The goal of the Principal Project, funded by ILILE, was to collect and disseminate resources to help administrators to better understand the role of the certified library media specialist and the importance of a strong library media program. Administrative support is vital to developing and maintaining a quality school library program. These resources offer ideas and suggestions for working closely with your school administrator to ensure that your program has a positive impact on teaching and learning.
Research for this project was coordinated by Ann E. Tepe.
Creating a Quality School Library Program
Administrators play a critical role in creating and maintaining a quality program. These resources will provide guidance and useful tools.
Library program development
Quality programs are achieved through planning, hard work and strong partnerships between administrators, teachers and the school librarian.
NEW!! AASL Standards for 21st Century Learners
American Associate of School Libraries: “Standards for the 21st-Century Learner offer vision for teaching and learning to both guide and beckon our profession as education leaders. They will both shape the library program and serve as a tool for library media specialists to use to shape the learning of students in the school.”
Follow the link below for a summary and additional documents for download.
Achieving Exemplary School Libraries
51 page printable booklet including recommendations, job descriptions, evaluation rubric from the School Library Media Services division of the South Carolina Department of Education. 2005.
Link to Word Document
Sample surveys for students, faculty and administrators
Online Resource
Library Services Principal’s Corner
NYC Dept. of Education resources for principals about creating an effective library including evaluation. 2007.
Online Resource
Beyond Proficiency: Achieving a Distinguished Library media Program
Library program evaluation rubric and more. Booklet available online from the Kentucky Department of Education. 2001.
PDF Full Text
Reinventing Indiana’s School Library Media Programs in the Age of Technology: A Handbook for Principals and Superintendents
Book by David V. Loertscher and Connie Champlin. Designed as a quick guide to essential ideas about what constitutes a 21st century library media program and how to insure that schools have the elements, the staff, and the support needed to accomplish the goal of a high quality educational program. LMC Source. Hi Willow Research and Publishing. 2001.
Indiana Learns
Book by David V. Loertscher and Connie Champlin. Created for library media specialists and technology leaders, this book provides a host of ideas, resources, concepts, and a major section on data-driven decision making practices. LMC Source. Hi Willow Research and Publishing. 2002.
Website that accompanies book.
A Quality Library Program
Program development outline and template from the Clayton County Public Schools, Georgia. 2007.
Online Resource
Getting the Most from Your School Library Media Program
Brief summary of presentation designed especially for school administrators by Doug Johnson, Director of Media and Technology for the Mankato (MN) Public Schools, with excellent handout which can be accessed and printed. 2006.
Online Resource
School Library Media Center Long-Range Planning Guide Template
Planning template to create a local long range plan from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. 2004.
Online Resource
The LMS and the Curriculum
The school librarian can offer invaluable insight with curriculum mapping, meeting standards, improving reading skills, preparing students for college and much, much more.
Tips for Administrators and Curriculum Leaders
Seven key strategies for administrators to keep a viable program in the information age by Barbara Barreda, St. Elisabeth School presented at NECC2007 conference.
PDF Full Text
Gaining support from students, teachers and parents and community
Your Child's Library Media Center: What Parents Should Know
PDF Brochure to help parents understand school libraries. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 2006.
PDF Full Text
Measuring Up: Characteristics of Quality School Libraries
PDF Brochure to help parents and community members understand the school library and its role in instruction and learning. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 2006.
PDF Full Text
