NEWS RELEASES  >  APRIL 17, 2019

New Book Aims to Help School Librarians Become Learning Leaders in Digital Age


MCHENRY, IL – Education leaders Bill Bass and Shannon McClintock Miller have collaborated on a new book for K-12 school librarians designed to show them their full potential to empower their schools, students, and communities, and how they can collaborate to create positive change. Leading from the Library: Help Your School Community Thrive in the Digital Age is published by ISTE and available now for purchase.

“Through this book, Bill and I want librarians to discover the influence and impact they can have within their school community and profession as leaders within the library, classroom, community, and world,” said Miller, K-12 district teacher librarian at Van Meter Community School District in Iowa. “We hope by sharing our voice, experiences and stories, we will help librarians lead from the library, making a difference within their communities and in the lives of their students too.”

The innovation coordinator for instructional technology, information and library media for the Parkway School District in St. Louis, Mo., Bass said he and Miller wanted to highlight the essential role librarians play as “leaders who work collaboratively to build relationships, mold culture and climate, and advocate for the needs of students and the community. Libraries are critical elements of our schools and provide opportunities for all who enter the buildings while striving to address the needs of literacy in the digital age.”

The 150-page book begins by discussing the benefits of bringing the outside world into the library through the use of social media, videoconferencing, and other tools that enable librarians to partner with others. The second half expands upon these connections by addressing how librarians can lead in the greater educational community by sharing resources and strategies and partnering with school leaders to tell the story of the school community. Throughout, Bass and Shannon make direct connections to the ISTE Standards describing opportunities to empower learners and incorporate the standards into their school leadership.

The co-authors again will be collaborating at the 2019 ISTE Conference in Philadelphia where they will team up for a session at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 23 titled, “Leading from the Library in the Digital Age.”

Bass (@billbass) has authored three books and is currently president of the ISTE Board of Directors. Miller (@shannonmmiller) is a spokesperson for Follett and Future Ready Librarians® and author of the blog, “The Library Voice.”

The new book can be pre-ordered now ($20.97/ISTE members and $27.95/non-members) by visiting ISTE at https://id.iste.org/.

 

Recent News

Follett Content Accelerates Public Library Strategy

February 19, 2026

McHenry, Ill., Feb. 19, 2026 – Building on its September 2025 introduction into the public library market, Follett Content today announced a significant next step in its growth strategy: the addition of widely respected library-market veterans and a series of new technology...
Read more

Follett Content and Sora Student Reading App Announce Landmark Partnership

December 9, 2025

We are providing an improved experience for your readers by making digital content available through Sora, the award-winning student reading app by OverDrive.
Read more

All4Ed's Future Ready Schools Launches Future Ready Librarians Framework 3.0

October 16, 2025

Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2025 — All4Ed’s Future Ready Schools® (FRS) today announced the release of the Future Ready Librarians® Framework 3.0, an updated framework that positions school librarians as catalysts for learning, innovation, and equity in today’s rapidly changing...
Read more

Follett Content Expands to Public Libraries

September 23, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 23, 2025 – Follett Content, a trusted partner of PreK-12 school librarians worldwide and leader in educational content and services, today announced it will support the children’s and Young Adult (YA) public library space. This initiative stems from the company’s...
Read more

Follett Content Hosts Public Warehouse Book Sale to Benefit United Way of Greater McHenry County's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program

September 16, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 16, 2025 – Follett Content, in proud partnership with United Way of Greater McHenry County, is excited to welcome the community to its Warehouse Book Sale on Saturday, September 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1340 Ridgeview...
Read more

Follett Content Champions Literacy Access with Exclusive Preorder Pricing on Two Fall Blockbusters

July 15, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Jul. 15, 2025 – In a bold move to support literacy and equity in schools, Follett Content is launching an exclusive preorder promotion for two of the most anticipated titles in children’s literature: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper (releasing...
Read more

More articles and releases