Hilda K. Weisburg was a school librarian for over 30 years. Starting in 1980, she co-wrote and edited School Librarian’s Workshop, a bi-monthly newsletter for K-12 librarians. After 31 years in print, she became publisher and sole author/editor, making it an e-publication. She co-authored (with Ruth Toor) fourteen books for school librarians, including Being Indispensable: A School Librarian’s Guide to Becoming an Invaluable Leader (ALA Editions, 2011); School Librarian’s Career Planner (2013); New on the Job: A School Library Media Specialist’s Guide to Success (2014); and, most recently, Leading for School Librarians: There Is No Other Option (2017), which has been an ALA best-seller since publication. She has given presentations at AASL and state library media conferences and given staff development workshops in many locations. She teaches a graduate courses at William Paterson University and has taught one at Rutgers University. A past president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, she is a past chair of the AASL Advocacy committee, chairs the Ruth Toor Grant for Strong Public Libraries, and serves on ALA committees. She was the recipient of AASL’s 2016 Distinguished Service Award.
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- About the Author
In theory if not in practice, traditional school library career planning went something like this: get a degree, find a job, work towards tenure, then remain in the same district until retirement. If that was ever actually the case, it certainly isn't any longer. School librarians know that making smart choices and planning strategically are the best ways to create a career that is both within their control and professionally fulfilling. This practical, hands-on book covers the multifaceted aspects of how school librarians can successfully carve out a unique niche within the educational community, showing readers how to
- Present themselves to stakeholders, from the first interview through day-to-day job duties
- Learn the workings of the school and district while demonstrating expertise
- Develop the management skills needed to assume various leadership positions, both official and unofficial
- Stay current with developments in pedagogy and technology, and incorporate them into the fabric of the school
- Prepare for possible changes due to staff cuts or a personal decision
For both long-time school librarians, as well as those who have recently entered the profession with a background in education, Weisburg's guide will be an invaluable resource for navigating their career path.