Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival

(Paperback)

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Description

This book provides practical strategies and step-by-step plans for developing advocacy initiatives for school libraries. School libraries provide an essential service to the community, but without proper funding few libraries stand a chance to maintain the resources they offeror to survive at all. School librarians can play an instrumental role in the survival of their programs. This how-to book provides school librarians with effective advocacy and activism strategies for promoting and improving their library programs. Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival offers straightforward, practical approaches for creating advocacy programs. This guidebook examines the characteristics for becoming an advocate, explores the meaning of advocacy/activism as an effort that is ongoing and proactive, and provides the steps required for initiating a successful program. The contributors address the various types of advocacy and activism, including legislative advocacy at the local, state, and national levels; school and district level programs; and community-based initiatives. The book includes expert advice from successful advocates and provides helpful reproducible tools.

Reviews

The book is full of helpful, authentic tips and information imperative to the job security of school media specialists. . . . This is an absolute necessity for every school librarian. . . . Highly Recommended. * Library Media Connection *
Based on research, experience, and actual implementation of award-winning programs, this book offers solid information to guide school librarians in one of their most valuable roles, that of the advocate. Seven engaging and informative chapters, all written by various successful practitioners, offer solid suggestions. . . . An extensive index concludes this valuable resource. * School Library Journal *
Levitov provides solid advice for those not already in the trenches advocating for school libraries. * Booklist Online *

Author Bio

Deborah D. Levitov, PhD, is managing editor of School Library Monthly and editor of Libraries Unlimited's Guide for Developing and Evaluating School Library Programs.