Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence offers readers insights into best practices in library services for school communities, using examples drawn from independent schools of various sizes, descriptions, and locations across the United States. Two overview essays introduce a statistical analysis of independent schools. Each of the remaining essays provides perspective on a different aspect of library practice, including staffing, advocacy, assessment, technology, collaboration, programs beyond the curriculum, intellectual freedom and privacy, budgeting, accreditation, disaster planning, and more.
Because independent school librarians work across divisions and without a mandate to adhere to state or national standards, they have the freedom to explore and refine best practice in a school library setting. Fortunately, the ideas and methods they have developed, many of which are on display here, can be applied in any school library.
Features
- 21 essays from major experts in the field, representing single-sex and coed schools, K–12 and K–8 schools, religious and secular schools, large and small schools
- Statistical analysis of data collected about independent schools
- A bibliography with each essay
- Foreword by Pauline Anderson, librarian emeritus, Choate-Rosemary Hall School, Wallingford, CT