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…

Microsoft and Google have very different business models. Microsoft believes that if they build it, people will come--and buy their products. Google's approach is different: if they build it, people will integrate it into their lives. People use Microsoft's product on Microsoft's terms, but people use Google products on "their" terms. In this…

Relates the role of Al Sandrini, superintendent of the Norris (CA) School District, in expanding the school libraries, including materials and staffing. Discusses what made him a strong library advocate, investing district money in libraries, site-based management, and how school librarians can be strong advocates. (LRW)

Short Pump's media center sits in the middle of the school because this library is the house that Lynn Henry Thorpe built, while principal during its 1990 planning year and 1991 opening. Thorpe believes passionately that libraries are central to successful learning. This article describes Thorpe's fervor for libraries and its history of innovation.

This article presents the findings of the 2006 School Library Journal-San Jose State University Automation Survey. The study takes a close look at the systems that media specialists are using, how they are using them, and what librarians want from their future automation programs. The findings reveal that while respondents were satisfied with…

Describes the Tall Tree Initiative for Library Services, sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation and administered by the public and school library systems of Westchester County, New York. The initiative focuses on improving services offered children in the 21st century, and demands a new level of school-public library cooperation. (AEF)

Describes programs developed by the Chicago School District to renovate and revitalize its school libraries. Topics include funding, other educational reforms in the district, updating library collections, updating librarians' skills, increasing budgets through grants, flexible scheduling, corporate support, relations with the Chicago Public…

Describes school library reform efforts in New York City's elementary public schools initiated by a private foundation to help improve education and fight poverty. Topics include funding; successful public and private collaboration; librarian training; and research to determine the role and influence of libraries. (LRW)

Describes cooperative planning and projects with teachers, students, and the library media specialist at an elementary school to help update the library to meet current and future information needs. Highlights include flexible scheduling; resource sharing; classes in library skills; computer technology; and updating the collection to include…

Presents an interview with the Executive Director of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Highlights include attracting members to the AASL, the multifaceted role of Executive Director, education, previous positions and accomplishments, goals for YALSA, intellectual freedom,…

Discusses how, with support from Library Power, a national initiative that stresses collaboration between librarians and teachers, positive changes were brought about in an elementary school in a primarily lower-income section of Brooklyn. The students recreated the Cinderella story and made a multimedia presentation, and the library was…

Provides a guide for moving a library collection, based on advice from five librarians and sources in library literature. Topics include appointing a supervisor; choosing a date; weeding the collection; hiring movers; measuring shelf space; labeling boxes; cleaning house; packing up; and maintaining a positive attitude. (AEF)

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…

Describes the renovation of the Horace Greeley High School library (Chappaqua, New York). Discusses initial planning; costs; teachers' use of the library; new technology and the blending of print resources; and the appeal of the facility for students. Sidebars highlight the lighting design and renovation goals for the media specialist and…

Describes the National Library Program supported by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The program's national goals and guidelines and results of eight projects are presented. Brief descriptions of five new projects and nine planning sites are given. Continuation plans and the possibility of funding beyond the three-year project period are…