The document summarizes the many leadership roles and responsibilities of today's school library media specialists: They are instructional leaders who collaborate with teachers and administrators, advocate for new technologies and resources, and lead initiatives to promote literacy. As technology experts, they introduce blogs, wikis and podcasts to support teaching and learning. Media specialists also display leadership in reading through collection development, reading promotion programs, and helping all students succeed. Their roles require curriculum expertise and mentoring teachers to integrate information literacy across the school.

1. TODAY’S SCHOOL LIBRARY
MEDIA SPECIALIST LEADER
By Dianne C. Dees, Kristi Alexander, Rachel Besara, Robb Cambisios, Teresa Kent and Jodie Player Delgado
It is 7:00 a.m. as Elaine Thomas* pulls into the faculty parking lot at Whether it is high school, middle
school, or elementary school, the
Central Middle/High School. She glances around and sees no one in
library media specialist hits the
sight. “Ah . . . time for one more cup of coffee and a few moments to ground running each day. For many,
pull things together for my budget meeting with Mr. Lee,” she thinks, their background is the classroom,
smiling to herself. Tap. Tap. Tap. Ms. Thomas looks up to see the and, as media specialists, they have
panic-stricken face of a sophomore boy holding a thumb drive. “ Ms. taken on the largest classroom in the
school. No wonder Information Power
Thomas, can you help me?” the terrified student asks. “ I worked all
links leadership to the school library
night on this paper and it’s due today.” The principal can wait, but the media specialist and the National
student and caffeine cannot. She tells the student to meet her in the Board for Professional Teaching
media center in five minutes and races to start the coffee maker. Standards underscores that leadership.

2. Leadership is the ability to influence or New forms of technology such as students or teachers who need “shared
inspire others to achieve shared goals. blogs, wikis, and podcasts can provide workspace” to work collaboratively on a
The media specialist’s leadership is leadership opportunities for media project to create a final product. School
demonstrated daily via interaction specialists. As the resident technology library media specialists can take the
with administrators, teachers, students, guru on campus, a media specialist lead in setting up wikis for teachers to
parent volunteers, and community can provide staff development on new collaborate with each other by subject
partners. An active participant in technologies and model how they can area or grade level. Other teacher uses
curriculum reform, she or he may serve be integrated into the curriculum. of wikis might be to serve as a sounding
as the delivery person for new state Advantages of blogs (short for weblog), board for school- or system-wide
standards. Media specialists often are a type of Web site that resembles a committees like accreditation or policy
leaders in promoting new technology journal, are: they can be created and development/writing teams. Students
for teacher and student use. Knowing updated easily (no knowledge of HTML who cannot make connections with each
that reading is essential to learning, they required); a variety of media including other due to scheduling conflicts can
seek to balance new ways to promote photos, sounds, video, and links can use wikis to work collaboratively on
reading as a pleasurable, life-long habit. be incorporated into them; and others school or club projects. Both teachers
Media specialists collaborate and share can participate by posting comments and students can utilize wikis to further
instructional responsibilities with fellow to the content. Free services such as reflect after meetings or classes are over.
teachers. Leadership opportunities (www.blogger.com) provide templates Podcasting is a method of distributing
abound in our profession today if one is and hosting for blogs. School library multimedia files, such as audio programs
willing to “hit the ground running.” media specialists might use a blog as or music videos, over the Internet for
a repository for patrons’ requests and playback on mobile devices and personal
Leadership in Technology feedback. They can lead teachers on how computers. In short, a podcast is a self-
Elaine looked at her watch. It was 9:05 to use a blog as a classroom Web site. produced radio show. Audacity (www.
a.m. She had ten minutes before Mrs.
According to Wikipedia (2006), the audacity.com) is a free software program
Parker brought in her sixth grade class
online, interactive encyclopedia, “a wiki that allows one to produce podcasts
to finish their local history TV show
is a type of Web site that allows users to as does Apple’s GarageBand. Deb Svec
projects. Since the digital video cameras
easily add, remove, or otherwise edit and (2006), an innovative media specialist at
were charged and ready to go, she thought,
change most available content, sometimes Palm Beach Gardens Community High
“That’s plenty of time to update my blog.”
without the need for registration. This School in Florida, uses podcasts with a
Having finished reading a book last night
ease of interaction and operation makes lunchtime reading group she started with
that she wanted to share with her online
a wiki an effective tool for collaborative four senior football players. Two of the
book discussion group, she sat at her desk
writing.” Wikis are useful for groups of young men had not passed the Florida
and logged in to her blog page.
How the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Defines Library Media Leadership:
LEADERSHIP
Accomplished library media specialists They keep the learning community informed increase student achievement might
are instructional leaders who forge of educational trends and developments. research and present a proposal to the
greater opportunities for learners. Through They reinforce the importance of principal seeking support for this change.
consistent initiatives with teachers, information literacy in daily life. Library The library media specialist who recognizes
administrators, and parents, they develop media specialists actively participate on the need for both book and other resources
programs and advocate for educational school and district committees. They are to alleviate current weaknesses of the
opportunities for the learning community. members of their professional associations library media program might work to
They work in partnership with others to and willingly accept the challenge of change budget allocations, seeking
provide access to appropriate research leadership at the district, state, regional, or avenues for increased funding to facilitate
and professional articles, use data national levels. the acquisition of materials and resources
identifying strengths and weaknesses needed for equitable access to information.
of library media programs, and review Accomplished library media specialists
best practices. Library media specialists hone their administrative skills. For National Board for Professional Teaching
lead in reflective practice, assessment of example, the library media specialist who Standards, “ Standard X: Leadership,
learning, and program evaluation to enact realizes that a flexible schedule would Advocacy and Community Partnerships.”
effective change. improve the library media program and NPBTS Library Media Standards, p. 43.
Of special interest to grades... K- 5 6-8 9-12 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION January 2007 11

3. Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) many facets of Colonial America.” Jill
and this was a strategy to improve their smiles with anticipation as she and Elaine
reading and thinking skills. Players pour over what may just ignite the spark 10 Easy Leadership
could listen to podcasts related to the these students need.
book, Friday Night Lights by H.G.
Ideas to Help
This situation highlights another of
Bissinger, a popular book about football. the media specialist’s myriad of roles—
School Librarians
Integrating the use of podcasts on the reading consultant. It has been said that Become Leaders
library Web page not only showcases reading is key to success on standardized
student work, but also demonstrates the testing. A paraphrase of a common
on Their Campuses
collaboration between the school library reading theory mantra goes, “Until third
media specialist and the classroom grade you learn to read. After that point,
teacher. Such publicity is a great you read to learn” (Baumel). Media
leadership tool and illustrates the role of specialists can lead by understanding
the media specialist as an instructional
partner. Media specialists can suggest
areas for integration into the curriculum
the reading process, how children learn
to read, and by being aware of potential
pitfalls in learning to read. To meet this
1 Meet regularly with
your principal.
of these and other technologies, advocate
for uses of technology for various
learning styles and accessibility, serve as
goal, it is highly recommended to take
professional development coursework
in reading and to keep up with current
2 Attend all faculty meetings.
a leader in ethical use of technology, and thinking on reading instruction. For
help develop rubrics to evaluate student
projects that incorporate them. These
example, media specialists would be
wise to read the American Association of
3 Serve on curriculum and
standards committees.
media specialists can also allow parents School Librarians (2004) pamphlet, Your
and administrators to be involved in the
learning community.
School Library Media Program and No
Child Left Behind. 4 Present professional
development for teachers
and librarians.
Elaine quickly writes down her thoughts Media specialists can display leadership
about the book on her blog. She notices that in reading through several functions.
a student made a comment about her last
book. He agreed with her, except he disliked
Collection development is one area where
the media specialist has a major impact.
5 Engage in collaboration
with teachers and
technology staff.
the ending. He also asked if they might Media specialists need to plan for
continue the book discussion blog over the readers at all levels. In middle and
summer. Elaine smiles as she thinks about
this student’s taste in books, and then looks
up as Mrs. Parker’s class entered the media
high school, a thoughtful and astute
media specialist budgets money
6 Meet with school
library colleagues.
for popular high-interest/low-level
center. The day continues…
Leadership in Reading
nonfiction books to help those students
with lower reading levels keep reading 7 Visit other school libraries.
the “cool” books while preserving
Later, Elaine meets with Jill Schaffer, the
social studies teacher, to plan a unit on
Life in Colonial America for an 11th grade
their dignity. By the same token, media
specialists should consistently point out
to higher readers that today’s picture
8 Link to initiatives that
are implemented on your
campus or in your district.
class. “Ah, Elaine,” says Jill, “Those two
books do not automatically equate
new students in my class aren’t reading
anywhere near grade level but won’t admit
it. I’m tearing my hair out about how they
will be able to research this unit.” Elaine
to lower reading levels. Much of the
text in current picture books is quite
sophisticated and often at the same
9 Give recognition to others
for their successes.
or higher reading level than popular
probes deeper into how Jill has discovered
this, and then adds her own insights from
the two times she’s worked with these
fiction titles. Media specialists should
make students and parents aware of and
10 Attend and participate in
district, state, and national
association meetings
encourage use of other reading resources
students in the media center for another
in the community, including nearby
and conferences.
class. “Quite honestly,” Elaine muses, “I
public libraries.
have noticed what seems like pretty high- By: Nance Nassar, School Library Senior
level comprehension when they’ve explored The elementary media specialist with Consultant, Colorado State Library,
some W eb sites they like. Possibly they are high achieving readers has perhaps one Colorado Department of Education.
not interested in the history texts they’ve of the most difficult challenges when
Available: (http://www.lrs.org/documents/
been reading. Let’s see what happens if we it comes to collection development.
lmcstudies/10_easy_ideas.pdf)
give them a graphic novel that incorporates Many high-level books are geared for
12 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION January 2007 Of special interest to grades... K- 5 6-8 9-12

4. “ Leadership does not always mean being in the front of the line;
sometimes leadership is walking beside as an encourager or
behind as a supporter.”
the middle and high school audience, to promote good books. The media the instructional program of the school.
involving subject matter that may not specialist might supplement this by One colleague advocates, “Always eat
be appropriate for a gifted eight-year- using multiple promotions, such lunch with the teachers.” Serving as an
old. Media specialists should make it a as Pizza Hut Book-It, Six Flags Weekly instructional leader might mean getting
point to carefully read the reviews on Reader, book battles, state Children’s out of your comfort zone as well as using
books for grades five through eight. If Book Awards, and DEAR time—not your political skills in order to have a
there is still doubt about how closely the just the Accelerated Reader or Reading presence at the important meetings and
book aligns with interests or curriculum Counts programs used in many schools. on the influential committees in the
needs, the media specialist might borrow Media specialists need to be aware school and district.
a copy from the public library or visit of the strengths and weaknesses of Another media specialist describes that
the local bookstore to review the book computerized reading programs. By one of her most rewarding leadership
in person. training teachers on the management opportunities occurred when she was
Audiovisual materials are another means software and setting guidelines for working with English teachers to
to help balance out reading levels. consistent use school-wide, the media integrate technology in an Applied
Books on tape/CD and kits can be used specialist can take the lead to maximize Communications class. Together
to help students fully participate in the effectiveness of any computerized they helped students research their
class and reinforce reading skills at reading program. These examples topics, create visual representations
home. Multimedia materials are a boon only scratch the surface, of course, in of their information, and make class
to lower readers and English Language how media specialists provide leadership presentations. The project was so well
Learners (ELL). In schools with high ELL in reading. received and enjoyed by the students,
populations, having a core collection the teachers and the media specialist
Leadership in Curriculum
of classic children’s books in the decided to present together, not at a
“Hi, Elaine. Are you meeting with us
predominant native languages of the media conference, but at the Applied
during our planning period today to discuss
school allows parents to read with their Communications Conference. It allowed
the new curriculum changes?” asks the
children at home and participate in the the media specialist to break out of
classroom teacher. “Yes, I am, Enrique. I
school community. Bilingual books at the “mold” and to share what school
have information from the last conference
different reading levels also greatly assist librarians and teachers working together
and training session that needs to be
with English language acquisition. can accomplish.
implemented in the new semester.”
Reading promotion is an area in which
How does the media specialist act Mentoring as Leadership
media specialists often display their
as a leader in instruction? This is Teachers and students need to feel that
leadership skills. Displays, books talks,
accomplished by never isolating one’s the library is a place for learning and
guest authors, and student reviews
self and by knowing what is going on in help. As media specialists, we have a
on the morning news are all ways
definite leadership role in mentoring
teachers and students in the learning
process. Over 1,300 media specialists
Project LEAD across the nation now have national
board certification. Many mentoring
Authors of this article are students in Project LEAD, an Institute for
opportunities are available to media
Museum and Library Services— a funded initiative at the Florida
specialists as teachers in the schools
State College of Information whose goal is to develop graduate seek national board certification. New
education opportunities focused on leadership for school library teachers also appreciate a supportive
media specialists. Project LEAD is available as an option within the media specialist who helps with articles
master’s degree in Library and Information Studies, as a 12-credit for a college paper, or provides assistance
post-master’s certificate, and as a 30-credit post-master’s specialist with writing style manuals. Leadership is
degree. This completely online curriculum is accessible nationwide an active state, one in which the leader is
and internationally, and integrates the tenets of the National Board wherever he or she is needed. Leadership
for Professional Teaching Standards in Library Media. For more does not always mean being in the
information see: (http://ci.fsu.edu/go/sites/projectlead). front of the line; sometimes leadership
LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION January 2007 13

5. “ Leadership opportunities abound in our profession today if one is willing to
‘hit the ground running.’”
is walking beside as an encourager or Award committee asking how her review day, but that is how it is supposed to be.
behind as a supporter. Let new teachers of the books is coming along. Elaine laughs She glances at her book bag and smiles.
know you will be there for them with and mentions her podcasts asking students She can’t wait to read that new mystery
a welcoming lunch or breakfast in the and teachers for their opinions on the over the weekend. She heard it is good. On
media center the week before school books under review. She is almost finished her way to her car, the same student who
starts and give each one of them a reading the current box, and will have her stopped her that morning waves and says,
survival kit. This might include the reviews in next week. “See you tomorrow, Ms. Thomas.” She
media center handbook, instructions on There are many opportunities for waves back and unlocks her car, ready to
databases, a collaboration planning sheet, library media specialists to become go home, relax, read, and get prepared for
bookmarker, coffee mug, or other items. leaders outside of the school campus another crazy day tomorrow. She wouldn’t
Students also need to feel that the media in state and national organizations. have it any other way. I
specialist is on their side and that the Participation in these organizations *Elaine Thomas is a pseudonym for a composite
of several media specialists as are the teachers in
media center is a great place to be. provides opportunities to get involved the article.
Media specialists, who often witness in the larger media community, develop
students in a different light from the awareness of resources for all areas of the Works Cited:
traditional classroom, can serve as media program, and lobby for greater American Association of School Librarians (2004).
student advocates. acknowledgement of the influence media Your School Library Media Program and No Child
programs have on educational standards. Left Behind. 26 July 2006 (http://www.ala.org/ala/
aaslbucket/AASLNCLBbrochureweb.pdf).
Leadership in
There are many leadership opportunities
Professional Organizations Baumel, Jan. (17 July 2002). Dr. Kevin Feldman
and roles for library media specialists, on Learning New Skills for Expository Reading.
Just as she is picking up her purse to go (Part three of a series of seven interviews.) 22 July
and many innovative methods of helping
home, Elaine glances at her to-do list 2006 (http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.
our students learn. As long as students asp?r= 721).
and realizes she forgot to send an email
attend school and teachers teach, media
to her state representative about why the Svec, Deb. Gators Read: Friday Night Lights. 26
specialists will have a leadership role July 2006 (http://web.mac.com/debsvec/iWeb/Site/
65 percent solution should include school Podcast/Podcast.html).
in making sure curriculum needs are
library media centers. “I’ll do that after
addressed and media centers are places “Wiki.” Wikipedia, 26 July 2006
dinner before I curl up with the new (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki).
of learning.
Library Media Connection that came in
the mail today.” Just then, her cell phone Elaine turns out the media center lights
rings. It’s the chair of the State Reader’s and locks the door. It was a long and busy
About the Authors
Dianne C. Dees is Kristi Alexander is the Rachel Besara is Robb Cambisios is a Teresa Kent is the Jodie Player Delgado
an assistant professor library media specialist completing a degree middle school teacher library media specialist is the library media
at Valdosta State at North Port High in school library at Collegiate School in at Hayes Elementary specialist at Coral
University, Department School in North Port, media at Florida State Richmond, Virginia. School in Kennesaw, Shores High School in
of Curriculum, Florida. University and earning (rcambisi@collegiate- Georgia, and is earning Tavernier, Florida.
Leadership, and (kna04@fsu.edu) a leadership certificate va.org) a leadership certificate (Jodie.delgado@
Technology in Valdosta, through the Project through the Project keysschools.com)
Georgia. LEAD master’s program. LEAD specialist’s
(ecdees@valdosta.edu) (rmm05d@garnet.acns. program.
fsu.edu)
14 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION January 2007 Of special interest to grades... K- 5 6-8 9-12