The Indispensable Librarian: Surviving and Thriving in School Libraries in the Information Age

This readable and practical book examines the changes in school libraries brought by the digital revolution―and describes how new and experienced librarians can take advantage of them.

Both a book of practical solutions to today's budgetary and staffing problems in school libraries as well as an advocacy book, The Indispensable Librarian: Surviving and Thriving in School Libraries in the Information Age, Second Edition provides a practice-based overview of all management topics that also supplies real-world scenarios, step-by-step instructions, and pragmatic solutions to specific problems.

In this follow-up to his original book, Doug Johnson offers more practical methods and sage advice for leveraging technology's popularity and effectiveness to build stronger programs and cultivate beneficial professional connections and friendships. He defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technologically enhanced school, providing relevant examples and useful advice on a variety of topics; and underscores the importance of strong management skills, especially regarding collaborative planning and communications. The book is written especially for K–12 school librarians, both new and experienced, and is also suitable for pre-service librarians as a textbook.

• Provides both practical and visionary insights from an experienced, currently practicing librarian/library supervisor

• Supplies accessible and often humorous coverage of the subject without being simplistic

• Includes provocative ideas to stimulate thought and discussion

• Highlights the impact of technology on the library program and serves as a straightforward guide to changes needed in the field

• Offers an essential foundation of all aspects of managing a school library program