The Library Media Center Project For Aste Yohannes High School

What is a Library Media Center?

It is going to be a full service print library and an electronic reference center with on line resources. The non print resources include books, magazines, and newspapers, on CD-ROMS, video tapes and many more. It will be equipped with computers with internet access for research, leisure and information for students, teachers and the school community. The Library Media Center (LMC) is going to be part of the school’s instructional program or curriculum and teachers can use it as an extension of the classroom activities.

What are the Goals and Objectives of the Project?

As the old Chinese proverb says - “If you give a man a fish, he will eat it for a day. If you teach him how to fish, he will eat it for a life time.” The goal is clear and very simple. To build a strong LMC program for the school where students will be introduced to relevant books, other reading materials and information technology which will help them meet with the challenges of the 21st Century at all levels of their lives. To help the students in their studies and connect them with the rest of the world as well as help them to become lifelong learners and users of the information technology.

What other benefits does the project have?

The experience of being familiarized with Library Media Center at a high school level will be of great help to the students when they attend higher education, and will also enhance their capability of searching for information. Studies after studies have proven that schools with active Library Media Center programs have higher rate of academic achievement. This project is a good investment for both the school education system, as well as for the future wellbeing of the students. Today, as always, a well educated citizenry and a well trained workforce are crucial for any country’s development.

How will the Project be managed / coordinated?

AYAA Board will be responsible for the project and will make all major decisions. Normal contacts of the board with AYAA Mekelle and the school will continue. The board will also facilitate all the legal and financial delivery matters and mechanisms. In the mean time, AYAA has also formed a five member Library Media Center Advisory Committee (LMCAC) which works in an advisory capacity, and support the board in all LMC matters.

What are the duties and responsibilities of LMCAC?

The Library Media Center Advisory Committee (LMCAC) will administer / manage and implement all tasks and decisions made by the Board regarding the LMC. The Board will make broad and general decisions in nature, and it will be the responsibility of the LMCAC to go and explore all the technical and detailed parts of the project in accordance to the guidelines given by the Board. The following will also be part of the LMCAC’s duties:-

    • Use all internal and external expert personnel to get the job        done;
    • initiate, research, study, anything about the project and make        recommendations to the board;
    • develop budgets, make schedules, and create strategic plans        and report project accomplishments and new developments;
    • assist in selecting the site, building design and in finding        appropriate print and non print materials, furniture, equipment,        and other materials and services providers for the LMC;
    • have status reporting meetings with all the stakeholders;
    • be an ardent advocate for the school’s LMC project and        promote the program;
    • explore all venues of human, and material resources as well as        fund raising activities;
    • Focus on the local authorities to make sure everything is        in-line,and the project gets adequate on-going administrative        support and cooperation of all actors.
   

How long will members of the LMCAC serve?

Currently there are five members of the committee. They will stay until the completion of the project, and probably a little longer. They will make sure the building, and anything and every thing is done according to the plan (contract) promise made. They will check the quality and quantity of delivered materials, equipment and services as to whether they are or not properly placed and are well functioning.

What is the duration of the project?

We are going to build a stand alone, LMC. The students are every much excited about the project, and the school is ready and has told us that we can pick a site where the LMC is going to be. Once we get our LMCAC start to do its job, and provide us with all the preliminary studies and detailed information about the project, and at the same time, if the board also manages to finish some standard and legal procedures, we can start the project while continuing fund raising activities and get it done within the next two and half years.

How much does the whole project cost?

There was a rough project cost estimate of $150,000.00 in mid 2008. As time goes by, there will defiantly be some changes on the cost. Cost of labor and building materials is increasing. And it is also going to depend on the space area, and the programs and facilities we are going to need; and also the type and quantity of books, other materials, equipments and services we are going to need. The first job of the Library Media Center Advisory Committee will be to get an accurate assessment of all the above. When all the detailed information is in, the board will be in better position to come up with a fairly close cost estimate for the project.

How can individuals support the project?

1. Make a special donation
2. Be an active member and pay membership dues
3. Urge others to join AYAA
4. Participate in local and AYAA Reunion Fund Raising activities
5. Take responsibilities in AYAA’s leadership committee
6. Become an advocate of AYAA’s mission and its projects