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.
Recommended Readings
The following readings will serve as guides to improve your working relationship with your administrator.
Recommended Online Resources
Getting to Know You
Tips for librarians on establishing better relationships with their school principals, building trust and communication techniques by Carl A Harvey II. School Library Journal, Nov2005, Vol. 51 Issue 11, p33-33, 1p; (AN 18797419).
Available in Ohio to K-12 educators through INFOhio. You must be logged in to access via these links.
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High Stakes for School Librarians
Discussion of the role of the school library in today’s information world with a new importance for the information specialist by Chris Lehmann. School Library Journal, July 2007, Vol. 53 Issue 7, p20-20, 1p, 1c. (AN 25655139).
Available in Ohio to K-12 educators through INFOhio. You must be logged in to access via these links.
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Ross to the Rescue
Brian Kenney, SLJ editor, interviews Dr. Ross Todd, an associate professor at Rutgers University and director of research for the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries, about the value of school libraries and their relationship to student learning. School Library Journal, April 2006; 52(4), 44-47. (AN 20404507)
Available in Ohio to K-12 educators through INFOhio. You must be logged in to access via these links.
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Operating Instructions
Recommendations for the first-year school librarian. Discusses the library program, budget, networking and more by Justin Ashworth. School Library Journal, Sep2006, Vol. 52 Issue 9, p50-51, 2p, 2c. (AN 22324192)
Available in Ohio to K-12 educators through INFOhio. You must be logged in to access via these links.
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School Librarians: A Field Guide to an Evolving Species
Joyce Kasman Valenza, School Librarian at Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim, PA., introduces the vital role of the school librarian to teachers new to the field. April 2002 issue of the Classroom Connect Newsletter, Volume 8 Number 7.
Online Resource
Media Center Staffing and Roles
Scroll up and down to see various staff positions with suggested responsibilities in this Media Center Administration section of the district Media Handbook. Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida. No date.
Online Resource
Recommended Books
New on the Job: a School Library Media Specialist’s Guide to Success
This book by Ruth Toor and Hilda K. Weisburg will get daily use by the new school librarian. ALA Editions, Chicago IL. 2007.
The Blue Book on Literacy and Instruction for the Information Age
Written for the school librarian who needs to understand and instruct students in the skill of inquiry by Daniel Callison and Leslie Preddy. Libraries Unlimited. 2006.
The Technology Connection: Building a Successful Library Media Program
This book is a compilation of articles by leaders in the field and covers topics such as funding, curriculum integration, and promoting the library program. Edited by Kathleen Schrock. Linworth. 2000.
