Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival

Based on research, experience, and actual implementation of award-winning programs, this book offers solid information to guide school librarians in one of their most valuable roles, that of advocate. Seven engaging and informative chapters, all written by various successful practitioners, offer solid suggestions. The first chapter identifies numerous characteristics important to promoting the library, such as focusing on the students, providing equality of services, teaching 21st-century learning skills, helping students learn in meaningful ways, etc. Chapter two emphasizes the importance of student learning, assessment, and evaluation. Remaining chapters address activism, being proactive, developing leadership, connecting, collaborating, and establishing advocates from within the faculty. Suggestions for creating an advocacy plan; ways of promoting it within the school, community, and business; acquiring legislative support; involving parents; and connecting and involving administrators, board members, and teachers are included. If they are heeded, library programs will flourish. Frequent text boxes and figures support the information. Most articles include a summary, with references and additional resource lists at the conclusion of each chapter. The appendix also includes additional tools for developing, planning, and assessing the plan. An extensive index concludes this valuable resource.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE