Curriculum Partner: Redefining the Role of the Library Media Specialist » (1st Edition)

CAROL A. KEARNEY is a retired elementary, junior high, and senior high school media specialist, former director of the library media program of the Buffalo, NY, public schools, and past president of the New York Library Association. She currently divides her time between New York and Florida.

Provides library media specialists with current theory and research, as well as new tools and techniques, to help fulfill their role as curriculum partner with classroom teachers and administrators in the school instructional program.

VOYA

In her preface, Kearney states, "As library media specialists, we all have visions of 'the way it could be.'" Information Power (ALA, 1998) provides library media specialists with the framework for that vision; however, many do not know where to begin in bringing that vision to reality. Enter Kearney to the rescue. The true value of this book lies in her suggestions for implementing change. The book includes ideas on how to form an advocate group, strategies to forge partnerships with principals and gauge the political climate of the school, activities that demonstrate leadership skills, and suggestions for how to collaborate with the learning community to define goals and set objectives for the library program. For added encouragement, cohorts from across the country describe actions they have taken in their home districts that have made a difference. Any library media specialist who has wondered, "What can I do to affect change and become a curriculum partner?" will get some ideas on where and how to start. In addition to providing practical suggestions, Kearney' s well-researched book contains a wealth of information on current educational issues. She discusses flexible scheduling, compares several research models, and shares ideas on assessment and staff development. The extensive bibliography contains the best of books and articles related to the library media program published in the past ten years. The ideas in this worthwhile purchase should be read and shared by everyone interested in developing an exemplary school library program. Index. Biblio. 2000, Greenwood, 208p. PLB $39.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Chris Carlson SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)

Preface

Introduction

The Library Media Specialist: Redefining Leadership

A Partnership with the Principal: Redefining Support for the Library Media Program

The Change Process: Redefining the Library Media Program

Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives: Redefining Planning

Collaborative Planning: Redefining a Partnership with Teachers

Program Implementation and Assessment: Redefining the Instructional Program

Staff Development: Redefining Opportunities for Learning

Advocacy: Redefining a Community of Supporters

Epilogue

Reference List

Index