Educational Media Specialist PK– to 12

Test Format and Sample Questions

The Educational Media Specialist PK– to 12 subject area test consists of approximately 80 multiple-choice questions. You will have two and one-half hours to complete the test.

Each question will contain four response options, and you will indicate your answer by selecting A, B, C, or D.

The table below presents types of questions on the exam and directs you to examples of these formats among the sample items that follow.

Table of Question Formats

Type of Question	Sample Question
Scenario Examine a situation, problem, or case study. Then answer a question, make a diagnosis, or recommend a course of action by selecting the best response option.	Question 1
Command Select the best response option.	Question 6
Sentence Completion Select the response option that best completes the sentence.	Question 8
Direct Question Choose the response option that best answers the question.	Question 10
Data Analysis Examine and analyze data from an experiment or study. Then answer a question by selecting the best response option.	Question 20

Sample Questions

The following questions represent both the form and content of questions on the examination. These questions will acquaint you with the general format of the examination; however, these sample questions do not cover all of the competencies and skills that are tested and will only approximate the degree of examination difficulty.

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Competency 2—Knowledge of teaching and learning principles of the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Students in a television production class have learned about video editing and now need hands-on experience. Which of the following resources should the library media specialist recommend the students use in addition to editing software?

Choose an answer

1. books on video editing
2. streaming video clips
3. examples of last year's video projects
4. videos from the library media center collection

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 3—Knowledge of the instructional partner responsibilities of the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A school is initiating a curriculum mapping process in the area of science. As an instructional partner, the library media specialist can best contribute by

Choose an answer

1. serving as a secretary during meetings.
2. showing support for the activities.
3. locating related information outside the district.
4. providing access to the library media center for meetings.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 3—Knowledge of the instructional partner responsibilities of the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A library media specialist decides to participate in a social studies textbook selection committee. The main benefit of this partnership is to help

Choose an answer

1. book publishers sell their products.
2. classroom teachers select textbooks that match library resources.
3. the library media specialist keep abreast of curriculum changes.
4. administrators free up time for other duties.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of teaching methods for implementing multiple literacies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A library media specialist is helping students prepare a project about the U.S. electoral process. Which of the following assignments would be most likely to prompt students to draw conclusions based on their reading?

Choose an answer

1. describing the two major political parties
2. preparing biographical presentations about two candidates
3. performing election related songs
4. evaluating the results of the previous national election

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of teaching methods for implementing multiple literacies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A library media specialist wants to promote students' exploration of different types of information-gathering strategies. Which of the following would be the best approach to use?

Choose an answer

1. displaying books on current events topics
2. publishing lists of good Web sites
3. creating an interactive daily question center
4. arranging a field trip to the local public library

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 4—Knowledge of teaching methods for implementing multiple literacies

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

A library media specialist is assisting a 5^th-grade class on writing an article for the school newspaper. Select the activity that would best prepare students to create an informative piece.

Choose an answer

1. webbing the facts found on the topic
2. gathering opinions from other students
3. interviewing staff members for quotes
4. compiling a bibliography of resources

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 6—Knowledge of design and delivery of staff development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In order to help teachers learn how to insert video clips into computer presentations, the library media specialist asks them to bring a current lesson they are developing to learn this skill. This is an effective approach because it

Choose an answer

1. asks the teachers for sample video clips to use for their presentations.
2. organizes sample video clips for the teachers to use for their presentations.
3. provides teachers with a relevant application of a new strategy.
4. motivates teachers to examine current relevant strategies for this application.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 7—Knowledge of the information specialist responsibilities of the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

One advantage of the Dewey Decimal Classification system over the Library of Congress classification system is that the

Choose an answer

1. Dewey Decimal system uses both letters and numbers.
2. Library of Congress system is used exclusively for books.
3. Dewey Decimal system is simpler to use.
4. Library of Congress system can be used in elementary schools.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 8—Knowledge of resources in all formats for the learning community

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Who has illustrated over 70 picture books for young children using the collage technique?

Choose an answer

1. Jan Brett
2. Ezra Jack Keats
3. Eric Carle
4. Anita Lobel

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 9—Knowledge of the foundations, designing, planning, and development of a school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Students at a new high school will take the SAT during the spring. The library media specialist can best help prepare them by

Choose an answer

1. adjusting periodical subscriptions located in the student leisure area.
2. identifying online science databases available to students.
3. increasing the appeal of the center's physical space to attract students.
4. acquiring additional materials appropriate to the needs of students.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 9—Knowledge of the foundations, designing, planning, and development of a school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

How can a library media specialist best convey the concept that the library media program is a valuable and essential part of the school and that it can support school improvement?

Choose an answer

1. holding frequent social events with the PTA
2. publishing an occasional newsletter
3. distributing free books regularly
4. participating in the school advisory council

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 11—Comprehension of skills required to plan, prepare, advocate, and administer a budget

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following strategies would be most effective in administering a library media program within budget?

Choose an answer

1. engaging in regular record keeping of budget allotments and expenditures
2. conducting an analysis of the number of resources lost or stolen
3. engaging in regular accurate accounting of the resources checked out during the year
4. conducting an evaluation of the number of users for the year

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 11—Comprehension of skills required to plan, prepare, advocate, and administer a budget

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following would be the most effective way for the library media specialist to supplement district, state, and federal funds?

Choose an answer

1. establishing membership in the school's PTA
2. writing a grant proposal
3. inviting community members to the library media center
4. initiating a faculty book club

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 12—Knowledge of supervision of staff and volunteers for the school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

An important responsibility for the library media specialist in supervising library media staff or student assistants is

Choose an answer

1. providing training on the circulation module of the automated library management system.
2. describing the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
3. explaining how to assist patrons in the proper use of technology.
4. setting clear expectations for optimal job performance.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: D.

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Competency 12—Knowledge of supervision of staff and volunteers for the school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following would be the best initial strategy for a middle school library media specialist to teach new student assistants how to use the circulation desk?

Choose an answer

1. sending them to feeder schools to observe circulation desk operations
2. having them read the manual for the school's circulation software program
3. modeling circulation desk procedures for them while offering explanations
4. observing them using the circulation desk and pointing out their errors

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 14—Knowledge of methods for creating an active learning environment

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The most effective and efficient design of an elementary school library media center should allow for

Choose an answer

1. availability of the online public access catalog near the main door.
2. flexibility to accommodate multiple student learning activities.
3. accessibility to restrooms for both students and staff.
4. capability for self-checkout of library materials.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 15—Knowledge of methods for advocating an effective school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The primary benefit of various library media specialist activities, such as morning news announcements, booktalks, and event promotions, is that they help the library media specialist

Choose an answer

1. attract and retain students as library media center users.
2. demonstrate competencies for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards process.
3. develop technology and other skills of the library media specialist.
4. identify and replicate successful promotional activities for the library media specialist.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 15—Knowledge of methods for advocating an effective school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The principal would like to cut the position of the media clerk at a school to save money in the school budget. Which of the following strategies would be most effective in communicating to the principal the correlation between staff hours per week and higher academic achievement scores?

Choose an answer

1. writing an editorial article about staffing for the local paper
2. creating a report for the principal showing research findings
3. providing a list of Web sites to the principal showing results
4. sending the research findings to all staff at the school by e-mail

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 16—Knowledge of policies and procedures for collection development

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

When adding a new title to the collection that does not have a MARC record, an elementary school library media specialist can best find an exact match for the title by searching the

Choose an answer

1. book vendor files.
2. ISBN.
3. bar code symbology.
4. LCCN.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 17—Knowledge of policies and processes for managing, cataloging, organizing, circulating, and maintaining resources

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Data from the inventory module of an automated library management system should be analyzed to identify

Choose an answer

1. incomplete Cutter numbers.
2. missing materials.
3. inappropriate call numbers.
4. circulation patterns.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 17—Knowledge of policies and processes for managing, cataloging, organizing, circulating, and maintaining resources

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

In addition to having remote access, a library media center's OPAC must be user-friendly for the library media specialist by including

Choose an answer

1. a copy cataloging feature.
2. voice recognition capability.
3. a picture animation option.
4. book cover images.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 18—Comprehension of leadership and interpersonal skills for the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

An elementary school library media specialist wants to begin collaborating with 5^th-grade teachers. The most essential prerequisite to successful collaborating would be to

Choose an answer

1. attend regularly held 5^th-grade team meetings.
2. review the 5^th graders' standardized test scores.
3. become familiar with the 5^th-grade curriculum.
4. visit the 5^th-grade classrooms.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 18—Comprehension of leadership and interpersonal skills for the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

At lunch, a new library media specialist listens to a group of 2^nd-grade teachers plan an instructional unit on the rain forest. Which of the following strategies would be most appropriate for the library media specialist to use to strengthen instructional partnerships with the teachers?

Choose an answer

1. training volunteers to help with student projects on the subject
2. talking to the principal about scheduling issues with the library media center
3. preparing a list of local resources on the subject for the teachers
4. waiting for the teachers to ask for assistance in teaching the subject

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 19—Knowledge of state and national legislation and their effects on the school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 prompted library media programs to closely examine which of the following?

Choose an answer

1. processes for acquiring new materials
2. facilities maintenance policies
3. accessibility of information and resources
4. collaboration with other education agencies

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 21—Knowledge of research related to the school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Use the following table to answer the question.

Teachers' Use of Reference Materials

Teachers' Use of Reference Materials

Type of resource	Percentage reporting use
Print encyclopedias	37
Video or DVD resources	32
Internet keyword searches	16
Online databases	15

The data in the table show that

Choose an answer

1. teachers find computers more helpful than printed items.
2. online databases are more useful sources than videos.
3. teachers prefer using traditional physical resources.
4. print encyclopedias are less popular than other materials.

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 22—Knowledge of professional ethics for the school library media specialist

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

What is the most common copyright exemption granted to library media specialists?

Choose an answer

1. equal access
2. scholarly privilege
3. fair use
4. educator judgment

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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Competency 23—Knowledge of methods for providing equity, diversity, and global perspectives in the school library media program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following is most effective in providing equitable access to library media center resources?

Choose an answer

1. flexible scheduling
2. regular weeding
3. mixed format organization
4. extensive collection

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: A.

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Competency 24—Knowledge of methods for integrating technology into the instructional program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following groups in a school would benefit most from the library media center's purchase of a universal access workstation?

Choose an answer

1. video production team
2. students with disabilities
3. English language learners
4. students who are gifted and talented

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: B.

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Competency 24—Knowledge of methods for integrating technology into the instructional program

DIRECTIONS: Read the question and select the best response.

Which of the following resources would be most effective for presenting a library media center orientation to a large class of students?

Choose an answer

1. overhead projector
2. online tutorial
3. digital projector
4. network server

AnswerEnter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded

Correct Response: C.

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