School Libraries Head for the Edge

Doug Johnson, is the author of the popular “Head for the Edge” column that appears in each issue of Library Media Connection, is director of media and technology at I.S.D. Mankato Public Schools, MN. He is the author of Linworth's The Indispensable Librarian: Surviving (and Thriving) In School Media Centers.

• Introduction: 800 WordsChapter 1: On Libraries and Education in TransitionMaking Change Work for YouThe Sound of the Other Shoe DroppingNew Resources, New Selection SkillsThe 21st-Century TeacherWhat Happened to the Good Old Days of Education?The "M" WordExposing Shameful Little SecretsSchools Are More than the Sum of Their ScoresThe Importance of BricksHow to Destroy Any School Library ProgramThe Other Shoe ReduxReflectionChapter 2: On Professional Skills and DispositionsPraise for Media Specialists Who…How We Spend Our DaysLibrarians Are from Venus; Technologists Are from MarsIntelligence Deficit SyndromeGetting the Job You DeserveJoin UsWeed!Librarianship as a Subversive ProfessionA Secret Weapon—NicenessNames Can Never Hurt MeHPLUKsA Trick QuestionPerceptionsConstructive CriticismReflectionChapter 3: On Reading, Research, and Technology SkillsEmbracing AmbiguityCopy, Paste, PlagiarizeThe Changing Face of School ResearchA Work in ProgressGetting What You Ask ForCreating Fat Kids Who Don't Like to ReadEveryday Problem SolvingOnce Upon a TimeFoiling the Language PoliceThe Other Side of PlagiarismOwning Our CurriculumCaution with CollaborationThe Decline of ReadingEvaluating Collectively Created InformationNickel and DimedWhat Gets Tested Gets TaughtBuilding Capacity for EmpathyReflectionChapter 4: On Technology in LibrariesThe Future of BooksThe Future of Books RevisitedOld Folks and TechnologyTechnology DinosaursLetter from the Flat World Library CorporationLibrarians 2.0My Next Library Catalog Needs…ReflectionChapter 5: On Technology in EducationWIIFM?A Cautionary ColumnExamining the Enchantment of TechnologyThe School of Hard KnocksFaith-Based ComputingDid You Hear the One About…?ReflectionChapter 6: On Managing GoodSix Ways to Beat the Study Hall SyndromeGiving and TakingAdvisory AdviceNo Principal Left BehindTop 10 Things Baby Teachers Should Know about School LibrariesA ValentineWhose Voices Are Most Powerful?Common Sense EconomyThe Power of ParentsStarting Off on the Right FootReflectionChapter 7: On Determining Our ValuesMischief and MayhemCreating High Temptation EnvironmentsFreedom and FiltersSo Tell Us a Little about YourselfThe Need for CommunityDon't Defend That BookA Father-Son ChatFrom Cop to Counselor on CopyrightReflectionAfterword: Why I Write for Publication (and You Should Too)Works Cited

"With some fresh and innovative ideas, Doug Johnson comes to readers with no shortage of creative advice for readers. School Libraries Head for the Edge is a must for any school library who wants to be the best resource for their students they can." - Midwest Book Review