Why Libraries?

Information literacy is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. Advanced library and research skills enable learners to:

• engage in critical evaluation of content both in print and online,
• extend their investigations in researching projects in all subjects,
• become more self-directed in applying information literacy skills, and
• assume greater control over their own learning.

Research has shown that school libraries significantly improve student achievement in these ways. The National Information Literacy Standards for Students propose to help every student achieve. They will be able to find answers for themselves rather than remaining at the mercy of others who provide pre-packaged and pre-selected information on a topic or issue.

Libraries of all types, including school libraries, public libraries, county libraries, and college/university libraries focus their efforts on this mission -- to educate users to find and choose quality information. Whippany Park High School, in particular, provides ongoing instruction on and opportunities for our students to learn, internalize, and practice information literacy skills at all ability levels.

Think you might want to become a librarian? As a librarian, you can:

• Learn something new every day.
• Design a website.
• Tell a story to a child.
• Organize information so people can find it.
• Teach people to use and evaluate information.

Nothing you know is ever wasted. Being a librarian is challenging, fun, and makes a difference in people's lives every day. To find out more, go to http://www.becomealibrarian.org.