Running a School Library Media Center : A How-to-Do-It Manual

Finally -- a completely new edition of the classic handbook and text for school librarians! Running a School Library Media Center has been expaded and updated to include each and every aspect of school library media operations.

Here you will learn how to forge better relationships with teachers, students, and administrators. You will understand how to manage better through appropriate policy-setting, procedure development, budgeting, public relations, and staff training. Cataloging, collection development, furniture selection, space planning, circulation, and more are discussed in detail.

Checklists, sample forms, and templates are included to make every task and procedure simpler. Among the special sections are directories of book, periodical, and nonprint vendors; learning skills inventories; important professional statements; and a listing of key listervs and electronic resources.

This major work -- a goldmine of practical information -- is a must have for all school libraries.

Written in fresh, conversational language, this manual offers assistance to any new or seasoned library media specialist on aspects of library management. In spite of many similarities to the first edition (1992) in content and format, it has added material regarding library automation, the Internet, electronic literacy, and e-mail, and also focuses on the most recent edition of Information Power and the role of the librarian. The book begins with an introductory chapter focusing on the target audience, facility, collection, setting goals, and physical aspects of the library; succeeding chapters follow in a logical and useful sequence to cover policies, cataloging, working with paraprofessionals and students, library design and arrangement, collaboration, and special programs. The manual is full of useful figures and various sample forms that are helpful in running and maintaining a library efficiently. An extensive appendix provides information on book, periodical, AV, and equipment jobbers. There are lists of resources for print, nonprint, and instructional aids, as well as lists of listservs and filtering software. There is also an example of an Acceptable Use Policy, a list of professional associations, and the Library Bill of Rights. Because of its comprehensive inclusion of easily accessible information, this is an important resource.
Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Aimed at the new school library media specialist, this handbook contains information useful to noncertified personnel such as paraprofessionals and aides. Volunteers will find the book mending, shelving, and inventory suggestions easy to follow. Veteran librarian-teachers will appreciate suggestions for working with staff, volunteers, and student assistants; facility planning and design; and programming ideas. Reproducible and sample forms, bulleted lists, and boxed tips add to the practical usefulness of the information. Rochelle Glantz
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved