Includes bibliographical references and index

Part 1. Safe first steps to leadership --
Why be a leader? --
Getting grounded --
Managing classes in the library --
Becoming an expert teacher --
Part 2. Building your leadership skills --
Becoming a leader --
Uncovering your strengths --
Improving your leadership expertise --
Knowing how to handle important communications --
Part 3. Playing larger --
Always have a plan --
Staying visible and vital --
Maintaining joy.

With the recent passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), school libraries are poised for a potential turnaround. But there's only one way forward: school librarians must become leaders, fully interwoven into the fabric of the educational community. And to become a truly effective leader you've got to have a plan. In her new book, Weisburg builds on her decades of experience and mentorship in school libraries to offer a carefully crafted roadmap that guides readers step by step through the process of transforming into a leader, from becoming aware of what's at stake to learning and mastering the necessary skills for leadership. Using a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the challenges to come while also offering unabashed inspiration, this book incorporates first-hand understanding of the dynamics of the educational environment, from the building to the district level; begins by addressing common fears about taking on a leadership role, and shows how to move past them and gain confidence; demonstrates how to build credibility among stakeholders and peers through strategic risk-taking; discusses ways to rely on one's strengths to grow skills and expertise; explains how to know when to lead and when to manage, plus the fine art of delegation; gives pointers on communicating effectively, becoming visible, behaving ethically, maintaining a healthy life-work balance, and other important career issues; and shows readers what it takes to move onto a larger stage and become a local educational leader who also has a presence on the state and national level. By starting with the basics and then offering concrete ideas for moving forward, the book shows readers how they can slowly build their confidence and skills to become the leaders their students and the profession needs them to be.