New on the Job

by Ruth Toor

Transitioning from library school to a real world job or even from a different type of library can pose significant challenges for school library media specialists (SLMS). From job search strategies and discovering your work philosophy to the nitty-gritty details of creating acceptable use policies, ""New on the Job"" serves as a wise mentor for new SLMS. Expert authors Ruth Toor and Hilda K. Weisburg share the joys and perils of the profession along with a wealth of practical advice from a combined six decades of experience in library media centers and as collaborators on books, presentations, and workshops. Learn the secrets to successfully collaborate with teachers. Navigate new roles and responsibilities with confidence. Create dynamic interactions with students to deepen their learning experiences. Master the art of communicating with the principal, IT experts, and vendors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development

Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sarah Clark]

This is the most embarrassing book cover EVER! But so far the discussions and advice are spot on and perfect for a prospective or new school librarian.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is great if you managed to graduate with a degree in school library media without acquiring the faintest idea of what the job entails or if you have absolutely no common sense whatsoever. Otherwise, save your time and your money. It's the kind of book that gives you instructions like, if you have a visitor coming to your library, be sure to give them directions to the school. If this book would cut out all the superfluous content and just keep the actually useful advice, it would be less than 30 pages.

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief and easy-to-read book on the subject. If anything it is too brief and cursory with too much empty space. The organization is really good; and the content is mostly accurate. One of the two authors clearly has more drive, focus, and talent; but I cannot tell which one. Some chapters are just much better than others.

Overall, this book appears to be more of a rush job to publish a textbook. A more careful and complete edition is hopefully in the making.

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a public librarian for the last two years, overlapping my stint as a grad student pursuing an MLIS with a school media specializaiton. I accepted the first job offer because, like the 11th hour school media specialist position I'll be starting in two weeks, some things in life are just too hard to say no to. But my work experience did change the way I percieved a lot of my coursework and there are subtle, but substancial, differences between the two positions. Over the past few weeks, I've been nervou about making the change and focusing on lesson plans instead of outreach or discpline instead of arts & crafts.

Reading this book make me feel relieved. It's a practical, thorough guide to the short term and long term goals to make during your first year. Despite the dated cover, the suggestions are fresh and well-thought out, although some of the economic disucussions are decidedly pre-2008 fiscal meltdown.The workbook style format was better than anticipated, as if gives you time to catch your breath between topics and apply the ideas to your own individual situation.

I give it two green SLMS thumbs up. I reccomend picking it up before your first interview, as it walks you thorugh the search, application and interview process. I also suggest that you pick up Information Power, a book that I personally have never nor thought I'd be expected to read, as it is heavily discussed.

Now if only there had been a section on how to handle your first day of class when it is not the formal first day of class jitters...

[Richard Tysinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I start work August 20th as a school library media specialist, so hopefully this book will calm a little bit of the nervous jitters I'm getting as the start of the school year approaches!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I read this book. Countless ideas in this book alerted me to things that I never thought about in terms of being a media specialist. An easy read and a great career search prep book.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for school librarians who are new to the profession.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for me being new to the school library world.