Another key area and one where we need to spread the message of the importance of school libraries. So often we 'preach to the converted'!! We need to hone our message and get out there telling all and sundry how good we are. GreatSchoolLibraries is a great vehicle for this but at a more local level we can ensure that all in our schools know we exist, we can help them, make their job easier, etc.etc.

This is key to expanding your horizons. All of us need to share good practice, new ideas and learn from each other. For many though the thought even getting out of the library and out into the school to collaborate with staff is daunting and practically impossible given the few hours they have to do their jobs. Collaboration is just so important.

Always an issue and becoming even more so! Some of the ideas are very simple and require little or no funding as they offer an alternative way to doing some things. They also challenged me to think about changing attitudes/culture rather than always the very practical things.

A brilliant section. Recognising/acknowledging the reality of making changes and the push back you can get can, for many, will determine whether they are prepared to have a go. You won't please everyone and here's some spirited answers to the negative lobby. But remember you can't please all the people all the time and if you know its critical to do something to ensure the sustainability of your library go for it. This book will help you along the way with great strategies to help you overcome the negatives.

It's always good to hear from others who've tried the ideas and the outcomes. That's a great encouragement that is can be done. The temptation is that that we want to try and change everything overnight and all will be well! As we know this isn't the case so start small. Start with something that you think / know is critical to developing your library and one that you can get key members of staff on board with you easily. Success in this, no matter how small will encourage you to work on something bigger next time.

At last a 'what to do' book with some easy/relatively easy ideas/solutions which are not totally unrealistic. The majority are practical, quick and many relatively cheap to do - but all require time - so recognising/prioritising what areas you need to develop/focus on is key. I would agree some of the ideas are not rocket science but sometimes its helpful to have the basics being stated yet again so they don't slip through the net.

Apologies for being late to the discussion!! I thought 'yet another how to book' but this time with practical ideas and solutions particularly the 'Blueprint for implementation' section. I would agree much of what is in the book many will be doing already which is affirming. However there is still plenty of new ideas to get going with. Having the time, of course, being the factor!