Leading From the Library, Second Edition: Help Your School Community Thrive in the Digital Age

by Shannon McClintock Miller, William M. Bass

In this new edition of the popular book Leading From the Library , you’ll gain insights into becoming a leader in your school community, with strategies for developing partnerships, empowering students and more.

Join a librarian and an education leader as they team up once more to explore the librarian’s role as a leader who works collaboratively to build relationships, mold culture and advocate for the needs of students and the community. Authors Shannon McClintock Miller and William Bass discuss the benefits of bringing the outside world into the library through tools that allow librarians to partner with others. Then, they expand upon these connections by addressing how librarians can lead in the greater education community by sharing resources and strategies, and partnering with school leaders to tell the story of the school community.

The new edition includes two brand-new chapters. The first reflects on the experiences of librarians during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing stories of how library programs supported students and teachers during shutdowns and virtual learning. The authors propose that these strategies can serve as foundational practices for libraries, and provide an opportunity to reflect on what library programs can offer. Another new chapter is dedicated to expanding the definition of literacy, with topics such as media and information literacy, and the importance of critical thinking and research as essential skills for students.

This revised
Through this book, librarians will discover the influence they can have on the school community as the library becomes the heart of the school, a place where problems are solved, content is explored, connections are made and discovery happens.

Elementary and secondary school librarians/media specialists; education leaders

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Adult, Education, Librarianship

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative and great reminder of common sense practices in this digital age. However, I cannot give this more than 3 stars due to the highly distracting grammatical errors throughout the book. I get it, you're going to come across books with a couple errors here and there, but good grief! This book was riddled with them, and they actually list names in the front of the book for positions like editor and proofreader... yikes, embarrassing!

[Anita Grendell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that the book was bad--I just don't enjoy reading professional nonfiction.

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by my library supervisor- well worth the read!

[Kyrstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book touched on several great topics, but it didn't contain a ton of meat. I would have liked more detail on some topics like the planning process at the end of more on design or examples of ways to collaborate in your community when nothing beyond very small interaction is happening. Also the time. How do we better balance all of this? So many questions to keep exploring, but the answers aren't in this book. This is a pretty great primer, but if you've been to library school in the last few years, there won't be much that's groundbreaking or new, because these are the principles you were likely taught.

[Erin Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miller's book relays the results of a school librarian and an education leader evaluating the librarian's efficacy in using social media, video-call software such as Teams and Zoom, and other technologies frequently used in schools. After their evaluation, they determine where librarians can improve or strengthen their relationship with technology so they can better assist students, staff, and the school as a whole. This book recommends strategies and programming librarians can use to engage students, incorporate learning standards into their practices with students, and form stronger relationships with admin to promote collaboration from all angles of the school to meet the needs of students.

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I have the original version of this book and just got around to reading it. Several of the links/QR codes don't work any more. Overall, I went into this book with the high hopes that it would really help me take my librarianship to the next level. However, I came to this book with several years of experience as a school librarian so many of the suggestions are things that I either already strive to do or they simply aren't relevant to my particular school. I DO think that this book would be valuable to an entry-level school librarian or library student as they strive to figure out how to navigate the world of school librarianship, but I just wish that it went deeper into some of the content.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read that provided a few helpful tips and tools I can use right away. I am familiar with most of the concepts presented from other professional development, like ISTE U's future ready librarian course, but it was a good reminder anyway. I purchased the book a while back & got the motivation to read it because of the summer book club. I started the book club, but found the weekly responses on Google slides to be more of a deterrent to finishing than if I just read the book straight through. I would recommend this book to other school librarians, especially those who are just starting out or are feeling like they need to make some changes.

[J. S. Seebauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest piece I embraced, as it was present in this book but not so many others I read is, “it cannot change overnight. Start small. Build from there.” So many PD books and workshops leave me feeling like I have to do it all, correctly, now.

I also appreciated the honesty about how leadership is a journey and you’ll never arrive because our landscape is constantly changing. It’s so true.

I’ve many notes and am ready to slowly incorporate many into this year.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for professional development. It is a hip-hip-hooray for the metamorphosis of libraries and the Future Ready Librarian movement.
A simple guide to help with the paradigm-shift each librarian needs to make to keep up with today's changing media and technology-focused library.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so thankful that I joined in the Book Club this summer discussing this book! This book provides a look at key concepts in the school library world - from detailing the difference between services and programming, how to be a force of change, the zones in the library, how to advocate for your library program, and learning your school culture. Very practical book that I would recommend!

[B. Zelkovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being a slim book, the corporate speak made this a tiresome read. It's definitely geared toward staff already established in their school libraries, it expects you to know a lot going in which wasn't very helpful for my situation. Still worth checking out though.

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future Ready Advocacy

I read this for Summer PD. I love Shannon and her innovative ideas that she is always willing to share! I will be continuing and incorporating many of these ideas in my library this year! I highly recommend this book to any teacher/librarian.

[Pam Barton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of common sense stuff. Not worth the money. Might be good if you were in school to become a librarian but I find I am already doing what they write about.

[Jnase1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best PD books I’ve read in awhile. Great ideas and tips for becoming a leader from the library in your school and beyond.

[Ashley Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. The authors provided tons of practical advice to help librarians become leaders in their schools and districts as well as improve their library programs.

[Pedro Lutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it would be better.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might be a good read for a brand new librarian or a library student.

[Pgraffeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Summer PD

I read this as part of my Summer PD! It gave me some insight into my programming & some ideas to promote in the fall!

[Wendy Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of Shannon McClintock Miller’s Summer Book Club. Contains some good suggestions to put you on the path of becoming a Future Ready Librarian.

[Lynn Cutting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders and advice for next year and future years.

[Jessica Fitzpatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just blah. Outdated.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for school libraries.

[Mirjam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful as a way to think about different aspects of library work...

[LouderLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have practical and thorough approach to school librarianship no matter where one is in their teaching journey.

[Jodi Eastwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quality professional text

[Beth Kovash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward and useful information. Good links to resources.