Evelyn H. Daniel

Information Resources and Organizational Structure.

Current approaches to understanding organizational structure are reviewed as background for the assertion that structure is a major determinant in the kinds of information resources collected and In the ways they are used. Information resource uses in relation to functions of the organization and form of the Information carriers are described, as are the differences In treatment of externally generated versus internal information. In the complex and changing environments organizations face today, it is suggested that greater attention be focused on information flow within organizations and in the use and reuse of information resources. The article concludes with some critical political and social factors to be considered in reorganizing information flows.

Competency-Based Education for School Library Media Specialists.

The professional preparation of school library media specialists at Syracuse University uses a competency-based approach. Assumptions about competency-based education are stated and its limitations for graduate level training are explored. The integration of a competency-based media specialist program and the more theoretical general graduate program requires constant vigilance. SINCE 1976, Syracuse University has been involved in the continuing development of a competency-based program for school media specialists.1 This joint program bridges two different schools on campus - the School of Education through its program in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation and the School of Information Studies. In neither school is the media specialist program the major thrust. In neither school is there a primary commitment to competency-based education or to the school library media specialist program. A basic premise is that the media specialist program should be integrated into both schools as completely as possible so that it can draw strength from the ongoing intellectual thrust of the schools and also so that the media program can contribute its unique approach in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Assessing Competencies: Lessons from a Library/Media Project.

Professional education programs and state certification offices have developed competencies for school media programs but relatively little attention has been paid to assessment. This paper reviews the current state of competency assessment, describes a procedure for categorizing assessment strategies, and presents an approach to determine which competencies and assessment strategies are used in professional courses. A case study of one university is used as an illustration.