Over the past 30 years, the nation has experienced a decline in the number of public school library programs. New York City has been trying to combat this trend by implementing several innovative programs. One of them is the VITAL Libraries program. VITAL stands for Vital, Instructional, Transformative, Accessible, Learning Libraries. It is a…

In this article, the author examines how libraries have evolved and argues that they have not fundamentally changed. While the library spaces that students work in have changed, the lessons being learned fundamentally have not. Students still learn to find source materials, research, write, construct projects, create reference lists, and complete…

Over the past 20 years, school libraries have gone through a significant digital transformation reflecting a broader shift in education and information access. Traditional card catalogs have been replaced by online databases. Hardcover A-Z encyclopedias have given way to digital versions with numerous additional online research tools. Literature…

If you are ready to add a Manga collection to your school library, Rudes offers everything you need to know to get started. Understanding Manga, how this genre connects to reading and literacy, as well as programming, and titles by age group are offered to get you started.

The Diverse BookFinder (DBF) and its Collection Analysis Tool (CAT) were co-founded by Dr. Krista Aronson at Bates College, with support from an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant. It was recognized in 2021 by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) as one of the Best Digital Tools for Teaching and Learning. Through…

Grenier and Lynn present collection development strategies that include student voice, diversity audits, and the value of weeding.

Calzada and Philippi approach the topic of collection development by using Kerby's (2019) four steps, including (1) knowing your standards, (2) knowing your learners, (3) knowing the curriculum, and (4) identifying your selection criteria.

This group of school librarians from across the country answer questions from "how do you approach collection development," to "share a story of a book you added to your collection that had a meaningful impact on a student," as well as preparing for challenges and the importance of EDI in collection development.

After many years working as a public school educator and school librarian, it is evident to the author that the relationships librarians cultivate with school library stakeholders--students, teachers, staff members, administrators, families, and community members--are the most critical ingredient to creating and maintaining vibrant modern-day…

Krutka reflects and shares her journey to reevaluate her work as a school librarian, through personal professional development, and the action plans created. Krutka offers examples of monthly library themes, updating the collection, reconsidering library signage, and professional development.

When she was was first hired as the Scott County High School (KY) librarian, Megan Musick had many lofty goals. However after one week, she was overwhelmed with phone calls, e-mails, and people dropping in. She felt like she was just putting out small fires and never accomplishing anything. Her brain was frazzled because she was going from one…

Instructional leadership from the school library happens when school librarians make known their areas of expertise, proactively pursue opportunities to teach, and continue to learn new technologies and strategies for student success. Knowledge of grade level curriculum is essential for offering meaningful collaboration to K-12 instructors and…

Barber discusses the benefits of connecting STEM to literacy and includes both small and big ideas to integrate STEM education into your school library. As an opportunity to support learners across the curriculum, Barber encourages readers to harness the power of STEM education.

Mindfulness has been a hot topic recently as many educators were forced to work from home over the past year and a half. Supporting students using mindfulness is a great way to model self-care behaviors, while being a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. School librarians have a duty to ensure students find a safe haven in the school library.…

The American Association of School Librarians reached out to four organizations on the front lines of civic engagement--the Anti-Defamation League, the Human Rights Campaign, EveryLibrary, and the American Library Association--with questions to assist school librarians as they plan their civic engagement path: (1) What is the importance of civic…