Based on the findings of a recent three-year study by Dominican University's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, the authors can confirm what many librarians have long suspected: students who take part in their local library's summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills. This article describes the results of…

The Beginning with Books project distributed 1,000 free packets of children's books to disadvantaged families, and questionnaires showed favorable effects on literacy activities and family reading patterns. The program is now affiliated with the Pittsburgh public library, and a new literacy program is aimed at children in families of adults who…

Describes a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education which identified 62 outstanding library programs and lists 22 model school library programs and 16 programs serving school systems. Topics discussed include the search process, selection criteria, school library programs, cooperation, innovations, technology, and the catalog that…

Describes a program which was designed to improve the reading skills and broaden the reading interests of fifth grade students. Critical and higher-level thinking skills were stressed in the program, which included a reading list divided by genre and such activities as group discussions and a contest. (MES)

Media Specialists who are actively involved in staff development are in a unique position to present summer technology workshops to their schools and district staff. This article lists the key ingredients needed to create a successful summer tech program.

The good news is that many public libraries are now overflowing with teens. The bad news is that most teens still don't visit libraries, and that's a shame. Teens would use libraries if they clearly understood their value. But for years, young adults have been mostly ignored by librarians. The solution is to initiate a major paradigm shift, one in…

Describes the Children's Writers Workshop, a summer program of the Troy (New York) Public Library, which introduces children to the art of bookmaking by allowing them to write, illustrate, lay out, and bind their own books. Registration policy, staff, materials, costs, funding, and activities for the five sessions are among the topics covered. (6…

Most people associate read-alouds with bright-eyed preschoolers and elementary school kids--not with struggling at-risk teens. But read-alouds are fun for students of all ages. And studies by education researchers such as Stephen Krashen, Jim Trelease, and Janet Allen have shown that reading to kids boosts their reading comprehension, increases…

Addresses the controversial issue of nuclear education in public schools. Highlights include resolutions passed by the National Congress of Parent Teacher Associations, what nuclear education is, distinction between nuclear education and education in the nuclear age, educational materials, a review of teaching materials, nuclear literacy, and…

Describes statewide use of MITINET, a microcomputer automation system created to aid resource sharing among small libraries and serve as tool for converting card catalog information to MARC format computer-readable files. Highlights include conversion stages, entering data on microfiche, vendor's role, local level, costs and system requirements,…

Discusses the importance of preservation as a priority for all librarians and explains the basics of controlling environmental factors, disaster planning, book repair, educating students, selection and preservation, ephemera, and library binding in the context of school libraries. Specific examples in the school library environment are included.…

This 5-article section provides an annotated bibliography of 39 books about computer technology; describes peripheral equipment essential for building computer systems; suggests an approach to software evaluation and selection; describes the implementation of a computer program for elementary/secondary students and teachers; and reviews 34…

Discusses one school district's expanded use of video and cable communications to meet needs identified by a survey of students and their parents in the areas of instruction, staff development, public information, and user support. Topics discussed include user-based planning; overall goals; implementation; evaluation methods; problems; and…