Reports on the activities of state agency personnel involved in helping local school systems develop library media services. State agency characteristics are discussed, the activities of the National Association of State Educational Media Professionals (NASTEMP) are described, and recent publications are reviewed. (four references) (LRW)

Presents ideas for creating classroom libraries, noting how to set up a library (create a space, build and organize the collection, and set rules), where to find books at bargain prices (e.g., garage sales, libraries, book clubs, and grants), basic books to include, and information on authors and illustrators. (SM)

Three articles provide tips for remodeling or building a school media center. Topics addressed include computer workstations; furnishings; packing, moving, and reshelving books; handicapped accessibility; advisory committees; documentation; design elements to increase the comfort of librarians and students; and miscellaneous considerations such as…

Reports results of a survey of vendors of automated systems in Canadian school libraries. Data are presented on number of installations; geographical distributions; international sales; and miscellaneous capabilities, including local area networks, union catalogs, and French language. Vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (three…

Describes a successful campaign mounted by the Maryland Educational Media Organization for passage of a resolution supporting funding for school library media programs at the Maryland Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services in 1990. A copy of the resolution is included. (MES)

Describes the government publishing program for children, including Smokey Bear materials. The advantages and disadvantages of acquiring children's materials from the government are discussed. An annotated bibliography, including cost and contact information for 19 government publications for children on topics such as space exploration,…

If students can direct visitors to their school library/media center, it probably is central to their learning. A 1992 study found the size of school library staff and collections to be the best school predictor of student achievement. Budget cuts have resulted in too many understaffed, understocked, and closed-down facilities. Cooperation with…

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)