Leadership for Today's School Library: A Handbook for the Library Media Specialist and the School Principal (Greenwood Professional Guides in School Librarianship) [Hardcover]

Patricia Potter Wilson (Author), Josette Anne Lyders (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0313313261 | ISBN-13: 978-0313313264

School library media specialists know that a close collaboration between the school principal and themselves is critical in the development of an exemplary school library media program, but they are often unsure of how to establish and build on that collaboration. Using Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning, the authors present a vision for a student-centered library program, showing methods librarians can use to learn to work together with their principals and teachers to build curriculum, incorporate state and national standards and guidelines, and implement technology. Interviews and vignettes from eracticing school library media specialists and school principals give witness to the effectiveness of the program, highlighting examples of key points. Beginning with a discussion on the principal's training and experience with the school library, the authors describe what goals he or she has in common with the school library media specialist, and how the two can develop a rapport to reach these shared goals. Wilson and Lyders explain how the media specialist can and should become a part of curriculum planning and evaluation with the principal. The involvement of the school principal in assessing and evaluating the school library is essential. Thus, working together on library public relations and outreach to the school community and Internet and technology plans increases this involvement. Wilson and Lyders also address the importance of gaining the principal's endorsement for such issues as intellectual freedom and copyright. The school library can have a powerful and positive impact on learning through the strong leadership and close realtionship of the principal and library media specialist.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

This book provides practical ideas for beginning collaborators and experienced librarians who need to take a fresh look at this important topic. Through documented research, the authors present the many facets of leadership from the perspective of the principal and librarian. "Reverie," found at the beginning of each chapter, describes the reflections of an imaginary librarian on a specific situation such as proposing a weekly meeting with the principal. Vignettes contributed by school librarians describe positive dialogues they have had with principals. Advice about interviews includes asking the principal about the school library's function or discussing the partnership between administration and librarian. Common-sense suggestions are included for building rapport between the two. This process is expanded with ideas and sources for additional information. Vision, goals, communication, curriculum collaboration, standards, and evaluation of the library program are all addressed succinctly, yet with enough information to be useful to librarians. Appendixes include school library media program standards and principles. A very mild criticism of this book is the use of phrases that indicate a subservient attitude by librarians, such as "In a school library, this means a smile for that weary classroom teacher, a cup of tea proffered at the end of a long day, and someone to talk to."
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

“With so much discussion regarding teacher-librarian and principal collaborative approach to leadership, and the relationship with the second principal/administrators....[a] nice balance between research and practice. It includes an excellent bibliography and list of relevant internet web sites.”–Teacher Librarian

“[a]n impressive work that explains the leadership role of the teacher-librarian....a nice balance between research and practice.”–Teacher Librarian

“School librarians have long known that having the support of their principals is key to running a succesful library program....this book gives school librarians the resources they need to convince principals of the value of an exemplary library program.”–VOYA

“[t]his well-researched book presents topical and important information for the school media specialist. Recommended.”–The Book Report

“This book provides practical ideas for beginning collaborators and experienced librarians who need to take a fresh look at this important topic. Vision, goals, communication, curriculum collaboration, standards, and evaluation of the library program are all addressed succinctly.”–School Library Journal

“It is recommended for libraries supporting school library certification programs and school administration programs.”–American Reference Books Annual

“[p]rovides an overview of ways for library media specialists and principals to create dynamic school libraries.”–Feliciter

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (May 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313313261
• ISBN-13: 978-0313313264
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,069,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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