Overview
Finally—a current tool that library media specialists can use to assist their principals in understanding how an exemplary school library program really works, and how important the library is to student achievement. This book provides media specialists with substantive information to help principals be effective practitioners and understand the influence a successful library media program has on students and teachers. Using their collective thirty years of experience, the authors—a principal and media specialist—draw heavily from their personal insights, experiences and anecdotes, as well as professional literature, related research, journal articles, site visits, and interviews with principals and library media specialists. You will also find information on the overarching philosophy guiding the practice of principals and library media specialists, best practices in the library program, the principal's role in managing the media center, and other pertinent topics.
Synopsis
This book of best practices documents how school administrators and librarians can work together to optimize their library media services.
School Library Journal
Five well-paced chapters provide administrators with a knowledge base of library-related philosophy and research; best practices in collaboration and instructional issues; responsibilities that effective librarians assume; nuts and bolts of hiring, scheduling, budgeting, and facilities; and professional development. Each chapter opens with questions that a principal might ask and includes a concise introduction, specific suggestions for action, and extensive citations, resources, rubrics, and examples. A four-step model for improvement with the acronym GEAR (Gather information, Establish goals, Apply strategies, and Reflect) is included. The appendixes consist of useful guides and forms to use for assessing unit planning, evaluating the search process, integrating research and writing, suggested time allocations, budget, interview questions, checklists, and GEAR worksheets. While administrators are unlikely to seek out this volume, librarians would do well to read it for their own professional development, highlighting and passing along information to their principals with hopes that they become interested enough to continue reading on their own.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This is a book that many in our profession would love to give to their principal, but why stop there? District administrators and board members would also find it an excellent introduction to the school library media program, its impact on student learning, and the components necessary for a vital, effective program. Authors Marla McGhee and Barbara Jansen cover standards and best practices, the many "hats" worn by library media specialists, professional development and action research, and the principal's role in supporting and improving library programs. Each chapter includes guiding questions that serve not only as an introduction to the discussion, but also show the administrator 'what's in it for me.' The chapter summaries, planning sections, and appendices further define the steps a principal can take to ensure a successful program, and the comprehensive works cited sections will lead to even more research, rationale, and recommendations. The authors have wisely packaged a wealth of information in a slim, accessible volume so as not to overwhelm busy administrators. How wonderful it would be if administration classes at the university level would adopt this book. Recommended."
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Library Media Connection