150 TExES School Librarian Exam Practice Questions
1. School librarians' functions include:
A. Helping students learn to read
B. Enhancing students' background knowledge
C. Providing access to a variety of materials
D. All of the above
2. As a librarian, which of the following is not important to impart to students?
A. Access for everyone
B. Silence in the library
C. Information literacy
D. Intellectual freedom
3. Intellectual freedom is important in an educational environment because:
A. It helps students understand concrete concepts such as addition and subtraction
B. It encourages creative problem solving
C. Teachers should teach only their own viewpoints in the classroom
D. Intellectual freedom is not important
4. Censors try to restrict what others:
A. Say
B. Listen to
C. Teach
D. All of the above
5. The American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights states:
A. Books should fit only specific criteria
B. Resources should include offerings from many cultures
C. Books should be approved by the librarian
D. All of the above
6. Librarians exhibit leadership and management skills by:
A. Recruit volunteers
B. Restrict access to scarce resources
C. Prevent community partners and volunteers from participating in library activities
D. All of the above
7. Effective communication with the community important because:
A. Schools are a separate and distinct entity from the surrounding community
B. The social and economic influence of a school is different from its neighbors
C. Schools can be a force for creating a positive atmosphere.
D. Education does not need the support of local business.
8. Results from recognizing the importance of diversity in education include:
A. Students from certain cultures are incapable of learning.
B. Enables students to function in a complex society
C. Prepares students to visit other countries
D. All of the above
9. Which step does not belong in an effective decision-making process?
A. Define the problem
B. Demand compliance without sufficient explanation
C. List options
D. Develop possible solutions
10. Technology in an educational environment:
A. Expands instructional approaches
B. Enriches the learning experience
C. Should be based on existing learning styles
D. All of the above
ANSWER KEY EXAM 150
1. Answer: D
In the twenty-first century, librarians are media specialists whose responsibility is to help students learn to read and appreciate the variety and volume of information available in all types of resource material. When students hone their reading and comprehension skills, they grow into critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Enhancing their background knowledge means they are better informed about their community and the world beyond their own backyard. They learn to understand diversity and how to function in an environment that demands acceptance of different ethnic, cultural, economic and gender groups. There are many ways librarians help students accomplish these important goals: Provide access to material in many formats: Fiction, non-fiction and reference books, CDs, videos, newspapers, Internet access, etc. Stimulate interest in reading, watching, listening and integrating new information and ideas. Work with teachers to plan, teach and evaluate various resources.
2. Answer: B
According to the Texas State Library and Archive Commission, core values librarians should strive to impart are:
- Academic Achievement: Provide a quality program
- Access For All: Equitable and universal access by everyone
- Reading: Encourage students to read, watch and listen for understanding and pleasure; create an environment that supports a passion for learning
- Lifelong Learning: Teach students how to learn; provide skills to become confident, independent, contributing members of society
- Technology: Teach students how to use technology; explain benefits and risks; make sure they understand how to evaluate data found on the World Wide Web
- Information Literacy: Teach students how to access data efficiently and effectively; help them learn to separate fact from fiction and utilize information appropriately
- Innovation: Investigate, initiate and implement positive ideas that help prepare students for life after their formal education is complete
- Intellectual Freedom: Promote, develop and facilitate age-appropriate access to a wide variety of knowledge, opinions and intellectual activities
3. Answer: B
The American Library Association defines intellectual freedom as "the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas." If one of the main responsibilities of education is to teach students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, they must be exposed to a variety of thoughts, opinions and interpretations. If they are not allowed to explore all sides of an issue, they will be at an enormous disadvantage and their conclusions will be based on incomplete and/or biased information. America is defined by its acceptance of intellectual freedom. There is no restriction on having and expressing thoughts and ideas. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas said, "It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights of free speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."
4. Answer: B
Censors try to use the power of the state to restrict what other people can watch (films, television, theater), read (books, magazines), listen to (music) and look at (paintings, sculptures). They believe they know what is offensive and objectionable and feel a moral obligation to protect others. Censors do not believe John Q. Public is capable of making up his own mind about what is inappropriate, dangerous or unsuitable. Censorship in any form is a direct assault on intellectual freedom because intellectual freedom is "the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction." The First Amendment protects that right even if someone disagrees with and opposes the ideas expressed. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas summed it up this way, "Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us."
5. Answer: B
The American Library Association "affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas," and believes they should embrace these basic policies:
- Resources should be interesting, informative and enlightening. Material should not be excluded because of the "origin, background or views" of those who wrote it or collaborated in its creation.
- Material should be provided that represents all points of view. Resources should not be removed or avoided because of "partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
- Challenge censorship in all its forms.
- Cooperate with any entity that works to prevent the obstruction of "free expression and free access to ideas."
- Do not deny access to the library's resources because of "origin, age, background or views."
- If space is available for the public's use, it should be open to all on an "equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."
6. Answer: A
The librarian should be a leader in developing the objectives of the library's mission and defining the strategies to achieve its goals. Sound, sensible policies and practices should be written, explained and implemented, so all members of the academic community benefit. The librarian is responsible for hiring and training staff and ensuring they have the proper credentials. The librarian should recruit volunteers and community partners and encourage participation in library activities. It is vital the librarian secure funding that allows building a sound program that offers an eclectic choice of resources and services. One of the goals should be to provide the resources the academic community needs to be fully engaged with the technological advances available in today's world. The best- stocked and well-run library won't fulfill its mission if nobody knows about its wonderful resources. The librarian must promote the program by sharing and explaining what services and resources are available and encouraging their use.
7. Answer: C
A school does not exist in a vacuum. It is a vital part of the community in which it operates and is subject to the same social and economic influences as its neighbors. Schools are not isolated islands of learning; they are an integral part of the community. As such, they can have a critical role in shaping the attitudes of its neighbors and be a force in creating a positive atmosphere for everyone. Studies have shown and anecdotal evidence proves that when a school is successful in communicating its goals and is seen actively addressing its problems, there is greater support from business and community leaders and parents are more involved. But the most important result of good community relations is a better education for all students and more opportunities for them to succeed in the real world.
8. Answer: B
It is imperative educators develop programs and curricula that emphasize all children are capable of learning and meeting high academic standards. It is the responsibility of educators to provide the tools and environment for students to achieve. Anything less is unacceptable. When students are taught with a curriculum that embraces diversity, it enables them to function more effectively in a complex, multicultural society. Students need to understand the historical experiences of every cultural group in their society in order to appreciate how past actions affect present circumstances. An empowering educational culture that embraces multicultural diversity integrates information about the impact of all cultures and enhances students' ability to understand, appreciate and get along with different racial, ethnic and gender groups. Mary Stone Hanley believes, "Multicultural education is about social change through education."
9. Answer: B
A leader must choose issues carefully, set attainable objectives, develop workable solutions and enlist the support of those involved in and affected by the change. Whatever decision-making process is used, an effective leader always considers the reason for the change, how people will be affected and the probable consequences of the action. A sound, logical, well-defined decision-making process leads to effective problem solving. Here are suggested steps to finding a sensible solution to most any problem:
- Define the problem
- Gather relevant facts
- List options
- Develop solutions and consider the pros and cons of each
- Select the most viable solution(s)
- Explain the choice(s) to those affected
- Implement
- Follow-up to determine effectiveness
- Make adjustments if necessary
10. Answer: D
Technology is a powerful tool for expanding instructional approaches and enriching the learning experience. It is an integral part of today's world and schools have a duty to instruct students in the use of technology and explain the benefits and risks as well. The key to successfully integrating technology in the educational environment is creating a realistic plan based on existing learning and teaching styles and the expectations of the users. Librarians should be involved in developing the plan, so issues are addressed before purchases are made. It is important that teachers and students are trained in its use and encouraged to adapt the technology to their unique teaching and learning styles. It is critical that on-site assistance is readily available. If operational issues can't be addressed quickly, teachers and students will stop using the technology and return to familiar methods.
Last Updated: 02/21/2013