The Innovative School Librarian by Markless, Sharon;

Short description:

Offers a strategic look at some of the issues of concern to school librarians. This title addresses the practical issues through the use of vignettes submitted by leaders in the field. It is suitable for school librarians, practitioners in schools library services, and students of librarianship.

Long description:

This book takes a strategic look at some of the issues currently of concern to school librarians. It is not a "how to run a school library" guide. Instead it raises important questions about the functions of the school librarian and sets out to encourage the reader to think outside the box. It takes a strategic approach to the leadership of school libraries examining notions of professionalism, their effect on identity and models of library practice. This book aims to inspire and enable school librarians to think creatively about their work and the community in which they operate.

Written by leaders in the field, it addresses the practical issues through the use of vignettes, and appendices offer examples of sample documents. The book is divided into three main areas: Who is the Librarian?; Your Community: from perceptions to practice; and Moving Forward.

Key topics covered include:

- the librarian's vision and values
- how others see us
- bridging the gap between different visions for the school library
- identifying and understanding your community
- making a positive response
- keeping inspired and inspiring others
- integrating the library
- innovating.

Readership: This is an essential, thought-provoking book for all school librarians, practitioners in schools library services, and students of librarianship. It has plenty to interest school leadership, headteachers, educational thinkers, public library managers and local government officers and also has an international audience.

Table of Contents:

PART 1: WHO IS THE LIBRARIAN 1. Professionalism and the school librarian 2. How others see us 3. Bridging the gap PART 2: YOUR COMMUNITY: FROM PERCEPTIONS TO PRACTICE 4. Identifying and understanding your community 5. Making a positive response PART 3: MOVING FORWARD 6. Inspiration 7. Becoming integral to teaching and learning 8. Innovation References Appendix 1. Levels of education Appendix 2. School library self-evaluation questions Appendix 3. Sample survey of teachers' perceptions of the role of the school librarian Appendix 4. SWOT analysis Appendix 5. Choosing priorities in development planning - sample grid Appendix 6. An example of a completed self-evaluation Appendix 7. Some possibilities for gaining inspiration in the UK Appendix 8. Tools for managing change Appendix 9. Managing change: process and principles.