Presents guidelines for improving the appeal and effectiveness of library space, including consideration of color, lighting, traffic patterns, noise problems, planning, and costs. Since librarians have to work through school administrators, it is important for them to be precise about what they want and how much it will cost. (JPF)

Presents the views of six librarians on the new version of "Information Power" (IP 2) by AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology). The new version includes guidelines for school library media programs and introduces national student standards for information…

Discusses results of a survey questionnaire of public and school libraries that investigated the use of Internet filtering software. Considers filter alternatives; reasons for filtering or not filtering; brand names; satisfaction with site blocking; satisfaction with the decision to install filter software; and guidelines for considering filters.…

Discusses the benefits of storytelling by teachers or librarians to elementary and middle school students. Topics include listening; sharing versus performing; finding stories, other than folk tales; guidelines for telling stories; and resources, including print sources and Web sites. (LRW)

Two authors of children's books discuss the elements of a successful school visit, including how to select and contact an author; fees; choosing dates; having books available; planning collaboratively with authors, principals, teachers, and parents; organizing the schedule; the author as critic; publicity; travel plans; autographs; and follow-up.…

Details planning and implementation of a two-year project by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to demonstrate online circulation procedures at two pilot sites--an elementary and a high school media center. Benefits of an automated circulation program are discussed, and recommendations for similar sites are offered. (MES)

Argues that librarians who wish to build effective video collections need to know what is available and negotiate with distributors for multiple copies and lower prices. Purchasing practices of a school system and a public library are described, including adherence to copyright law. Duplication rights and off-air taping are explained. (EM)

During the last 10 years, many libraries have transformed their young adult areas into more efficient, innovative, and inspirational spaces. Many teens have suddenly found the library warm and inviting--a place that encouraged independence, learning, socialization, and creativity. As more people learn about the positive impact of dynamic teen…

Describes use of telephone sales as marketing tool for sale of materials from publishing industry to children's libraries. Nine guidelines designed to protect consumers, overall reactions of librarians who have purchased goods and services by telephone, and sources of free and inexpensive information on telemarketing are included. Ten references…

Discusses the librarian's role as copyright adviser and offers five guidelines that are applicable to school or public librarians, including ensuring access to information; digital technology, the need for copyright exceptions, and the importance of staying informed; user rights; promoting fair use; and considering the source of copyright…

Provides guidelines on weeding science collections in junior high/high school libraries. Highlights include checking copyright dates, online sources, 13 science subject areas that deserve special consideration (plate tectonics, fission, fusion, radioactive dating, weather/climate, astronomy/space science, elements, integrated science,…

Suggests strategies for improving communications between school media specialists and teachers as a means of establishing a better working relationship and improving library collections and services. An outline of a proposed four-day media specialist/teacher workshop is provided as well as six references and three sources of additional…

Provides the following seven guidelines to help librarians better serve mentally disabled students: (1) consult with teachers; (2) select appropriate materials; (3) identify essential library skills; (4) create illustrated signs; (5) be creative about funding; (6) take regular field trips; and (7) don't limit the materials. A list of resources and…

Explains an arrangement organized by the Houston Area Independent School Library Network (HAISLN) that allows secondary school libraries to share the expenses and use of lesser used periodicals through the use of fax machines. Guidelines for the network are described, costs and copyright issues are discussed, and future plans are addressed. (three…

Discusses the necessity for providing access to microcomputers in elementary education and recommends 48 software titles that would be appropriate for public or school libraries. Considerations for librarians establishing a microcomputer software collection are discussed, and suggestions for choosing preschool programs as well as programs in…