OVERVIEW

In August 1996, the Chicago Reform Board of Trustees created a new Department of Libraries and Information Services as part of its "Children First" education plan. Since that time, the staff works at both the system level and in individual schools to help librarians, teachers, administrators, and community members to improve their library programs.

VISION

All students and staff in the Chicago Public Schools are effective users of ideas and information, competent and enthusiastic readers, independent learners, and positive contributors to the school community and to society.

MISSION

The mission of the Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries and Information Services is to assist schools in developing and improving library programs that are integral to teaching and learning; and to provide support for:

• Effective teaching;
• Curriculum integration;
• Professional development;
• Collection development;
• Library automation;
• Use of online resources;
• Coordination of library technology with other technology in the
  school;
• Grant applications and implementation; and
• Coordination of school and public library resources and services.

Paul Whitsitt, Director
Chicago Public Schools
Department of Libraries and Information Services
Medill Professional Training Center
1326 West 14th Place
Chicago, IL 60608
Telephone: 773.553.6210
Fax: 773.553.6211
Email: Libraries & Information Services