Investigating Technology Integration Practices and Competencies of School Librarians

Abstract

The 21st century school has demanded the increasing use of technology integration. This study investigates technology practices and competencies of school librarians. An online survey targeting current school librarians working in Kentucky, USA was conducted through the email listserv for Kentucky Library Media Specialists (KYLMS). The survey data were analyzed and interpreted on the basis of, and in relation to, a cross-mapping of the following two criteria via the seven technology areas by the National Center for Education Statistics: (1) 2010 ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians, and (2) knowledge and skills specifications for school media librarians in the Praxis II Library Media Specialist test. The combined context can serve as a framework for comparative or evaluative analyses on the school librarians’ practices and competencies of technology integration. Implications of the results are discussed, including as a reference for school library program curriculum development and implementation.