Woolls, Blanche, Ann C. Weeks and Sharon Coatney. The School Library Manager. 5th Ed. 2014. 278p. ISBN 978-1-61069-133-8. Available at PROF 025.1 WOO on the library shelves.
The School Library Manager covers the running of a busy and successful school library from the hiring process through the evaluation of the program. An excellent book, it presents all of the facets that affect the school library in today’s global environment.
First, the authors explore the history of school libraries, including how they came about to be, how they evolved, and how they function in today’s world. Of particular interest is the discussion on collaboration between school librarians and teachers, where the emphasis is on limiting the number of activities to ensure that they are successful, and expanding services slowly but steadily to ensure that the librarian has the opportunity to collaborate with every teacher.
Programs offered by school libraries are then explored, including inquiry learning and information literacy, and how these activities are incorporated in the structures of the Common Core. The library is in a unique position to support Common Core goals by pairing informational texts with units of studies, as well as continuing to properly support pleasure reading by offering captivating novels for students and staff. The library is also a place to compile and provide professional development books for staff, and the librarian is uniquely placed to distribute professional learning opportunities for teachers.
Other chapters explore the process of becoming a school librarian, managing personnel and the library budget, and advocating, evaluating and assessing the programs offered by the school library. Finally, the book describes several ways for school librarians to pursue effective leadership opportunities and contribute to professional associations.
This book is a must have for every school librarian!
No comments:
Post a Comment