Sources: Learning to Lead and Manage Information Literacy Instruction

Abstract

Committee Member Review: Grassian and Kaplowitz's most recent book approaches information literacy instruction (ILI) from a programmatic and leadership point of view. Rather than a focus on information literacy objectives per se, this book zeroes in on how librarians can lead and manage instruction programs in a larger institutional context. Readers will find much in common with the wider body of leadership/management writing-especially sections devoted to developing leadership skills and practicing good management through communication, collaboration, team building, professional development, etc. The authors attempt throughout to highlight how general leadership and management skills can be developed in the arena of ILI programs specifically. The most useful parts of the book are those that hone in on the challenges of managing and promoting ILI both at the program level and at the level of individual professional development by ILI managers. This focus is most clear in the later chapters of the book, which discuss and advocate professional-scholarly research, grant application, ILI marketing and the management of ILI-related technologies. The book is clearly written and augmented by end-of-chapter assignments and a CD-ROM that includes a sample IL-enhanced syllabus, several proposal (grant and other) templates and a Word version of the book's bibliography. This book is clearly not meant as a stand-alone guide to information literacy program management. However, in conjunction with more specific studies of IL theory, practice and assessment, this book will be a necessary component of the current information literacy instruction bookshelf. --Susanna Cowan, March 2007