The term "authentic" refers to the genuine, real, and true. Authentic learning involves exploring the world, asking questions, identifying information resources, discovering connections, examining multiple perspectives, discussing ideas, and making informed decisions that have a real impact. An authentic learning environment is engaging for students because the content and context of learning are accepted by the student as relevant to his or her needs and deemed by the teacher as simulating life beyond the classroom. A specific challenge of the library media specialist is to partner with other teachers to design learning activities and develop assessments that resemble constructive experiences beyond the school. This article presents examples and situations that may help teams of educators to consider how to move closer to developing authentic learning environments. Sections on authentic achievement, authentic assignments, authentic resources, authentic communications and audiences, authentic assessment, and authentic learning and information inquiry are presented. A list of resources for further reading is also included.