Library Assessment Project
Developed by Annette Vanderwall
CTER, University of Illinois

Project Abstract

The Library Assessment Project was created as a way to interpret the library skills of third grade students based on the newly created curriculum, which aligns with the State Library Standards. Two specific standards were chosen to be assessed in this project because they are skills that students must have when entering fourth grade. The Card Catalog assessment was created as a way for students to use the electronic card catalog to complete a keyword search to locate information about fiction and non-fiction material.  The call number assessment has been divided into two parts. Part one assesses the student’s ability to identify types of books based on the book’s call number.  Part two assesses the student’s ability to locate material in library based on a books call number, title, and author. Currently, the interpretation of the assessments will be used to show the effectiveness of library instruction. 


Background Information

Library classes in the New Lenox School District are non-graded periods for teachers.  Students attend library class for thirty minutes once a week.  A fifteen to twenty minute lesson is presented to the students.  Lessons can include but are not limited to library skills, book talks, or author studies. In 2003, there was a change in library personnel in many of the buildings.  Information Specialists were placed in the Libraries to oversee library classes, as well as, all of the technology in the building. The Information Specialist either has a background in library or technology, generally not both.  In the 2003-2004 school year the newly redesigned staff worked on redesigning the current library curriculum to align the curriculum to the Illinois School Library Media Association Learning Standards. The new curriculum was implemented into the library curriculum during the 2004-2005 school year.  During this time the Information Specialist were to make notes as to any areas of concern and changes that needed to be made to the curriculum.  Between the 2004 and 2005 school year a change in Administration for the Library Committee took place.  While the new administration is learning her role all changes in curriculum and implementation of assessment has been put on hold.



Assessment Development Ideas

This project was developed for the
590 ASA Alternative Student Assessment Course
Instructor
Dr. Kathrine Ryan
CTER 6 Program
University of Illinois
Urbana Champaign
Spring 2005