The goal of the 21st century school media specialist should be to prepare students to be a productive part of a global community that is continually getting smaller with technological developments. The standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians, work in conjunction with state and national standards to enhance the ability of media specialists to assist students in the learning process. Through these standards, students will gain the knowledge required by state standards, but also have the advantage of taking their knowledge to a level that will prepare them for future learning and to actively participate in the global community.