With times changing in the library media field, professional development is a vital aspect for media specialist. Education goes through many changes and trends. Library media specialist need to be aware of these changes and make appropriate choices in their media center concering curriculum, teaching strategies, and technology. A media specialist can take advantage of programs that they will benefit from the most in order to become an  effective media specialist. 

     Library media specialist need a wide variety of professional development.  Information Power Building Partnerships for Learning states, " Real school change cannot happen without the opportunity and support for professional development.  Most media specialist arrive prepared to teach, they need to stay up-to-date in their skills and knowledge in order to continue being effective library media specialist.  Attending workshops, classes, or conferences are some ways that media specialist learn some of what they need to know.  Professional development is very important and effective if implemented. 

     The library media specialist play many roles in the school environment.  In order for the media specialist to stay effective she must provide the use of technology and high order learning and thinking to studnets.  To achieve these goals the media  specialist must participate in professional development and professional organizations that is benefical.  The media specialist need to take advantage of these options so that they will know what is out there and keep up with the current trends in the library media field. 

     Professional organizatons play an important role in the career of all school library media specialist.  According to Information Power Building Partnershipsfor Learning  "Professional organizations such as AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and AECT  (Association for Educational Communication andTechnology) represent the interest of library media specialist at the national level and provide critical services to support independent life long learning".  

The media specialist's overall goal is for students to become lifelong learners as well as critical thinkers.  In order for this to take place the media specialist must stay aware and up-to-date on standards, curriculum changes, teaching strategies, and technology. 

     Professional development opportunities need to be accessible and valuable.  Library media specialist, teachers, as well as students need to do their part to improve and make gains in education.  Professional development and professional organizations provide many opportunties for media specialist to expand and build on their existing knowledge.  These opportunties range from publications, meetings, seminars, training, websites, and conferences.  With all these opportunties a library media specialist can stay-up-to date and current on all the trends and issues to help students become lifelong learners.