Thought provoking, reassuring, and inspiring, this collection is fitting for both newbies to the field and experienced librarians looking to continue their growth and understanding of our profession. Recommended.

School Library Connection

The stated mission of Beta Phi Mu, the society that lends its name to this series, is to “recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students,” and this title exemplifies that goal.... Alman has scoured the field and assembled a cast of 12 luminaries, including such notables as Joyce Kasman Valenza, Barbara K. Stripling, and Karen Gavigan. The first chapters offer an overview of the history of school libraries and the development of standards associated with information literacy. The next two chapters present the history of children’s literature...and a valuable essay about fostering inquiry. Chapters five through seven introduce readers to a more global perspective, covering participation in international library organizations and the state of school libraries throughout the world. The final chapters focus on teacher librarian preparation programs and collaboration, ending with a look at the future of school libraries. Readers will find quick pieces of information that provide a springboard for future professional inquiry.... Thoughtful insights are augmented by generally helpful photographs, charts, and reproductions. Each chapter concludes with references, and the end matter includes a biography for each contributor. VERDICT This cerebral collaborative effort contains several useful gems for the scholarly minded practitioner.

School Library Journal

In this superb collection of essays in honor of Blanche Woolls, school library educators and practitioners consider the past, present, and future potential of school libraries. A number of chapters focus in developments in library education that have changed or need to change in the 21st century. Two histories of school libraries and one on children’s literature are overlapping views of the past. Articles by Stripling, Todd, and Valenza are particularly informative in view of the developments in the world of information and technology. This is a must read for a field that has a great future if its professionals can rise to the opportunities.

David V. Loertscher, Professor, School of Information, San Jose State University

This book offers an informative look at school library issues- historical and current, local and global. This is a good overview for those new to the field and a refresher for long-timers.

Barbara Immroth, Professor, University of Texas at Austin