Unlocking Success: The Benefits of Utilizing the School Librarian Evaluation Instrument

Abstract Exemplary public school library programs need to have measures in place to determine overall effectiveness. The quality of the school library program is dependent on the effectiveness of the school librarian. Given the uncertainty of the role of school librarians and the inadequacy of evaluations for them, we present a practical solution for these issues in the form of the School Librarian Evaluation Instrument (SLEI). Administrators from 11 schools implemented the SLEI to change the dynamics of their school library programs and improve the performance of school librarians. The research team reviewed relevant standards, work samples and perceptions of administrators to determine strengths of the SLEI. Data from the self-assessment and the formative and summative forms indicated the SLEI provided the necessary guidance, alignment, versatility and outcomes that administrators were looking for to produce transformative, comprehensive changes to their programs. Substantive, standardized feedback was given to the participating school librarians in order to facilitate improvements over time. The findings of this action research study are of interest to those who want to know how to improve school library programs in U.S. schools as well as leadership opportunities of school librarians.