• Overview of the Research Process

     

    The student who is an independent learner is information-literate and strives for excellence in information-seeking and knowledge generation.

                                                                                                                                                                                      - American Association of School Librarians

     

    Studies have shown that people who successfully find information on a subject follow a certain path or take specific steps during their searches.  This path is known as the research process.  The process includes basic activities such as thinking about the problem, question, or topic, identifying possible sources of information, searching for (accessing) information in those resources, organizing the information for better understanding, and sharing this information with others.  Sometimes the path will be straightforward from beginning to end, but more often it will circle back and around as the searcher rethinks the question, identifies more sources, or revises a search strategy.  Whether linear or circular, the path the research follows depends on the searcher, the specific question, problem, or topic, and the availability of resources. 

    (From Fostering Information Literacy by Helen Thompson and Susan Henley)

  • School Library Program Rubric

    Research shows that one of the chief characteristics of a high-performing school is a quality library program. Based upon this research, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) supports efforts by districts, schools, and communities throughout the State in building and supporting strong school library programs. 

    To assist in these efforts, NYSED has partnered with New York State school librarians, administrators, BOCES representatives, and members of library professional organizations, to update the School Library Program (SLP) Rubric. This rubric is intended to be a helpful self-assessment instrument to support the school library program. The updated rubric identifies six foundational values and 27 essential elements for quality school library programs. The School Library Program rubric is not required for use in schools, but is provided as a resource for schools, districts, or School Library Systems to use in developing, improving, and running strong school library programs.

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  • Library Ready AI

    As artificial intelligence continues to transform the world, this curriculum aims to empower students with essential skills in AI literacy, critical thinking, and information-seeking practices. It outlines a comprehensive approach across four core strands: Why AI, How AI Works, AI in Society, and AI in Practice. These themes integrate computer science, media literacy, and information fluency, providing a broader approach to the topic. The learning concepts are aligned with New York State educational standards in computer science and library skills. Priority concepts for each grade band offer a way for schools to start exploring AI in the classroom or school library.

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  • New York State Information Fluency Continuum

    The Empire State Information Fluency Continuum was developed by the NY City Department of Education/Office of Library Services School Library System.  The School Library Systems Association of NYS (SLSA) believes this is an important educational tool that defines the information literacy and inquiry skills that are important for all students to learn. The Empire State IFC includes:
    • Benchmark skills for grades K-12
    • Assessments for each priority benchmark skill
    • Alignment with the NYS Common Core Learning Standards

     

     

     
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