The challenge facing today's library media specialist is to design and deliver an effective library media program. Faced with the impact of technology, societal pressures, sweeping changes in American education, and varying economic conditions, today's practitioner must respond as a dynamic leader, planner, and manager. The School Library Media Specialist as Manager emphasizes practical management and is designed to be used by library media specialists in elementary, middle and high school settings, as well as those considering entering the field. The cases presented are broadly grouped along the guidelines suggested by Information Power and are then subdivided by type of media center. The resources found in the appendix and bibliography support the concepts found within the cases, and should be consulted when formulating new policies. Whether working in a rural or urban elementary school, on a fixed or flexible schedule, or with heterogeneous or homogeneous groupings in their libraries, all library media specialists will benefit from the case studies presented here. These cases develop the ability to analyze a situation and develop individualized practices or benchmarks for total quality service.

"...case studies themselves are up-to-date...thought-provoking questions at the end of each scenario will lead discussion beyond the obvious solutions to broader issues of concern...a variety of AASL position papers and statements...collected in a series of appendices, are a real book for students and professors alike, as is this entire book. An excellent resource for all who train school library media specialists either at the university or school system level." - Youth Services in Libraries

"...a recommended purchase for media specialists who use a case studies approach to management skills..." - Book Report

"Finally, a book that can be used as a 'textbook' for school library management courses....The scenarios are those which teacher-librarians face on a regular basis. The questions at the end of each case study stimulate discussions that encourage practical and creative solutions. An instructor in a course would find such studies useful as a learning resource for classes of both new and experienced school library resource center personnel." - Teacher Librarian

"...thought-provoking scenarios of situations that could occur in school libraries, along with discussion questions...an excellent basis for examining school library issues...the appendix section...contains the American Association of School Librarian's position statements on various subjects...the bibliography is a useful tool for purchasing books on managing a media center...a solid choice for academic libraries and professional collections serving library school students." - School Library Journal

"Appropriate for library-school students as well as practitioners..." - American Libraries

"Library school faculty teaching management courses will find this book a welcome addition to their study of issues in the field." - Lisca

"...clearly written...would be valuable as a resource in classes and to generate discussion among experienced library media specialists." - Library Lane

"...the ease with which the concepts of management theory are translated into day-to-day practice for library media specialist facing different kinds of pressures, whether economic, social or educational." - Australian Library Journal