Core Values in School Librarianship: Responding with Commitment and Courage - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1440878153 ISBN 13: 9781440878152

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2021

Synopsis

This title offers pre-service, newly practicing, and seasoned school librarians opportunities for reflection as well as inspiring strategies for enacting four core values of the profession.

The school library profession has been in "crisis" for more than a decade. Educational decision-makers have not been made aware of or sold on the core values of school librarianship and its value to students, classroom teachers, administrators, and the entire school community. Budgetary priorities often do not include school librarians, resulting in a lack of funding and the elimination of many positions, which can cause many school librarians to feel vulnerable and afraid. Guideposts are needed to offer today's school librarians a chance to connect or reconnect with their passion for literacy, learning, and serving that led them to the profession.

Core Values in School Librarianship: Responding with Commitment and Courage provides preservice, newly practicing, and seasoned school librarians with opportunities for thoughtful reflection alongside inspiring strategies for gathering courage and enacting four core values of the profession. It is an important and visionary book that all school librarians should read as they develop in their role as leaders in their schools.

About this title

About the Author

Judi Moreillon, PhD, is a literacies and libraries consultant. She has taught preservice school librarians since 1995. Her research and publications focus on school librarian leadership and classroom teacher–school librarian instructional partnerships.

Reviews

This compelling volume of essays edited by Moreillon explores four central principles at the heart of librarianship: equity, diversity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. Featuring thought-provoking essays by contributors working in librarianship, the book encourages librarians to think deeply about these ideas; examples from practicing school librarians offer context. The later chapters examine what these ideas look like in action-for instance, librarians can ensure accessibility by including audiobooks and large print books in the collection-and emphasize advocacy, leadership, and relationships. Questions at the end of each chapter push readers to reflect on their own practice. The book is grounded in social justice ideals, and Moreillon stresses the importance of adaptability through discussions of how librarians have evolved their practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VERDICT This title is likely most useful to preservice and early career librarians first establishing their goals and priorities; however, it could also be a valuable resource for more veteran librarians reconnecting with their dedication to the field. In addition, it makes a strong case for the importance of a full-time, certified librarian and could be used as an advocacy tool.-Kathryn Ferrante, Renbrook Sch., West Hartford, CTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440878153
• ISBN 13: 9781440878152
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: Moreillon Judi