School Librarianship: Past, Present, and Future

(Hardback)

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Description

This publication focuses on the past, present, and future impact of school librarians. The contributors are recognized leaders within the information profession with expertise in school libraries, and they chronicle international issues in professional education, scholarship, organizations, and the innovations of practitioners information that appeals to a global audience of professional educators, practitioners, and students involved in school libraries. The book is divided into three parts with each chapter contributed by an individual who has made significant contributions to the profession. Part 1 focuses on the history of school libraries and childrens literature. Part 2 provides a perspective on the current trends and opportunities for professional development and scholarship for school librarians, and Part 3 offers views on the ways school librarians will interact with students and teachers in the future. Readers will find authoritative information about the education, professional associations, scholarship, and innovations that are occurring internationally, and they will be inspired to perpetuate the legacy of school library advocacy established by Dr. E. Blanche Woolls. The book will appeal to a global audience of professional educators, practitioners, and students involved in school libraries.

Reviews

Thought provoking, reassuring, and inspiring, this collection is fitting for both newbies to the field and experienced librarians looking to continue their growth and understanding of our profession. Recommended. * School Library Connection *
The stated mission of Beta Phi Mu, the society that lends its name to this series, is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students, and this title exemplifies that goal.... Alman has scoured the field and assembled a cast of 12 luminaries, including such notables as Joyce Kasman Valenza, Barbara K. Stripling, and Karen Gavigan. The first chapters offer an overview of the history of school libraries and the development of standards associated with information literacy. The next two chapters present the history of childrens literature...and a valuable essay about fostering inquiry. Chapters five through seven introduce readers to a more global perspective, covering participation in international library organizations and the state of school libraries throughout the world. The final chapters focus on teacher librarian preparation programs and collaboration, ending with a look at the future of school libraries. Readers will find quick pieces of information that provide a springboard for future professional inquiry.... Thoughtful insights are augmented by generally helpful photographs, charts, and reproductions. Each chapter concludes with references, and the end matter includes a biography for each contributor. VERDICT This cerebral collaborative effort contains several useful gems for the scholarly minded practitioner. * School Library Journal *
In this superb collection of essays in honor of Blanche Woolls, school library educators and practitioners consider the past, present, and future potential of school libraries. A number of chapters focus in developments in library education that have changed or need to change in the 21st century. Two histories of school libraries and one on childrens literature are overlapping views of the past. Articles by Stripling, Todd, and Valenza are particularly informative in view of the developments in the world of information and technology. This is a must read for a field that has a great future if its professionals can rise to the opportunities. -- David V. Loertscher, Professor, School of Information, San Jose State University
This book offers an informative look at school library issues- historical and current, local and global. This is a good overview for those new to the field and a refresher for long-timers. -- Barbara Immroth, Professor, University of Texas at Austin

Author Bio

Susan W. Alman, PhD, is on the San Jos State University School of Information faculty. Prior to this appointment she was the Director of Online Learning at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information. She is a recognized author, consultant, and expert in futures studies, asynchronous learning, management, strategic planning, interpersonal communications, grant writing, marketing and public relations, group dynamics, and curriculum development.