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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.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction: Realities and Perceptions of School Leadership
Building a Rapport with the School Principal
Collaborating with the School Principal and Other School Leaders
Keeping Lines of Communication Open with the Principal
Assessing and Evaluating the School Library with the Principal's Support
Venturing onto the Internet in Partnership
Reaching Out to the Larger Community
Gaining the Principal's Endorsement for Issues in the Library Media Program
Appendix A: Recommended Books
Appendix B: Relevant Internet Sites
Appendix C: School Library Media Program Standards and Principles
Reference List
Index
About the author
Patricia Canfield Wilson is a registered commercial interior designer, textile designer, artist, and published author. Her mission is to enrich lives, empower people, and create beauty. Inspired by nature, her work is based on nature's golden mean and beautiful florals. She and her husband, Jack, live in Texas.
Summary
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.
