One of the only books to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the role of school librarians in student success, this guide offers everything you'll need to develop, align, and evaluate curriculum with your library collection in mind.

This reference provides school library professors with strategies and tips for creating future school leaders out of current LIS students. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a school librarian, author Jody K. Howard heralds the library professional's role as information specialist, instructional partner, and curriculum advocate. Her insider's perspective is rich with tested strategies to help students seamlessly integrate the responsibilities of their multiple roles into daily activities.

The work explains the process of curriculum mapping and collection development with an eye on teaching these tools to those new to the profession. The content provides methods for developing guided inquiry lessons in collaboration with teachers, illustrates ways to develop leadership skills while aligning the collection with the curriculum, and offers strategies for working alongside curriculum committees and classroom teachers to build a cohesive educational program. The final chapter explores the roles and responsibilities of school librarians at the district, state, and national level.

This book would be an excellent choice for SLMS students or recent graduates who are looking to establish themselves in a school environment. Howard's thorough explanations, real-world examples, and helpful tips make this a great choice for those new to the field; but that does not mean that more established professionals will not find merit in this book, as well. . . . There is a wealth of information contained within that can help professionals bring their media center to lead their school's mission and curriculum. * VOYA *
This is a valuable resource for school librarians as they consider, and reconsider, their roles as instructional partners, and it will give them the tools they need to become leaders. . . . Practicing librarians will find this book beneficial, and Howard's scholarly tone and reliance upon a wide body of literature for her analysis make this an ideal addition to library school syllabi. * School Library Journal *
A solid introduction to the components and theories necessary for the development and use of curriculum in a school library program. . . . This book is recommended for professionals who are searching for a text to use as an introduction to the role of curriculum in the school library. * School Library Connection *
This book is recommended for professionals who are searching for a text to use as an introduction to the role of curriculum in the school library. * ARBAonline *

Jody K. Howard, PhD, has educated school librarians and other library professionals at Palmer School of Library and Information Science, Old Dominion University, and Emporia State University.