Teacher-librarians around the world face threats to their very existence because of the advance of technology in today's schools. It can be argued that the ubiquitous use of the Internet in schools and homes, the development of school Intranet, and the increase in use of instructional Web sites in schools will make teachers and students retreat…

Many language education scholars and professionals consider that the ideal way to connect their classrooms to the Internet is to use Internet-connected computer labs in the school. Many publications cater to the needs of teachers who work in such ideal environments (Dudeney 2000; Eastment 1999; Teeler and Gray 2000; Warschauer, Shetzer, and Meloni…

The use of Internet filters in public classrooms in the USA has been intensely debated, both in terms of its effectiveness and legality. The debate pits concerns to protect students from indecent material against issues of unconstitutional censorship. This paper examines the legal issues addressed in various rulings by the US Supreme Court…

This article examines the advantages of using automated media library systems and how to incorporate them in Montessori schools learning environment. Before even addressing the issue of Montessori philosophy and practice, Here, the author first address two principles: availability and accessibility. Availability is the first principle of a…

Blogs and the whole gamut of interactive, Web-based tools are redefining how we connect with people and content on the Internet. This is the widely discussed next step known as Web 2.0, a truly revolutionary concept in which pervasive interactivity, where multitudes of users online actively exchange or contribute content, will transform the very…

The "65 percent solution," developed by First Class Education, a national advocacy group, states that 65 percent of a school's operating budget be devoted to "in-class instruction" as opposed to "out-of-classroom" purposes. One of the unintended consequences of this "solution," according to this author, is that it provides another basis for…

This article presents operational guidelines or instructions to a newly graduated librarian from library school. The author discusses some important factors to consider in the field of library work as a school librarian. He also presents seven strategies to keep in mind for a successful first year for a school librarian: (1) put people first; (2)…

The work of librarians can be a lifeline to youths dealing with difficult personal issues, such as family strife, growing up, and sexuality. This paper presents an issue where school library books at Fayetteville High School are questioned because their books are too sexually explicit or mature for teenagers. In the midst of intense media coverage…

Maryland's 24 school systems have made great strides in improving public education from pre-kindergarten through high school to ensure children are getting a high-quality education. This guide provides information and online links, including: (1) Maryland's state testing and reporting processes; (2) Programs available to support student…

In this article, the author shares some tips for the new or not-so-new library media specialists. During the first week of school, the library media specialist's life will be filled with teacher work days, mandatory meetings, piles of stuff with no apparent purpose, and a line of teachers and other staff who want something from the library. There…

The intent of the research is to focus attention on the existence and use of selection policies and to analyze selection policies to determine their thoroughness and currency. Professional guidelines and experts in the field offer direction on the selection of materials and criteria on dealing with challenges in the school library media center.…

Students from Far Rockaway High School are just back from spring break, and media specialist Geri Ellner is busy getting ready for her first class. She's already pulled out a copy of Anthony Browne's award-winning picture book "The Shape Game" (Farrar, 2003), and now she's patiently cuing up a Disney video of "Pocahontas" on…

Based on the 18th edition of "Library of Congress Subject Headings" (LCSH), this book is a compilation of the most-used Library of Congress subject headings and authority-file personal names. The book is meant to assist library professionals who are automating their catalog or who are switching from "Sears List of Subject…

This report on the activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse during the time period between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 1991, begins with a summary of data on challenges against library materials reported to the clearinghouse during this time period. Details about each challenge reported by public libraries and school library…

Three brief papers on literacy issues in Trinidad are presented. "Literacy for Women Project" reviews a 1990 workshop provided as part of International Literacy Year activities. It notes that the literacy rate among women in Trinidad and Tobago is approximately 90 percent but that the majority of illiterates overall are women. Literacy…