Editorial
School Library Media Activities Monthly/Volume XXV, Number 6/February 2009
A Valentine for an Administrator
By Deborah Detenbeck Levitov
I was recently scanning a book written by a school administrator, Timothy Snyder, Getting Lead-Bottomed Administrators Excited about School Library Media Centers (Libraries Unlimited, 2000). It is a guide for library media specialists, outlining what they should do to develop strong programs. Snyder’s book goes hand-in-hand with the series of articles by Carl Harvey for the column "The Advocate" in SLMAM, "Principal Perspective, Parts 1-3:"
"The Role of the Library Media Specialist" (October 2008, pp. 51-53);
"The Library Media Program" (December 2008, pp. 53-55); and
"Advocacy and Shared Vision" (February 2009, pp. 51-53).
Harvey’s articles help the reader understand what is important to the principal and how the library media specialist can build on those priorities. Snyder emphasizes the central responsibility of the library media specialist in developing a strong program, stating: "The survival of school libraries depends on the commitment of its stakeholders, and the extent of that commitment rests with its professionals: they hold the key to their destiny; they have the power to shape decisions. They can—and must—sell their programs to critical decision makers" (p. xvii, Introduction).
Both serve as good reminders of how important it is for the library media specialist to constantly communicate with the principal while at the same time educating the key person in the building about the library media program. It also reminds the library media specialist how important actions are in developing advocates.
Below is a list that summarizes what these two authors say library media specialists should do to grow strong programs and create advocates:
- Link the library media program to School Improvement Plans.
- Be the lead voice and catalyst for the program.
- Be accountable; have a plan; implement; evaluate; share it.
- Gain credibility.
- Figure out what the principal needs to see and know.
- Figure out the best method of communicating with the principal and communicate regularly (face to face, email, notes, newsletters, etc.).
- Be sure the principal knows what goes on in the library media center.
- Talk with the principals—with a focus on teaching, professional development, resources and technology (not the small details).
- Focus on teaching and learning—always the top priority.
- Build relationships with administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
- Be part of the instructional team.
- Help others "get it" and become advocates for the library media program.
Give your principal a Valentine—start communicating in new ways that will help make a stronger library media program with advocates.