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"Communicating the great things that we are doing in our school libraries is so important to advocacy. Letting others know about the projects, new books, and countless other activities can be a challenge. When I thought about improving my communication with parents, students, and staff my idea was to create a short, one-page newsletter each month. The newest tool I have been using for promotional library materials is Canva. "

It's important to remember that administrative rules for libraries don't derive from bad intentions; they are usually just deeply rooted in misperceptions and the ease of following long-set tradition. But with some leadership strategies, advocating skills, and a little rebellion we can redefine our boxes and break out of the "but my principal won't let me" trap.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) proudly supports the "Declaration for the Right to Libraries," a component of Barbara Stripling's 2013 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Initiative, "Libraries Change Lives." School library programs change lives by empowering students to become effective and independent users of information and ethical and productive members of our democratic society. The declaration champions the nation's right to quality libraries of all types - public, school, academic, and special - and the expert teaching and guidance provided librarians and library staff. Guided by the AASL learning standards, school librarians teach students to think critically, create new knowledge, share knowledge, and pursue personal and esthetic growth. . AASL is an advocate for the indispensable role of school library programs with school librarians, for best practices in school librarianship, and for the core values and ethics of the library profession. It is within this capacity that AASL endorses and encourages the profession to support the "Declaration for the Right to Libraries."

The Canadian Learning Commons Network provides a network for communication, professional development and advocacy for those who are involved with a Learning or Information Commons on their campus.

I think that skills in networking are vital for TLs as leaders - networking and advocacy being highly related. Here are some tips for those of us not naturally inclined to the process.

As our libraries evolve in the age of digital information, they need our help more than ever to stay well-funded and supported so they can grow in their critical role as advocates of technology and information literacy. Should they become learning commons, gathering places for trading information, technology hotspots, makerspaces, or all of the above? The possibilities are wide open, as you'll see in this playlist of videos about the future of libraries.

The school library media Web page is a recent development, but as schools, classrooms, and society have become connected to the Internet, media specialists throughout the world are designing and maintaining Web pages for their programs. You will want to begin by fol-lowing some general guidelines for effective Web design, ensuring that your site is easily navigated by all different types of users and viewable in many different browsers.

Studies conducted over the past two decades show that students in schools with endorsed librarians score better on standardized achievement tests in reading.

"Many schools are looking to transform, or have already transformed, the traditional teacher librarian into a broader role of information facilitator, particularly as the numbers of physical books in libraries decrease and students and teachers access more material online."

"we are one of the only educators that actively teaches every student in the school, and showcased the types of programming school librarians are capable of when fully supported by administration. Many of the school leaders were just not aware that a modern school library involves so much more than just checking out books to students."

Teacher-librarians at VPS (Vancouver Public Schools) play a crucial role in this digital transformation and other strategic initiatives. As a result, they are expanding their role to spend more time in the classroom, curating digital content and lesson plans with teachers, teaching digital citizenship to students, and even emerging as technology experts within their schools.

The AASL Standards framework reflects a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning by demonstrating the connection between learner, school librarian, and school library standards. Three sets of standards (Learner, School Librarian, and School Library) make up the AASL Standards Integrated Framework featured within the National School Library Standards. Use the resources here to familiarize yourself with the structure and get started using the standards in your practice.

"As we emerge from the monstrous grip of the pandemic, the importance of quality, valid information has become even more important than ever before, and the role of a school librarian in steering a school forward is paramount."