Leading for School Librarians
There Is No Other Option

Hilda K. Weisburg (Author)

9780838938492

Paperback / softback, published 18 August 2023

224 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.33 kg

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.

Foreword, by Susan D. Ballard

Introduction

Part 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