School librarians can demonstrate leadership by constantly updating their skills and knowledge to collaborate effectively with teachers. They create environments where collaboration and problem solving thrive. Studies show that when school librarians take on leadership roles and partner with administrators, it can positively impact academic achievement, as leadership translates to higher collaboration between librarians and teachers to improve learning experiences. Action research can also help school librarians demonstrate leadership by evaluating how library programs impact students.

1. School Librarians and LeadershipLIB604 Libraries in the School CurriculumSpring 2011

2. School Librarians as LeadersA curricular leader and a full participant on the instructional team, the library media specialist constantly updates personal skills and knowledge in order to work effectively with teachers, administrators, and other staff--both to expand their general understanding of information issues and to provide them with specific opportunities to develop sophisticated skills in information literacy, including the uses of information technology.Roles and Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist

3. As expressed in Empowering Learners:Leading SLMSs create an environment where collaboration and creative problem solving thrive. They continuously strive to advance their skills by leading professional journals and books, attending conferences, and networking with other librarians.Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media ProgramsThe newest set of guidelines from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

4. What is Leadership?Preparing for LeadershipAt its essence, leading is all about relationships – growing the connections among individuals that permit collective, collaborative thinking and action.Leaders motivate, join forces in articulating a common vision and goals, and support others in conceiving and implementing plans for action.February 14, 2011

5. Is there a leader type?Preparing for LeadershipWe say, “So-and-so is a born leader.” No such thing. Leadership is a relationship between a person and a group plus the skills to guide the group to success. As with any relationship, success depends on both parties. One group’s stellar leader may fail utterly when leading another group.Stever Robbins: Stever Column - The Essence of LeadershipFebruary 14, 20115

6. 6Preparing for LeadershipLeadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who chose to follow. Sometimes the relationship is one-to-one. Sometimes it’s one-to-many. But regardless of whether the number is one or one thousand, leadership is a relationship.Leadership Development is Character DevelopmentBy JIM KOUZES and BARRY POSNER February 14, 2011Leadership is relationship?

7. Leadership in contextPreparing for LeadershipLeadership is not just dependent on an individual’s unique qualities. “Successful leaders have learned to view their organizations’ environment in a holistic way.”(Leadership for School Culture). They understand and model the core values of the institution.Leading on the Wave of ChangeKnowledge Quest on the Web:January/February 2001Debbie Abilock, Editor February 14, 20117

8. Are Teachers Leaders?Preparing for LeadershipTeachers provide a powerful and insightful voice regarding decisions about school change because teachers have knowledge of local school conditions. . . a teacher’s power is essential both within and beyond the walls of the classroom.eJournalBC Educational Leadership Research. Issue 3. March 16, 2006Taylor WebbFebruary 14, 20118

9. Teacher leadersPreparing for LeadershipVarious studies indicate that effective teacher leadership involves a move away from top-down, hierarchical modes of functioning and a move toward shared decision-making, teamwork, and community building.Teachers as Leaders in Education Reform. ERIC Digest. by Wynne, Joan February 14, 20119

10. Characteristics of good leadershipBeing creative

11. Being interactive

12. Being vision-headed

13. Empowering others (by encouraging participation and involvement)

14. Being passionate about their work

15. Based on Leadership: A Communication Perspective (2003), reproduced in Empowering Learners(AASL, 2009). February 14, 2011Preparing for Leadership10

16. Media Specialist LeadershipPreparing for LeadershipFebruary 14, 201111

17. LMS Leadership Pays Off!Academic achievement increases when school librarians are leaders in their schools.Library media specialists who seek leadership roles and partnerships with administrators create strong library media programs translating into academic achievement. This is an indirect relationship. That is, leadership translates to higher collaboration with teachers in creating quality learning experiences that in turn, has a direct impact on academic achievement.David LoertscherPowering Achievement: School Library Media Programs Make a DifferenceFebruary 14, 201112

18. Finding from Colorado:Loertscher: Leadership and AchievementPowerPoint SlidesFor Colorado (and other) studies see School Library Impact Studies

19. http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/leadership.html

20. Preparing for Leadership?