As a way to offer support and leadership to those who work
in libraries across the county, the San Diego County Office of Education
(SDCOE) has organized a library leadership council.
About 15 credentialed librarians from different types of
libraries across the county attended the first council meeting April 17 at
SDCOE’s main campus. The group includes librarians from elementary, middle and
high schools; public libraries; and community college libraries.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to network with people
from throughout the county on an issue that’s so important,” said Steve Montgomery,
a teacher librarian at El Cajon Valley High School. “It was tremendously
helpful for me to meet some of the other librarians from different grade
levels.”
The council is led by Jonathan Hunt, SDCOE’s county schools
librarian.
The effort is especially important now because of recent
changes to academic standards and technology, said Leslie Kelsey, director of SDCOE’s
Library Media Services unit, which organized the council. The group can offer
higher-level leadership by developing recommendations for superintendents and
principals across the county, she said.
The plan is for the council to meet quarterly to discuss trends,
innovation, and challenges that can affect libraries. The group will also help
advise SDCOE on future professional learning opportunities. Because there are
representatives from libraries that serve students of all ages, the group will
also discuss ways to ensure that students get the services they need as they
move from one level to another.
“Everyone’s in their own library doing their own thing, and
we want to see how we can support each other,” said Cindy Dunlevy, a project
specialist with SDCOE.