Quality of the library media center is an index to a school's vitality. Nearly half of nonfiction books in Indiana school libraries are over 20 years old. Books no longer relevant to today's young people's needs should be removed. Schools must adopt uniform acquisitions standards (of at least two books yearly per student) to upgrade and update…

Suggests that it is more important for college bound high school students to have a positive attitude about libraries and librarians than mastery of specific skills. Suggestions beyond the context of traditional library instruction are offered to promote the view of the library as an exciting, dynamic, service-oriented institution. (11 references)…

Includes materials selection guidelines and a bibliography for a core collection of books containing appropriate Asian and Asian-American images for school library resource centers. The bibliography lists 80 children's books, arranged by age group and by 11 nationalities. The majority of the books reflect Chinese and Japanese cultures. (KRN)

Includes two articles that discuss time management and mail management strategies for librarians. Highlights include identifying personal work styles; planning and prioritizing; using calendars and computers; reexamining traffic patterns; delegating; and sorting and handling mail. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Defines censorship and differentiates censorship from selection. Reviews the history of censorship and recent research trends. Describes typical censorable content and the consequences of censorship for libraries, books, and authors. Suggests strategies educators can use in dealing with censorship. (BC)

Provides an annotated bibliography of eight articles that offer suggestions about ways teachers and librarians can use the library to help students learn. (MG)

Suggests theoretical benefits and limitations of hypertext when used by children and explores how hypertext may differ from the traditional print format in terms of the reading process. Highlights include hypertext books; interactive fiction; reading and writing theories and hypertext; and youth librarians and hypertext. (Contains 21 references.)…

Presents the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) position statement on appropriate staffing for school library media centers. Highlights include the need for full-time, certified library media specialists; support staff; ratio of professional staff to teacher and student populations; and district library media directors. (LRW)

Describes a literary arts model as a method of incorporating a plan for a successful whole-language experience. Instructional goals, an example of use of the program at a Maryland elementary school, and an overview of the whole-language approach are included. (Contains four references.) (EAM)

Discusses recent books and articles on the minimalist model of education, children as users of information systems, the new information superhighway in relation to schools, the future of reading and computers, and children's use of online information resources. (EAM)

Describes an award-winning instructional media center (IMC) at a New Jersey high school. The IMC (library) is the school's hub from 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., and has dial-in access. This information-literacy program emphasizes total-quality-management principles, ongoing professional development, teacher support, and information skills instruction.…

Discusses action research and its implications for library media centers; measurement and study; and steps in the action research process: clarify research need and define research problem, plan research to provide relevant data, collect and organize, analyze and interpret, report to relevant audiences, and integrate the results into library media…

Discussion about planning for school libraries focuses on the first phase, called preplanning or programming, which involves determining the motivation for building or renovating; needs assessments; considering the role of the library; giving users questionnaires to solicit their opinions; workflow patterns; and cost estimates that include…

Provides suggestions for media specialists to conduct effective and motivating professional development for teachers. Highlights include making examples that teachers can use in their classrooms, small- versus large-group instruction, providing a printed agenda and handouts, using an instructional assistant, sticking to a schedule while breaking…

Discusses the effects of the creation-evolution controversy on school libraries. Addresses two main questions: (1) whether a school library is required to purchase or accept donations of books presenting "creation science" or "arguments against evolution"; and (2) how to evaluate the appropriateness of creationist books. (WRM)