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=Mediagraphy on the Holocaust: created by Shelly Main: Feb. 1, 2011=

As a teacher of literature and social studies in the middle grades, I have seen firsthand the impact that studying the past has on the present and future. Looking carefully at the great mistakes of the past can propel citizens to examine their current actions in an effort not to repeat the same mistakes. It is with these thoughts in mind that I have developed this mediagraphy.
 * Statement of Purpose:**

6-8th Grade Social Studies and Literature classrooms.
 * Setting/Intended Audience:**

The subject of the Holocaust lends itself to being taught using a variety of tools. The emotiveness of the topic is much more powerful when students can actually put faces and voices upon the victims. It is my belief that a person can not actually comprehend the enormity of 11 million, but rather can understand the implications of one individual. It is for these reasons, that I feel the avenue of A/V is a more powerful tool than simply print information.
 * Why Audio/Video:**

It is important for a researcher to evaluate materials before using them for research. Although librarians do follow these procedures, it is clear that a researcher's need to do so does not diminish because of this. In order to evaluate both print and online materials, it is important to follow the same steps:
 * Selection Criteria:**
 * Evaluating Print Materials/AV Materials:**
 * 1) **Accuracy**
 * 2) **Authority**
 * 3) **Scope**
 * 4) **Arrangement**
 * 5) **Methodology**
 * 6) **Currency**
 * Evaulating On-line Materials:**
 * 1) **Authority: Who wrote it? What is the motive and expertise of the author?**
 * 2) **Reliability: Does a known organization or institution sponsor the site? Are clear contact details given? Does the URL indicate reliability?**
 * 3) **Currency: When was it last updated? What are the copyright dates? Are there dead links?**

It is important, not only for library/media specialist, to develop Pathfinders and Mediagraphies for units of study, but also for them to promote them. What good does development without usage do? One of the easiest ways to promote a new mediagraphy is to link it to your blog. This allows teachers who are followers of your blog to have immediate access to new research tools. In addition, a mini-lesson in library class that uses portions of the medigraphy as an introductory piece for new studies is a good idea, as well.
 * Promotion Ideas:**

Click here to enter the mediagraphy