Bloomsbury Curriculum Partner: Redefining the Role of the Library Media Specialist (Greenwood Professional Guides in School Librarianship)

School library media specialists will find this book invaluable, helping them fulfill their role as curriculum partner with teachers and administrators in the collaborative development, implementation, and assessment of the instructional program. Current theory and research, the practical experiences of over 40 library media specialists, and step-by-step instructions will assist both the new and experienced school library media specialist to function as a full curriculum partner in the 21st century. Chapters on leadership, change, and vision present the current models of leadership and explain the importance of being proactive, initiating change, and creating a vision for the school library media center as the center of learning that others in the school community will support. Suggestions for building a relationship with the principal and teachers, implementing flexible scheduling, and creating advisory groups and library advocates are presented here, along with techniques for successful staff development. Collaborative planning, implementation, and assessment of instructional plans (including special focus on technology, interdisciplinary curriculum, cooperative learning, and learning styles), complete with examples from all types of schools and grade levels, will inspire school media specialists to fully participate in creating information literate students in the 21st century. Review .,."a refreshing, well-written, and scholarly book that builds upon and integrates two decades of research and knowledge into a comprehensive framework for the reader. The experiences of many practitioners are used to make it a valuable resource for the novice as well as the experienced library media specialist."-American Reference Books Annual "Simply stated, this is a book that I would have liked to have written. It is important for practicing professionals and graduate students. Were I a district coordinator I would organize a discussion group around it. Were I teaching a course in teacher-librarianship it would be one of my texts....[This is] the best of a professional book: practical suggestions reflecting the world of work but firmly grounded in evidence and example. Bottom Line: Buy it, use it, and share it."-Ken Haycock in Teacher Librarian ?...a refreshing, well-written, and scholarly book that builds upon and integrates two decades of research and knowledge into a comprehensive framework for the reader. The experiences of many practitioners are used to make it a valuable resource for the novice as well as the experienced library media specialist.?-American Reference Books Annual ?Kearney has written a valuable handbook for the library media specialist that makes the concept of "curriculum partner" very attainable and provides impetus for real change. Highly Recommended.?-The Book Report/Library Talk ?Kearney's well-researched book contains a wealth of information on current educational issues....The ideas in this worthwhile purchase should be read and shared.?-VOYA ?Simply stated, this is a book that I would have liked to have written. It is important for practicing professionals and graduate students. Were I a district coordinator I would organize a discussion group around it. Were I teaching a course in teacher-librarianship it would be one of my texts....[This is] the best of a professional book: practical suggestions reflecting the world of work but firmly grounded in evidence and example. Bottom Line: Buy it, use it, and share it.?-Ken Haycock in Teacher Librarian ?This will be welcomed in classes on school librarianship as well as by seasoned media specialists hoping to keep current.?-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin ?Using research and writings from the best and brightest in the field. Kearney summarizes their ideas in a meaningful fashion....This book will be invaluable to beginning professionals in learning the ropes and to veterans as they look for ways to improve their practices in these