Describes and compares features of six camcorder formats. Identifies VHS and eight-millimeter camcorder formats as the most popular formats used in schools and reports advantages and disadvantages of these two formats as described by school library media specialists. Presents camcorder tips and offers hints for videotape cassette care. (JMV)

This discussion of the new AASL/AECT (American Association of School Librarians/Association for Educational Communications and Technology) guidelines for school library media programs, covers the first three chapters. These chapters deal with objectives for school library media programs, activities characteristic of good library media programs,…

Includes reviews of "Information Power," the guidelines for school library media programs published by the American Library Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, by a library media specialist, a school library consultant, a professor of school librarianship, a high school librarian, and a…

This issue (v5 n2) contains booktalks and information of interest to librarians. The Texas Bluebonnet Reading Program for students in grades 3-6 is described, 21 reviews of both fiction and nonfiction books are included for grades 3 through adult readers, and an index is included for "The Booktalker," v2. (LRW)

Discusses the lack of literature relating to cultural differences and school library media programs and reviews the book "Beyond Culture" by Edward T. Hall. Highlights include the population/environment crisis, cultural literacy, the use of technology, and Marshall McLuhan's idea of the global village. (LRW)

Focuses on the theme of safe and comforting places for children, and how libraries can help provide safe havens for children. Presents a survey of safe places in selected works of children's literature. Includes a sampler of creative activities focusing on the theme, and a list of resources (books and videotapes). (AEF)

Reviews recent resources for assessing school library media programs and discusses the importance of program assessment. Circulation statistics and personal approaches to assessment are described, and the findings of three research reports on the effectiveness of school library media programs are discussed. (KRN)

The second of a two-part series discusses the new American Association of School Librarians/Association for Educational Communication Technology guidelines for school library media programs, focusing on the final five chapters which cover (1) personnel; (2) resources and equipment; (3) facilities; (4) planning and administration; and (5) district,…

Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Describes a reference source for middle school students on biotechnology that is useful for science and social science curricula as well as interdisciplinary approaches. Explains the four-volume format and various features that make it useful to media specialists and students. (LRW)

Reviews magazines suitable for young adults. Highlights include considering appropriate demographics and/or local standards when selecting titles; top-selling magazines to middle school, high school, and public libraries; ordering information; adult magazines for consideration; tabloids; and "zines", or personal newsletters/small…

Reviews four articles from the "Phi Delta Kappan" that describe the educational context impacting the school library media profession. Topics covered include the educational system from the viewpoint of the National Commission on Excellence in Education report "A Nation at Risk"; strengths and weaknesses of American education;…

Reviews 19 recent publications from professional associations and the federal government that address areas impacting directly on school library media programs and media specialists. Suggestions for obtaining and using the publications are offered. (CLB)

Describes the Macintosh CD-ROM edition of "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" and discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the electronic dictionary in library media skills instruction. Use in large group instruction is discussed and advantages are highlighted, including the large print feature, sound feature, and ability…

Reviews the reference book "Who's Who in Space: The International Space Year Edition" and provides a lesson plan for grades five and six to teach library media skills. Objectives, instructional roles, activity and procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described. (EAM)