School Library Management: Just the Basics

Citation

Calvert, P. (2012), "School Library Management: Just the Basics", The Electronic Library, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 448-448. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211241735

Libraries Unlimited have a new series for librarians that they have named “Just the Basics”. The only other book in this series so far is School Library Spaces by the same authors. The emphasis in the book reviewed here is firmly upon school library management. The word “managing” appears in every chapter title, from “managing students” at the start of the book to “managing professional materials” at its end. There are eight chapters in all; on managing students, circulation, volunteers, computers, library stations, the work area, storage, and professional materials. It comprehensively covers what the school librarian must do on a day‐to‐day basis, but omits relationships with senior school personnel and other key stakeholders.

The authors have taken a very pragmatic approach to the subject. I was not quite expecting to read about a Restroom sign out/sign in sheet, but then I have never had to deal with that issue. For those that have, and I am guessing this is in primary schools, there will be ideas a‐plenty in this book for making life easier. The chapter on managing computers includes step‐by‐step guidance on the actual use of a computer (e.g. searching the catalogue, closing the computer) and though the book says that most school districts filter the web, the author has said nothing, that I could find, about internet safety. I liked the chapter on managing volunteers, for it not only tells us how to guide their activities, it implicitly demonstrates a care and concern for those people who help make the library better for the children. The section on “volunteer recognition” has some simple and cheap yet worthwhile ideas for showing how much we appreciate the assistance. It may even be that the most effective chapter is the one on managing the work area, for I suspect we all need advice on that particular matter.

The end chapter on “resources” is not only a bibliography, but a list of companies and electronic sources useful for the school librarian. Like the rest of the book, the US influence is clear, but does not distract from the value of the book for school librarians around the world. It is a useful guide to managing the school library and worthy of purchase by any library with this type of programme.