Intended as a textbook for MLS courses as well as for current school librarians wanting to expand their knowledge, this is a comprehensive guide to the management of a school library. The subjects covered include a history of the field, standards and guidelines, policies and procedures, funding, facilities, staff and volunteers, programming, intellectual freedom, and more. Each of the chapters concludes with a bullet-point list of key concepts, a set of discussion questions, activities to apply the knowledge learned, and a list of references. Sample documents are included throughout, from flow charts for both selection and weeding to pictures of various school library layouts. Appendixes offer an annotated bibliography of selected library policies and procedures manuals as well as an annotated bibliography of selected school library professional-organization websites. This stellar resource would be useful for students preparing to enter the field as well as for experienced practitioners wanting a refresher.
Booklist
Whether you have just begun your career or you have been a school librarian for many years, School Libraries 3.0 can transform your work experience. This may be the book that first explains to a fledgling librarian the basics of copyright compliance; it may also be the book that helps older librarians understand the difference between a blog and a wiki. Butler writes knowledgeably on subjects as diverse as deciding what materials to weed, handling toxic co-workers, and re-designing the physical space of your library. Her writing tone is amiable, suggestive rather than tutorial, taking into consideration the many varieties of school libraries and their resources. . . .This is an excellent resource for library education programs as well for a professional collection in a school library.
VOYA
Butler has crafted a clear, concise, yet comprehensive introduction to the day-to-day management of a 21st century school library. Covering such topics as standards and guidelines, programming and collaboration, policies and procedures, advocacy, facilities, funding, and personnel, the text includes discussion questions and activities to apply key concepts to relevant situations. Intended for pre-service school librarians, active practitioners will find Butler's examination of ethics, intellectual freedom, and copyright to be an exemplary resource.
Mary Marks, Adjunct Instructor, Graduate School of Library & Information Science, Dominican University Already well-known for her books on copyright law, here Rebecca Butler draws on her experience as a school librarian and university instructor to create a readable textbook on school library management. She has included information on all the topics a pre-service school librarian needs to be successful.
Helen R. Adams, Online Instructor, School Library & Information Technology Program, Mansfield University Mansfield, Pennsylvania School Libraries 3.0: Principles & Practices for the Digital Age by Rebecca Butler is a perfect fit for my graduate course Program Organization and Administration. The mix of library and technology is unique, filling a need within the field. The suggested resources at the end of each chapter are extensive and well-selected. The layout and writing style makes this textbook easy to read. This is a textbook students will read and keep for future reference.
Barbara Fiehn, Associate Professor, Library Media Education Western Kentucky University School Library 3.0 offers a survey of current school library leadership and management practices helpful for learners new to the profession.
Marcia A. Mardis, Associate Professor, School of Information, Florida State University