Tales Out of the School Library

Learners today have different needs from their counterparts in the past. School librarians may accept this statement as truth, but may have difficulty in their own scope of professional practice in meeting the needs of these students. This book is not so much about whether current learners are digital natives or not, or part of the net generation, but rather answers the question, how should school librarians conduct themselves in their teaching, communicating, and leading roles in light of the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner? In addition, what factors make an exemplary school librarian who will not only inspire students, but also nurture needed dispositions in them? The authors begin by introducing the theoretical framework of dispositions in the field of education. Then the fun begins. Readers are introduced to three fictional, yet very realistic school librarians in a series of thought-provoking vignettes that focus on instructional strategies, information literacy, assessment, literacy and reading, diversity, intellectual freedom, communication, advocacy, collaboration, resiliency, leadership, and professional ethics. Each chapter connects to the AASL standards and includes follow-up and discussion questions. All school librarians aiming to become reflective practitioners who model professional dispositions should read this unique book.—Angela Washington-Blair, Emmett J. Conrad High School, Dallas, TX