Parents should evaluate the libraries in the schools their children attend, because education suffers when library services are minimal and information is outdated. The article lists several issues to which parents should pay close attention when evaluating their children's school libraries. (SM)

Presents a brief history of the developments which led to the publication of "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs"; examines implications for the educational and social contexts in which librarians work; and offers suggestions for applying these guidelines to current programs. (15 references) (LRW)

This guide is a general introduction to school libraries with specific information for libraries in Alaska. More than 60% of the nearly 500 public schools in Alaska have fewer than 200 students, and it is not unusual to find school libraries staffed by people with little or no preparation. This guide answers many frequently asked questions. The…

Provides a form for administrators to evaluate school librarians' performance, including such criteria as general library administration skills, librarians' familiary with school curriculum and program goals, and their attention to students' needs. (JW)

Discusses "Learning for the Future: Developing Information Services in Australian Schools" (1993), a contemporary standards and guidelines document that could be used to monitor the effectiveness of school library resource centers in a range of educational settings across Australia. Describes how outcomes-based education can provide a…

Identifies four common variables in picture preferences of elementary school-aged children: (1) relationship between text and picture; (2) degree of realism; (3) use of color; and (4) amount of complexity. Selection of picture books based on these preferences is discussed, and criteria to help develop standards for selection are suggested. (12…

This primer for Mississippi school librarians is designed for use as a planning guide by teachers, librarians, administrators, and supervisors involved in developing school library programs. The ten chapters of the bulletin cover: philosophy of the school library; standards; school library facilities; library collection development, including…

In response to wide concern regarding the present state of school libraries in Alberta, Canada, and a strong perception that the quality of school library programs was deteriorating, the Department of Education devised a provincial statement of policy, guidelines, procedures, and standards designed to guide the development and implementation of…

Discusses the planning and preparation necessary to ensure a cost-effective and accurate retrospective conversion of school library catalogs. Suggested strategies include heavy weeding, developing accurate standardized shelf lists with an entry for each holding, and standardizing entries within a school district or region. (CLB)

This booklet presents guidelines for planning the school library media center budget based on short and long range plans for maintaining and developing collections and services. It is noted that such planning should consider the goals and objectives of the district, the school, and particular programs, and that democratic budgeting should involve…

Discusses "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs," which focuses on the library media specialist's role in planning the delivery of resources and services. Implementation of the guidelines on national, state, regional, district, building, and personal levels is discussed, and political cultures that influence…

This assessment tool is designed for use by administrators, teachers, and school library media specialists to facilitate the development of local standards for school library media programs at both the building and district level. Specific areas discussed include (1) facilities, (2) budget, (3) materials, (4) equipment, (5) personnel, (6) program…

Designed to assist school administrators, boards of education, and school media specialists in establishing, maintaining, and evaluating library media programs, this guide provides recommendations for program development, staff development, and acquiring resources essential for quality education. Goals and characteristics of both district and…

Intended to assist local school districts in meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Code, Title 22, Chapter 5, this publication provides guidelines which school districts can use to develop a flexible integrated K-12 school library media program supported by local school policies and operational procedures. Following a diagram showing the…

This introductory text provides an overview of the processes and procedures associated with developing, maintaining, and evaluating a library collection at the building level. The processes and procedures practiced in school library media centers are discussed in relation to educational theory and principles of collection development. The text was…