Library 101: A Handbook for the School Library Media Specialist

by Claire Gatrell Stephens, Patricia Franklin

This well organized handbook is a must have for new and inexperienced school librarians as they open new schools or take on that first job. It will also serve as a source of information for library professionals in guiding their clerical staff and student and parent volunteers. The handbook covers everything from library management systems to budgeting, television production, and how to collaborate with teachers. Current issues in the field (LMS role as a reading teacher and LMS role in assessment of student learning) are discussed. All issues and recommendations are viewed in an ideal setting and in a real-world setting, enabling LMS to view their situation as it is and as it may become. The basis of the work is the authors' experience in mentoring many new librarians in Florida and their own journey to national board certification The authors have solicited short sidebar articles from noted experts in the field, as well as from practicing school librarians at all levels. These short essays add validity and expand the text. Grades K-12.

Genres: School, Professional Development, Nonfiction

233 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text is definitely dated. It is amazing how much has changed in terms of school library media centers in a decade's time. For instance, there is an alarming amount of information in the book about using VCR players and "old-school" camcorders. Those ships have clearly sailed.

However, I did find this book to overall be a useful resource. It got me thinking about things I hadn't yet carefully considered, including circulation policies, specific things to budget for, and how to go about developing and weeding the collection. There are also some good resource suggestions in this text that I did not previously know anything about, such as The National Book Foundation. Its purpose is to increase cultural awareness of great writing in the United States, and it also sponsors the National Book Awards each year. I feel like I can move more appropriately toward preparing my newly acquired Learning Resource Center, as I have a better idea of where to focus my attention and what to ask others about.

[Susan Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library 101 is an excellent manual for the school librarian. It contains reference sheets, Dewey Decimal, how to catalog, collection development, managing technology, and collaborating with teachers. It's one of the best manuals I've seen.

[Mandy Hornsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, there is a bit of a background story that pertains to my reading this book. To my surprise, after looking forever, I was hired two weeks ago to be a Library Media Specialist. (Less than two weeks to the beginning of school!) Spending two years in the public library, and getting my alternate route license before this event. Anyway, I have had a few quick crash courses from a fellow librarian in the district before sitting down and reading Library 101. I am mildly disappointed in it. Even though it was just published in 2007, many things are out of date already. Technology is moving so fast that iPads and Smart Boards have surfaced since the publishing of the book. Also, there was a chapter on managing a TV studio in the library long than promoting reading. This was due to the authors experience in the subject, and the availability of such equipment in her library. Most library media centers in my state would not have this because it a required class in ninth grade. However, it is a decent read to get a quick glimpse of the career if you are interested, and starting from scratch.

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[bach books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the video production and AV sections are clearly dated, but this book presents a useful overview of life in the library in a clear and readable manner.

[Sara Westhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the principles are very useful, but take note that the technology covered is very dated - and was probably already dated when the book was published.

[Nona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, required reading for LBT 160 class though MCC.