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Advocates are those who go out and talk about their program with others. What kind of advocate is the principal? What does the principal know about the library media program? What would he or she say to other principals?
I'm always curious to hear what my principal, Vince Barnes, shares with other administrators as he gives them tours of the building. While I'm busy working, I also listen to his description. I'm never disappointed as he talks about collaboration, working with teachers and students, aligning to the school improvement plan, technology, flexible scheduling, etc. He has a great grasp of our program and how it benefits students.
Vince truly gets "it." I've had other library media specialists ask me, "How do we clone him?" Vince's responded by saying, "It took my mother eight tries to get me and get it perfect!" I just love his humor some days! But seriously, how do we develop other administrators who get what the library media program is all about? In this final part of my interview with Vince, we'll talk about what he would tell other administrators. We know that we can talk and talk and talk to administrators about our programs, but sometimes hearing from one's peers makes the greatest impact.
Administrators
Q: What do you see as the most important thing you as a principal can do to support the library media program?
A: First of all, hire the best person for the job as the library media specialist. This can and will make all the difference in the world. Once you have the right person, provide him/her with the resources necessary within your means to provide an outstanding library media program for the school. If the person needs help with collaborating or changing the culture of the school in regards to the library program, then help him with this challenge.
The principal's support is key to a library media program. Administrators who see the potential and allow their library media specialists the latitude to create a dynamic program certainly will reap the rewards for their students and staff. At the same time, library media specialists have to be ready to take advantage of those opportunities. Staff evaluations or annual reports provide a great opportunity to...