THE INSTRUCTION FUNCTION

The instruction function here means to inform. There are many aspects of the media centers program about which all users need to be instructed or informed.

 Competency 1: Plans and implements a public relations program Competency 2: Conducts in-service media training for teachers Competency 3: Provides information about media program to administrators and school board Competency 4: Develops learning programs to assist individuals in using media center materials and equipment Competency 5: Communicates with producers and publishers regarding materials and equipment Competency 6: Establishes regular communication channels between media center personnel and users.

Competency 1: Plans and implements a public relations program

The objectives of this competency include: To provide the public with general information about the program through press release, pamphlets, public display To provide specific information about special program in which the public might wish to participate. E.g. spot radio announcements, circulation of media materials (films, videotapes, filmstrips, etc), local newspaper column, etc NOTE: These are traditional approaches to public relations. In the current time, several opportunities or avenues of information dissemination include announcements on television, social networks, internet, sms, etc. The key issue with public relation is the ingenuity of the media personnel to apply useful and available means to generate public support and awareness.

 For the would-be specialist in this area, a specialist training program is recommended; books and other resources may also provide assistance with developing this competence. Examples of programs that may require such public relations attention include invitations to book presentations, book fairs, films shows, contests, etc.

Competency 2: Conducts in-service media training for teachers

The objective of this competency is to assist teachers in making optimum use of media resources. This is important because teachers have influence on both their students and fellow teachers. In-services training include the following: Orientation on the location of materials Training sessions on equipment operation Information regarding media center services (e.g. how to borrow equipment, how to check out materials, etc). Using different types of indexes to locate materials/resources Teaching on production of instructional materials Training on skills for selecting and evaluating materials To achieve all the above requires the development of teaching modules/units which in turn require skills in other skills, a good knowledge of subject matter and ability to select appropriate teaching materials.

Competency 3: Provides information about media program to administrators and school board
The objective of this competency is to communicate all important information to the administrators and school board. The administrators and school board will get the information about media program by: Inviting them to visit the center, in other cases the media center personnel may be invited to visit school board meetings to describe various aspects of the program. Informing them about all aspects of the media center. This is important because this information will enable them to do their jobs better. They also need to be informed so that they can allocate adequate financial support for the center.

Competency 4: Develops learning programs to assist individuals in using media center materials and equipment.
The objective of this competency is to develop learning program in order to assist individuals in using media center materials and equipment. By using these learning programs, users will: Know the general lay-out of the facilities of the center. (e.g. the user know where to locate periodicals, microfilms, books, filmstrips, audio-cassettes and etc.) More knowledgeable about the physical location of material. Able to locate the necessary equipment. After the user knows the general location of materials and equipment then the retrieval systems for locating specific materials must be known. Know the retrieval system for locating specific materials (e.g. by using card catalog, indexes and thesauri) Proficient in locating specific subject matter in an explicit format

Competency 5: Communicates with producers and publishers regarding materials and equipment
The objectives of this competency include: To enhance the communication and cooperation with producers and publishers To improve learning material Information that the producers and publishers should be informed including: Respond from student about the material; good or bad aspects of educational products Performance aspects of the equipment (e.g.: parts that are not substantial, difficulty in replacing parts, if the equipment damages the software, the convenience of use; and the ease of transporting it. Ideas of real importance are conveyed to officials of a company. Strength and weakness of the products

All of these aspects are important as producers, publishers and manufacturers work cooperatively with educators to develop learning materials and equipment most effectively in reaching educational goals.

Competency 6: Establishes regular communication channels between media center personnel and users.
The objectives of this competency include: To run a program effectively To utilize the staff effectively The media personnel must do the following: To inform about their job responsibilities To prepares a handbook or manual of procedures Familiarize with the means of communication used in the community (e.g. newspapers, advertising circulars, radio broadcasts, neighborhood action group newsletters)

 All of these modes of communication need to be explored to find the best combination to convey information to users and potential users of the center. The means of communication should be determined by trying several approaches and striving to improve all communication. There are a list of people could be contact in order to disseminate information about the media center such as school principle, television and radio stations manager and etc.

THE EVALUATION FUNCTION

The definition of evaluate used here means to examine and judge the worth, quality and significance of specific media and programs of instruction. To select means to choose. To be of optimum value, the collection in a media center must be matched as closely as possible to the needs of the users.

The instruction function has under it six competencies;

Competency 1: Analyzes present and future curriculum requirements to identify material and equipment needs. Competency 2: Writes and applies criteria and guidelines for the selection, use and evaluation of materials. Competency 3: Synthesizes teacher and student requests and recommendations for acquiring materials. Competency 4: Collects and uses review and evaluation tools to aid in selection