Frequently Asked Questions

What does MILI stand for?

MILI is the Metronet Information Literacy Initiative

What is Metronet?

Metronet is one of seven multicounty, multitype library cooperation systems in Minnesota. We serve the Twin Cities seven county area. We support all types of libraries, with a focus on education and information literacy.

What have past participants said about the MILI program?

Click here to view a slideshow of previous comments.

What is MILI?

MILI is a collaborative project between Metronet and individual school districts within its region. Participating districts work with Metronet to identify library media specialists and teachers that are willing to commit the time and effort to advance information literacy in the classroom. Metronet provides professional development focused on implementing information literacy, collaboration, and the 3Rs–Research, Reliable Resources, and Responsible Use of Information.

MILI is based on the premise that student achievement is impacted by a strong school library media program that is staffed by professional media specialists who collaborate with teachers in incorporating information literacy skills into classroom teaching. Lots of research has been done on this, including two studies of Minnesota’s library media programs conducted by Metronet. We know that this collaboration takes time, resources, and skills that not all media specialists and teachers have! So, MILI was started to help small learning communities in local high schools develop the skills and find some time to focus on information literacy.

Another impetus for the project is the Minnesota State Legislature. In 2006, it passed a law that requires the Commissioner of Education to embed Technology & Information Literacy Standards into the Minnesota Academic Standards. This process has already started with the revision of the Math Standards. MILI participants will be ahead of the curve on this, since they will be experienced in teaching information literacy!

The Technology & Information Literacy Standards were developed by ITEM (Information Technology Educators of MN), the professional association serving school media and information technology professionals. MILI uses these standards as the foundation of its program and training, too. The Initiative focuses on two of the nine Technology & Information Literacy Standards:

(1) Research process, including the use of appropriate resources

and

(4) Responsible use of information and information technology.

We have expanded the two standards into 3 Rs:

  • Research
  • Reliable Resources
  • Responsibile Use (of Technology and Information

All of our training focuses on one or more of these Rs.