Interview Analysis

Roslyn Carney 7/12/2010
Interview Analysis

I had the opportunity to interview three professionals who are employed by Madison County Schools, NC. The administrator and the Media Specialist both are employed at an elementary school and the educator teaches 6th grade English/language arts at the middle school. I asked them questions that related to support, funding, purpose, role, vision of the media center. I also asked them about scheduling, collaboration, materials, and resources at their media centers.

The three interviewees were very proud of the strength of their school media centers. They felt that they have a good collection of books, and that weeding had taken place to pull some of those resources out that simply did not need to be there any longer. Both media centers were working towards becoming more technology friendly and the ELA teacher provided me with information that she takes her students to the media center on a daily basis so they can input information into their class wiki. Both media centers are warm, friendly, and inviting places. The elementary students receive a full range of informational resources and technology lessons when they enter the media center. The media center middle school students are welcome to come to the library whenever they please. The educator was also appreciative of the work that the media specialists put into receiving the funding for a new OPAC system and new furniture in the media center. As with all media centers, they are used quite frequently so things often need to be replace. The educator also stated; “I believe almost everything in our media center can be improved upon. We need to replace old outdated copies of books. We need to build a more up-to-date resource and non-fiction sections. We need more ways students can explore and utilize technology. There should be a larger resource area for the teachers. Magazines should be looked at closely to determine if they are appropriate and needed”.

Although both schools are on a fixed schedule, the three interviewees would in the future love to see flex scheduling within the media center. They all agreed with this question; “What would you like to see in the media coordinator?” They want to have a colleague that works with each teacher to plan and implement instruction that supports the information already taught through exploration and application. They also stated that they would like for the media coordinator to be a tireless advocate for the student’s resources including technology, up to date reading materials, resource materials, and to be an influence throughout the school building in a way that works to foster a love and enjoyment of reading and research skills.

All three individuals agreed when I asked the question; “What is the primary role of a media coordinator”? According to the three interviewees, there is complete support and backing with the media coordinator and the media center. The assistant principal said; “The media coordinator is to be an added source to the children and the faculty. They must be a very approachable character and willing to help wherever it is needed”. This goes into being classified as a “change agent”. The media coordinator is often suggesting improvements and is very supportive of the school improvement team, the school, and the local community. I must agree with their vision as well, I see the role of the media coordinator as someone who should be able to help the students foster the love of reading, to keep them updated on all new technology, and to share that with the faculty. They need to advocate for constant upgrades in books, technology, magazines, materials, etc. The media coordinator needs to work closely with all educators and administration to create curriculum and differentiate instruction for students.

What is the purpose of collaboration, I asked all three interviewees? “How do you see teachers and media coordinator collaborating”? The response was very unanimous and upsetting, but I appreciate their honesty. The assistant principal said; “Teachers don’t know how to collaborate, because they are not used to doing it”. The media coordinator responded to that question by saying; “It is very difficult to collaborate because the media center is on a fixed schedule, so it is hard to collaborate”. The media specialists also added; “Nor are they willing to try flex scheduling because they don’t want to give up their 45 minute planning time”. In further discussion, he states, that he tries to tie his lessons into what the educators are doing. He always communicates with the teachers at the beginning of the year about topics and focus points they may be covering throughout the year. The ELA educator stated that she too spoke with the media specialists regarding focus points that are covered in her class, but she states; “I do not necessarily consider this ‘collaboration’”.

As I was reading “Empowering Learners; Guidelines for School Library Media Programs”, I really appreciated the quote on page 45. “Our [Media Specialist] roles may continue to change and alter as more technology and information tools become available. Flexibility will be important as we continue to move beyond the keeper of the books to the facilitator that helps guide our students through the jungle of information” (AASL, p. 45). This is also one of most important points that I received from all three of my interviewees. A school library is the “hub” of the school, its door is constantly revolving and the children, educators, media specialists, and administration are working to improve all demands of this facility.

Focusing my attention to interviewing is a positive aspect of learning about a specific focus point. What would be interesting to me would be to continue other interview opportunities at different schools. I could then compare and contrast these interviews to see what each varying program has to offer. Other points of interests would be to get the opportunity to observe the media specialists as well as the regular education teacher in the media center. My interview experience was positive and enlightening.