Description

Deemed “essential” by Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), “a great read” by School Library Journal, and “comprehensive” by Reference & User Services Quarterly, the first edition of Weisburg’s guide won plaudits for its inspirational yet pragmatic approach. At a time when school librarians are facing challenges as never before, from straightened budgets and censorship battles to uncertainty about the future and burnout, the updated second edition is timelier than ever. Weisburg builds on her decades of experience and mentorship in school libraries to offer a carefully crafted roadmap that guides readers step by step through the process of transforming into a leader, from becoming aware of what's at stake to learning and mastering the necessary skills for leadership. From this book, which offers “Key Ideas” at the end of each chapter, you will learn

why you can’t be an effective advocate for your school library unless you're a leader;

how to tackle common fears about taking on a leadership role, and ways to move past them and gain confidence;

guidance on managing classes in the library and the importance of leading with your attitude;

approaches that will help you become an expert teacher, from "Creating a Climate for Questions" to inquiry-based learning and other variations;

techniques for uncovering your strengths, identifying your skill set, and improving your leadership expertise;

methods for building credibility among stakeholders and peers through strategic risk-taking;

pointers on communicating effectively, becoming visible, behaving ethically, dealing with Imposter Syndrome, maintaining a healthy life-work balance, and navigating other important career issues; and

how to create a three-year strategic plan to further your mission and your vision, enabling you to become a local educational leader who also has a presence on the state and national level.

Newly revised to connect with the AASL National School Library Standards, this indispensable guide shows school librarians how they can methodically build their confidence and skills to become the leaders their students and colleagues needs them to be.

Hilda K. Weisburg was a school librarian for more than 30 years and is now an author, speaker, and adjunct instructor at William Paterson University. She has coauthored (with Ruth Toor) fourteen books for school librarians, including Being Indispensable: A School Librarian’s Guide to Becoming an Invaluable Leader (2011) and New on the Job: A School Library Media Specialist’s Guide to Success (2014). Weisburg is also the author of School Librarian’s Career Planner (2013), Leading for School Librarians: There Is No Other Option (2017), and Classroom Management for School Librarians (2020). For 35 years, she cowrote and edited School Librarian’s Workshop, a bimonthly newsletter for K–12 librarians. Weisburg has given presentations at ALA, AASL, and state library conferences. She has also presented staff development workshops in many locations. A past president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, she is a past chair of the AASL Advocacy committee, chairs the Ruth Toor Grant for Strong Public Libraries, and serves on various ALA committees. Weisburg was the recipient of AASL’s 2016 Distinguished Service Award.

Foreword, by Susan D. BallardIntroductionPart I              Safe First Steps to Leadership Chapter 1        Why Be a Leader?

Accepting the Challenge

Roadblocks to Leadership

Qualities of a Leader

Measuring Up

Fear Factor

Key Ideas

Chapter 2        Getting Grounded

Who Are You?

Mission Statements

Vision Statements

Procrastination—the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Key Ideas

Chapter 3        Managing Classes in the Library

The Challenge—Part 1

Control vs. Management

Your Attitude Leads

Rules and Routines

Key Ideas

Chapter 4        Becoming an Expert Teacher

The Challenge—Part 2

Anticipate

Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings

Creating a Climate for Questions

Assessing

Collaborate or Cooperate

Inquiry-Based Learning and Other Variations

Standards

Key Ideas

Part II            Building Your Leadership Skills Chapter 5        Becoming a Leader

Developing Confidence

Identifying and Using Role Models and Mentors

Testing Your Leadership Skills

Being a Team Player

Imposter Syndrome and Self-Assessment

Key Ideas

Chapter 6        Uncovering Your Strengths

Five Bases of Power

Your Skill Set

Relationship Building

Being Likeable

Key Ideas

Chapter 7        Improving Your Leadership Expertise

To Do and To Don’t

Emotional Intelligence

Leading and Managing

Making Meetings Matter

Key Ideas

Chapter 8        Knowing How to Handle Important Communications

Communicating in Person

Written Communication

Digital Communication

Making a Presentation

Recognizing the Messages You Send

The IT Department and You

Key Ideas

Part III           Playing Larger Chapter 9        Always Have a Plan

Your Brand and Taglines

Know Your Goals

Identifying Your Targets

SOAR Rather Than SWOT

The Strategic Plan

Showcase Your Advocacy Plan

Key Ideas

Chapter 10      Staying Visible and Vital

Empowering Stakeholders

Standards and Ethics

Staying Current

Seek to Innovate

Toolkits

Key Ideas

Chapter 11      Maintaining Joy

Writing and Presenting

Delegating

Giving Back

The Gift of Time

Key Ideas

Index