1. FRONT AND CENTER
The School Principal and the School Library
Nancy Magee
Administrator for Board Support and Community Relations
San Mateo County Office of Education
2. IS YOUR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL A
FRONTLINE LIBRARY ADVOCATE?
ALA Resources:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advlegadvocacyuniversity/frontline_advocacy/fron
tline_school
3. PRINCIPALS HAVE A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGE IN SCHOOLS
(MICHAEL FULLEN, 2002 )
“Although teacher-librarians generally view
principal support as being critical to the
success of the library program (Haycock, 1995),
they often have low expectations of principal
support (J.M. Campbell, 1991) and rarely engage in
the kind of activities that would increase
their principal’s understanding and
support.” (Edwards, 1989)
4. THE THREE R’S
Relationships
Relationships
Relationships
5. BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION
Be patient; good relationships take time
Be intentional; start with names
Build professional credibility
Communicate effectively
Work to advance school goals
Begin with the willing
Be positive and welcoming
6. Students
Families
Campus Leaders
Community Partners
BUILD A DIVERSE NETWORK
ON THE FRONTLINE
7. SHUSH?
WHAT THE PRINCIPAL HEARS…
If the Principal believes
the library is a
warehouse and
librarians are service
providers who only
respond to teacher or
student requests, then
…
9. A FRONTLINE PRINCIPAL …….
Is visible Has expectations
Explicitly articulates the
value of a strong school
library program
Includes the library in
conversations with
students, parents, other
principals and district
administrators
Enables librarian to rotate
to common planning time
meetings
11. A FRONTLINE PRINCIPAL …….
Reflects trust in
teacher librarian
knowledge
Includes library
program in staff
meeting topics and
discussions
Expects evidence of
collaboratively planned
projects as part of
teacher coaching
18. THANK YOU
Nancy Magee
Administrator for Board Support and Community Relations
San Mateo County Office of Education
nmagee@smcoe.k12.ca.us
(650) 802-5553
Editor's Notes
Typical frontline advocates are in the library daily…volunteers, media techs, student workers, teachers, aids, clerks, etc.Principals are assumed to be other placesPoint of presentation is to reconsider current relationship with principal regardless of your position or in light of your position and how to strengthen itI will consider myself successful if you can walk away today with a few concrete actions you can take that are practical for who you are and who your principal is
No matter what level or what job, we always work with peopleI have found this to be the key in every job, but especially as a librarianIntroduce myself and tell NatelleK storyTurn to a partner and introduce yourself and share one challenge you experience in developing or maintaining a strong relationship with your principal.Positive relationships can play out in a multitude of waysFuture jobsMore appreciation for role of library/You can impact kids and families for life!
Educate the community while advocating for the library
Arrive alil earlyStay a lil lateGet out on campusBring campus in
Limited information;Stereotypes/ Media ImagesOccupational invisibility Work involves empowering others Physical interaction limited to library space and scheduling Low profile in the educational literature No experience with librarian as a student orteacher Role of library not included in teacher or administrator education