As MAME continues to advocate for equitable student access to effective school library programs in our state, one of the challenges is to educate others about the important role of the 21st century school library media specialist in our schools as well as the current 'state' of school libraries in our state.

As part of the effort to raise awareness, I had the opportunity to be interviewed about school library media specialists in Michigan by Michael Patrick Shiels on the Michigan Big Show Radio Show.

The interview aired last week Thursday morning.

Here is the direct link:

https://www.spreaker.com/user/5707063/kathy-lester-school-library-media-specia

I did not know the exact questions that he would be asking me ahead of time; so, I missed a few things that I would have like to have said for instance - along with being 46th in 4th Grade NAEP Reading Proficiency Scores, Michigan is 47th is the ratio of students per media specialist. In addition, only approximately 8% of our schools employ a full-time media specialist.

In any case, I hope that I was able to highlight the important work of school library media specialists and wanted to share this interview with all of you.

Thank you to so many of you who have supported and continue to support all libraries in our state!

--Kathy Lester

Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA
Advocacy Chair, Past-President 2014

Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME)

School Library Media Specialist / Technology Coach

East Middle School, Plymouth-Canton Schools
2012 State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner
kathyL@mimame.org

810.333.5873