GACE Media Specialist

The Media Specialist assessment, offered as part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, is divided into two tests.

The first test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response assignments (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the first test are: information access and delivery in the library media program; and information literacy skills. The topics covered by the information access and delivery in the library media program subarea are: the mission of the library media program and the responsibilities of the media specialist; the characteristics of efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior by all members of the learning community; characteristics of literature for children and young adults; strategies for promoting literacy; and strategies for providing access to information, ideas, and literature. The topics covered by the information literacy skills subarea are: information resources and strategies for locating and accessing information resources for a specific purpose; strategies for evaluating and communicating information obtained from a search; methods and materials for promoting learning and information literacy skills; and the characteristics of effective teachers of information literacy skills.

The second test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response questions (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the second test are: collaboration and leadership in the library media context; and library media program administration. The topics covered by the collaboration and leadership in the library media context subarea are: the role of the media specialist in curriculum development; the role of the media specialist as an instructional partner and educational leader; and the relationship between the library media program and information resources beyond the school. The topics covered by the library media program administration subarea are: the principles and practices for managing library media information resources; the principles and practices related to the management of technological resources of the library media program; the management of human, financial, and physical resources; and the comprehensive and collaborative nature of strategic planning and assessment for the library media program.

The examination must be completed within four hours. The total test score is placed on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 as the lowest passing score. Scores are based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly and the scores assigned by judges to the constructed responses. Test-takers will also receive performance indices indicating their success in each subarea of the examination. Scores will be available approximately a month after the date of the examination; unofficial results are posted on the internet, and an official score report is mailed to the test-taker, the Professional Standards Commission, and the institution specified by the test-taker during registration.

GACE Media Specialist Practice Questions

1. A middle school media specialist is leading a class through a lesson exploring early American history. The specialist encourages the students to find sources of information in a variety of media. Which of the following would be the least likely source of useful information?

A: books
B: magazines
C: internet
D: encyclopedias

2. A media specialist is weeding books out of the library collection. Which of the following books would be the best candidate for removal?

A: A book which has been serialized in magazines on file in the library
B: A book that is available in full on-line
C: A book that makes some controversial claims
D: A book for which a more recent edition has recently been acquired

3. An elementary school media specialist notices that she consistently has a high number of overdue books. What is the best strategy for resolving this problem?

A: Raising the late fees
B: Extending the borrowing period and sending notes home to parents
C: Reporting students with overdue books to the principal's office
D: Contacting the teachers of students with overdue books

4. A high school media specialist experiences a sudden demand for a certain book. What would be the best way for the specialist to acquire this book?

A: order it from the publisher
B: purchase it from a local bookstore
C: order it from a jobber
D: contact the author for a promotional copy

5. A parent complains that the library contains texts describing racist ideology. What is the most appropriate response of a media specialist?

A: The books should be expelled from the library.
B: The media specialist should argue that it is important that students be allowed to examine racist ideology in a historical context.
C: The media specialist should ignore the complaints.
D: The media specialist should declare that he is required to give equal time to all viewpoints.

Answer Key

1. B. Magazine articles tend to be overly specific and less academic in content.
2. D. Many students will still prefer to read a book in its traditional format rather than in a magazine or through electronic media.
3. B. Elementary school libraries thrive when borrowing periods are long and parents are kept apprised of the books their children have checked out.
4. A. Buying books from a bookstore is generally more expensive, but is the preferred way to quickly acquire individual titles.
5. D. Racist literature is a controversial topic in library science; most authorities agree that it is useful for students to have access to examples of racist doctrine so that they can study its inequalities and irrationalities.