This survey of public secondary schools examined factors that affected the outcome (i.e., retention, restriction, or removal) of censorship challenges to library materials. Factors found to influence outcome included oral versus written challenges, materials selection policy use, school environment, community environment, and media specialist…

Discusses results of a national survey of state education agencies and elementary and middle school library media specialists that was conducted to determine what library media center and circulation statistics were being collected. The importance and usefulness of statistics for the funding of library media programs is also discussed. (10…

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Explains an arrangement organized by the Houston Area Independent School Library Network (HAISLN) that allows secondary school libraries to share the expenses and use of lesser used periodicals through the use of fax machines. Guidelines for the network are described, costs and copyright issues are discussed, and future plans are addressed. (three…

Encourages a symbiotic relationship between secondary school library media specialists and teachers to promote the goals of Advanced Placement programs. Advanced Placement courses are explained, and recommended materials and support needed from the library media program are described for the curriculum areas of English, history, and mathematics.…

Discussion of library collection assessment highlights a collection analysis that was conducted in the Birmingham (Alabama) public school system during the 1990-91 school year to determine the age of the materials and whether the collection met the needs of the curriculum. Past efforts are reviewed, and the collection assessment survey and…

Reports on the actions of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) during 1990-91. Topics discussed include activities in the areas of access to information; relevant legislation and funding; intellectual freedom; public awareness; personnel resources; and library services, development, and technology. (LRW)

Describes the "International Dictionary of Ballet" and provides an activity for grades 6-9 that can be used by the school library media specialist in cooperation with the music teacher. Resource materials are listed (including books and nonprint materials), and suggestions for adaptation to other curriculum areas are offered. (LRW)

Provides an annotated list of materials published in 1989 that deal with orientation to library facilities and services; instruction in the use of information resources; and research and computer skills related to retrieving, using, and evaluating information. Publications on user instruction in academic, public, school, and special libraries are…

Discusses uses of computer-based telecommunications and telefacsimile by school library media programs to provide information for management and services to users. A case study of telecommunications in Oklahoma that focuses on the application of technology for cooperative selection is presented, future possibilities are discussed, and an annotated…

Practical advice to help librarians prepare for and face challenges to the content of their library collections includes suggestions for developing selection policies and networks of support, as well as a recommended course of action for librarians in the event of a challenge. (MAB)

Provides a list of articles chosen from 12 journals to help school library media specialists develop an awareness of helpful literature from current periodicals. Topics covered include information service; instructional consulting; management, including collection development and public relations; and teaching, including library skills…

Provides guidelines for selection of a local area network for a high school library and discusses network and equipment costs and computer requirements, including recommendations regarding monitors, printers, compact disk players, mouse devices, and computer architecture. A second article reviews new technology exhibited at a recent computer…

Discusses the need for extended-day programs for latchkey children and describes several existing programs, including cooperative ventures between school and public libraries. Strategies for the development of afterschool programs by media specialists are recommended. (MES)

An architect discusses student input as an important part of library facilities design. Topics discussed include the uses of school and public libraries, including work and social functions; incorporating technology; effective use of space; location choices; lighting considerations; decorative treatments, including color and furnishings; and…