (Y). While the copyright date of an item should
be considered, it alone does not provide a sufficient basis for deselection.
Correct Response: B. (Objective 0006) These criteria roughly align with the MUSTY
principle for weeding recommended by many library associations and some state educational offices: remove
items that are misinformed or biased (M) or in poor physical condition/ugly (U), superseded by duplicate
copies or newer editions (S), inappropriate reading level or content for the students served/trivial
(T), or irrelevant to the local curriculum and collection (Y). While the copyright date of an item should
be considered, it alone does not provide a sufficient basis for deselection.