In this article, the author discusses how to transform a down-on-its-luck library into an irresistible place for boys. She suggests to begin with vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. Based on the author's 30-plus years of experience working with students, she knows boys respond well to a scholarly environment. In fact, it is one of the ways…

The medical community understands surprisingly little about autism, referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), because its symptoms can range from severe to a high-functioning autism, known as Asperger's syndrome. There's general agreement that a genetic predisposition coupled with unknown environmental triggers may explain what's behind it,…

When Jim Chadwell, the former principal of Northwest High School in Texas, renovated his media center four years ago, he had two things in mind: Starbucks and Barnes & Noble. According to Media Specialist Naomi Bates, Chadwell wanted a place where students could read, do research, and work on classroom assignments, but also socialize. That is…

Greater use can be made of fewer materials if there is public library and school library involvement in satisfying the library needs of all children. (Author)

The direction and development of public library services to children are of vital concern; but socioeconomic "status insecurity" on the part of chilren's librarians may confound their ability and willingness to fulfill both personal and professional commitments to librarianship and to children. (Author/CMV)

Caroline Ward's energetic enthusiasm for books and children is contagious. In 36 years of library service to children, no librarian, student, or child who has heard her tell a story, give a booktalk, lead a discussion group, or teach a children's literature class is likely to have forgotten the experience. While Ward is cheerfully offhand about…

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 the cooperation between Montgomery County, Maryland, librarians and public broadcasting station WETA to produce programs relating to books. (PF)

The recommendation of the Report of the New York State Commissioner of Education's Committee on Library Development that the elementary school media center should have the responsibility...to meet all the library needs of all children..." is reviewed. (Author)

Discusses the role of the elementary school librarian, as well as the educational function of the school library from the 1950s to the present, and speculates about the future. (CMV)

Having sleepovers at the public library can be fun and exciting. This article describes the Brownie Sleepover program, a library sleepover program, which started 10 years ago when two local Brownie leaders approached the former head of children's services to ask if she could help second graders earn their "Be a Reader" patch. After…

Describes a statewide language-development program developed among Maryland's city, county, and regional library systems to help parents prepare their preschoolers for success in school. Discusses child development, the role of libraries, storytelling training, and preschool literacy efforts by the Public Library Association; and lists Web…

Identifies six areas of children's librarianship that need attention: definition of the role of children's librarians; clarification of the goals and worth of children's services; an improved professional image; determination of the appropriate education to enable librarians to meet changed circumstances; and a better understanding of what…

Suggests directions for improving school library services to Native Americans by examining three areas: important events in library development since 1950s; Native Americans' perceived needs for information (specifically in Arizona); four proposed roles which reservation-based library media specialist can assume to help eliminate educational…

Discusses various aspects of home schooling, including reasons that parents choose home schooling, two major schools of thought on home education, historical perspectives, and legal issues. The role of the public library is examined and some services offered to home schoolers are described. A bibliography of books for parents is provided. (10…