School librarians face a growing number of new responsibilities, functions and challenges as their roles evolve. The Innovative School Librarian: Thinking Outside the Box, to be released in North America by Neal-Schuman on September 1, 2009, examines the key strategies, pertinent concerns and most effective practices to help school library professionals and educators best serve their users and communities.

Editor Sharon Markless and a team of expert contributors use a three-part approach to address the field’s fundamental principles and prevalent issues. The first part examines school library management, leadership, technical competencies and social issues, as well as the factors that influence professional identity. Contributors also explore the different ways in which people within and outside of the school community view school librarians, and offer guidance for bridging the gap between these conflicting perceptions and values.

The second part focuses on the relationship between the school library and its community, with advice to help librarians pinpoint their individual community’s specific needs and adapt learning and instruction accordingly. There is direction for creating positive and productive relationships with colleagues, community members and professional partners, benchmarking between libraries and self-evaluation.
The third part explores inspiration as a driving factor for developing new ideas, reaching important goals and keeping current. There is guidance for integrating the school library with the teaching team and ensuring its place as a central part of the general school structure, along with a successful model for generating forward progress and managing change.

Each part includes numerous examples from real-life libraries to demonstrate successful practical implementation. Markless also includes comprehensive appendices with sample documents, checklists and illustrations, along with a complete list of cited websites.
The Innovative School Librarian: Thinking Outside the Box is an essential, thought-provoking addition to any school library media professional, LIS student or educator’s collection.

The Innovative School Librarian: Thinking Outside the Box
ISBN 978-1-85604-653-4.
2009. 6 x 9. 192 pp. $110.00.

About the Editor
Sharon Markless is a Consultant with Information Management Associates and a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education at King’s College London.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers and Facet Publishing
Facet Publishing titles are exclusively available in the Uunited States through Neal-Schuman Publishers, a leading provider of library management, Internet, and information technology resources. Facet is the imprint of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (formerly the British Association). Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
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212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com