The Involved School Librarian: How to Increase Your Impact and Thrive

School librarians are often in a tricky position because they bear the brunt of political movements but also play a key role in the wider school community. Experienced librarian Hilda K. Weisburg offers a practical approach to help all librarians get more involved while overcoming resistance.

Weisburg unveils the 5 Cs (Confident, Committed, Connected, Communicator, Change Agent), 5 Ps (Passionate, Purposeful, Planner, Professional, Powerful), and 3 Ls (Listener, Learner, Leader) that will help you on your journey. Part I describes how you can recognize your own skills in these areas. Part II has you apply these qualities to improve your interactions with students, teachers, and administrators. And Part III has you apply these concepts to your interactions with the wider community - parents, the library community, and the business community. Each Part ends with a reflection chapter using the four Domains of AASL’s National School Library Standards: Think, Share, Create, and Grow.

Both new and experienced school librarians and media specialists will gain valuable ideas for strengthening their programs at a time when school libraries, librarians, and the value they bring are under attack.

Hilda Weisburg, MLS, is an author, speaker, and adjunct instructor at William Paterson University (NJ). During her 30+ year career as a school librarian, she served as president of NJASL, volunteered for and chaired several ALA and AASL committees and received the 2016 AASL Distinguished Service Award. Hilda has written twenty books for school librarians and a young adult novel. On her website, HildaKWeisburg.com, she has weekly blog on Advocacy and Leadership for school librarians and she runs the School Librarians Workshop Facebook group where well over 17,000 librarians find support.