Describes five steps that school librarians should follow every week to keep their computers running at top efficiency. Explains how to update virus definitions; run Windows update; run ScanDisk to repair errors on the hard drive; run a disk defragmenter; and backup all data. (LRW)

Discusses the use of volunteers in school libraries. Topics include possible functions of volunteers, including the area of technology; interviewing potential volunteers; training needs and suggestions; effective supervision; and recognition of good work. (LRW)

Provides a basic format for conducting a program to teach student and novice teachers how to use a school library effectively. Highlights include recommended group size; grade level span; time; advance preparation for education professor or student teacher supervisor; advance preparation for librarian; and a sample three-hour program. (LRW)

Discusses the appropriate use of colors in school libraries. Highlights include how colors affect students' learning and behavior; influences on users' moods; users' ages; the use of colors to bring out the best physical attributes; and the use of color for floor coverings, window treatments, furnishings, and accessories. (LRW)

Offers ideas for activities that elementary school library media specialists can use in the beginning of the year to welcome students back and reacquaint them with library rules and procedures. Describes songs, group activities, treasure hunts, games, and poster design for older students. (LRW)

Describes the use of video technology in elementary schools, particularly for social studies activities. Explains iMovie, a nonlinear editing software program for digital video nonprofessionals; discusses the possibilities for cooperative projects between library media specialists and teachers; and offers video production tips. (LRW)

Discusses how librarians can help parents become more knowledgeable about the Internet so they can guide their children in Internet use and become technologically independent. Recommends that school libraries develop Web pages that parents can access and discusses Web page design, content for children, and content for parents. (LRW)

Explains a work-study program designed for fourth and fifth grade students and describes pros and cons of using student workers in the media center for checking out materials, shelving books, straightening shelves, and dusting. Includes the student's job application, the teacher's application for student workers, and the work-study agreement and…

Discusses the importance of family literacy. Highlights include daily reading at home before children go to school; the home/school connection; examples of successful programs implemented by school library media specialists; and ideas from the National Center for Family Literacy for starting family literacy programs, including community needs,…

Explains the use of FLIP it! worksheets that are frameworks for learning activities in school libraries and classrooms that promote innovative thinking. The format includes focus topics; links or likely sources of information; input, or information needed; and payoff, or product format and presentation. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the school librarian in teaching technology use to students and teachers. Topics include introducing the Internet to teachers; locating information on the Web; evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing information; applying information skills; and Internet implementation issues. (LRW)

Considers options for school libraries addressing the dilemma of protecting both children and intellectual freedom when searching the Internet. Discusses censorware, filtering, monitoring, and blocking; reviews 11 filtering or monitoring software packages currently available; and concludes that adult supervision is still the most effective method…

Discusses the value of having a good library media-center newsletter that ensures consistent positive visibility and suggests topics to consider, including requesting teacher input on collection development, explaining computer software, book talks, copyright issues, current Web sites, biographies of new teachers, and media-center projects. (LRW)

Presents ideas for activities in an elementary school library in collaboration with classroom teachers that introduce students to biographies. Includes book talks, an activity involving food that represents various aspects of information included in biographies, and a list of 20 one-session read-aloud picture book biographies for grades two…

Managing technology has become a significant task in today's school library. The library media specialist must control the inventory and optimize its use so that the school community can access and use the information it needs. Presents the following tips: documentation; processing; preventative maintenance; facilities issues; access; security;…