Suggests strategies for school librarians to build a power base and become involved with the teachers and students. Highlights include surveying teachers regarding their needs and then responding with bibliographies of resources and flexible lesson plans, joining planning teams and committees, and encouraging student use of the library. (LRW)

Focuses on intellectual freedom, discussing the role of libraries, the Berlin Wall and banned books as attempts to restrict intellectual freedom, and controversies surrounding filtering software. Contains an annotated bibliography of intellectual freedom resources, presented in five categories: general; government and legal issues; access and…

"Cyberpunk librarian," a metaphor for librarians operating in cyberspace, is defined. This article describes the properties and culture of the electronic frontier, discusses the social impact of cyberspace, examines the role of libraries and librarians in the future. Argues that librarians can help shape a vision of cyberspace that…

Examines how rural librarians view librarianship and libraries, and the future of both. A total of 441 surveys were sent out; 232 were analyzed. Findings indicate rural librarians are overwhelmingly positive about the profession and its future. The major obstacle facing rural libraries is a lack of education to cope with changes the information…

The role of the public library has changed with the advent of the Internet and digital technology. In addition to its traditional role as a storehouse of information, the role of the public library now encompasses a range of duties such as a resource learning center, a community center, and a business liaison. The opportunities for service have…

Reports on a survey of middle and high schools in eastern North Carolina's Clinical Schools Network that examined the current status of computer networking and how the role of school media specialist is being affected. Results are reported related to perceived instructional needs and network problems, as well as proposed instructional and…

Discussion of public library roles examines roles from the Public Library Association's planning and measurement tools for their usefulness in evaluating public library effectiveness, based on data from the Public Library Effectiveness Study. Indicators of library effectiveness are discussed, and a cluster analysis of libraries with similar role…

Provides an overview of the state of libraries and their resources in Croatia. Highlights include destruction of libraries resulting from the war; the need for centralization, uniformity, and standards; the role of the National and University Library; processing library materials; and the development of an automated system and network. (Contains…

Discussion of children's Internet access focuses on WiredKids, an organization devoted to helping to empower children to use the Internet safely and in age-appropriate ways. Topics include the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA); parental, school, library, and commercial organization involvement; and middle school student Internet…

Discusses the link between adequately developed, current school library collections and better student achievement and highlights the importance of having students become successful critical readers. Offers suggestions for encouraging reading, including knowing the materials in the collection, knowing the students to meet their needs, building on…

Focuses on children's experiences on the Internet, including the extent of their exposure to sexual, racial, or other inappropriate material. Results of questionnaires in United Kingdom high schools addressed home access; filtering systems; student attitudes; the extent and type of supervision at home and at school; school Internet policies; and…

Describes the Florida Born To Read (BTR) program, a statewide early literacy program that has grown from 10 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funded pilot projects in 1998-99 to include LSTA and locally funded programs in more than one-third of Florida's 67 counties in 2001-02. Sidebars list topics and presenters at BTR Capacity Building…

Discusses information retrieval, the effects of the Internet, and the changing role of information professionals based on experiences at JP Morgan. Topics include end-user relationships; training needs; the need for continual professional development; relationship to the information technology department; information management; and Intranet…

Discusses building collaborative teacher-librarian relationships, focusing on team-building experiences at Lincoln Elementary School (Hawaii). Highlights include: building trust; cooperating on curriculum; creating leadership teams; planning interactive meetings; valuing strengths; varying roles and responsibilities; and viewing planning as…

Highlights dangers on the Internet that parents should be aware of and provides suggestions on how parents can ensure their children's safety on the Internet. Describes how librarians can help parents by establishing Internet policies, providing access to quality Web sites, resolving filtering issues, and providing instruction for children and…