Abstract

In the current educational climate there is continual struggle for a bigger share of resources, and school libraries are not alone in being constantly under pressure to raise their profile in order to be able to operate an excellent service that adds value to its community of users. This is not a 'how to run a school library' guide, but a strategic look at some of the issues currently of concern to school librarians. It addresses the practical issues through the use of vignettes submitted by leaders in the field, and appendices offer examples of sample documents. The book is divided into three main areas, including: 'Who is the Librarian?'; Your Community: from perceptions to practice; and, Moving Forward. It covers topics including: the librarian's view; how others see us; bridging the gap; identifying and understanding your community; making a positive response; inspiration; integration; and, innovation. This is an essential, thought-provoking book for all school librarians, practitioners in schools library services, and students of librarianship. It also has plenty to interest public library managers and local government officers.
"Overall, this is an important book for school librarians, as it provides the basis for an evaluation of the school librarian’s role, as a strategic planner, as a developer of information literate students, as an ICT leader and innovator and as an inspiration to students." - Library Review
"…quite the volume to help readers better grasp the limits and options librarians can undertake in order to achieve their goals. Enhanced with appendixes filled with useful references, The Innovative School Librarian should be at the right hand of every ambitious librarian, and is a solid entry into any collection dedicated to library science." - The Midwest Book Review
Sharon Markless BA PGCE MAEd Hon FCLIP Consultant, Information Management Associates, and Senior Lecturer in Higher Education, King’s College London, (editor),
"...more books of this quality about school libraries are needed." - New Library World