In this article, the author explores why a school librarian's value should be wrapped up in books. First, reading is a foundational skill, and memories are built around who people are before and who they are after reading a book. School librarians get to be a part of that transformation. Second, books still make up the heart of a physical library,…

When secondary school librarians teach students digital life literacies, they help students perceive that librarians can provide support for real-life problems. The more librarians work with students, create inviting library environments, and have positive engagements with students, the more they change student perceptions of librarians in…

These guidelines were developed by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association to encourage library schools to add training in genealogical research to their curriculum. Highlights include course objectives; the library's role in serving genealogical patrons; genealogical research methodology; reference…

Examines the effect of information technology on library school curriculum, the role of reference librarians in public libraries, reference services, and user access to information. Identifies four limitations that may affect the service given by reference librarians: subject knowledge, language, cultural literacy, and logical inference…

School impact media studies indicate that a well-staffed and funded school library media program with a certified school library media specialist (SLMS) positively correlates with increased student achievement. SLMS must have a shared understanding of their roles and responsibilities to positively impact student success. In an effort to determine…

Recounts in personal terms the role of the librarian in the high school. (JL)

Eight librarians express their views on the state of the libraries' reference services with some suggestions for their improvement. (37 references) (NH)

All teachers, including school librarians, have the responsibility of helping people utilize (not only discover) information to help themselves. They must promote questioning and the active life of the imagination. (Author)

Presents an overview of 15 studies conducted in or about North Carolina related to school library media programs. Highlights include the roles of programs and media specialists as perceived by principals, students, and peers; stress sources; reading interests of teenagers; professional roles in reference services, information skills instruction,…

The role of school librarians has changed as the rapid expansion of information technology during the last decade has placed more emphasis on their participation in the instructional process, and propelled the librarian into a new role as school media specialist. Many media specialists have difficulty in grasping their role in schools. They are…

Focuses on role of school library media programs in the fostering of lifelong learning and development of information skills. Highlights include information use and users, access, instruction, consulting, attitude problems, personnel and economic issues, planning and evaluating programs, education of library media specialists, and information…

Discussion of the role of the school library media specialist focuses on how to diagnose information needs. Highlights include diagnostic processes for individuals and for groups; the reference interview; needs assessment; neutral questions; determining user preferences; client limitations; and evaluation. (eight references) (LRW)

Explains the concept of diagnosing information needs as part of the role of the school library media specialist. Topics discussed include the diagnostic process, i.e., the reference interview; information psychology; theories of information transfer; a model for diagnosing information needs; and implications for practitioners and for research. (19…

Discussion of the changing role of the school library/media specialists argues that skill requirements for this group should be redefined to include competency in online information retrieval techniques. Appropriate online databases available on CD-ROM and sources for training are described, and a role for academic librarians in providing training…

This book addresses issues currently facing library media specialists. It is a collection of case studies designed for both the beginning and the experienced professional. The 48 cases cover all types of schools (elementary, middle, and high schools; public, private, or parochial in urban, suburban, and rural communities) and examine four basic…