Two articles describe ideas for school library media centers interested in promoting space education. The first article explains how to construct an inexpensive simulation of a space shuttle and suggests associated activities. The second presents steps for identifying resources and organizing them into a resources file; relevant information…

Discusses problems confronting school library media centers, including a lack of telephones for computer network access, a lack of professional personnel, and a lack of flexible scheduling. It is suggested that leadership roles, as well as membership in local and national organizations, are necessary to address these issues. (LRW)

Describes methods that can be used to encourage appropriate behavior in school libraries and media centers. Creating policy statements is discussed; differences between policy and procedures and rules are explained; reprimands and disciplinary measures are suggested; and sample statements of policy, student responsibilities, and media center…

Describes telecommunications technology available to school library media specialists for use with distance education programs. A needs assessment process developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is explained, and a sidebar describes distance education programs currently available nationally over satellite and cable TV. (LRW)

Considers the successes and failures of academic library responses to multiculturalism and suggests steps that are needed to improve their responses. Topics discussed include recruitment of professional and support staff, changing the composition of management, the role of the library director, developing internships and mentoring, marketing the…

Discusses national standardized testing versus testing reform and provides an overview of the alternative assessment movement and its relationship to the school library media specialist. Highlights include criticisms of standardized testing; theoretical assumptions for alternative assessment; research and practice related to specific alternative…

Describes a study conducted in Florida to determine the status of combined school and public libraries and to evaluate whether further information is needed on their effectiveness. Recommendations based on findings from a review of the literature and a survey of state libraries and education agencies are presented. The questionnaire is appended.…

Reports on activities of the Information Skills Task Force of the American Association of School Librarians that addressed three main issues: (1) student competencies required to access, use, and apply information; (2) preparing an information skills curriculum; and (3) ensuring the integration of information skills into the elementary and…

Describes current concerns and activities of the American Association of School Librarians, including the relationship between whole-language programs and school library media programs; local school site-based management initiatives and their impact on library media programs; fund-raising possibilities; federal funding for library media centers;…

This bibliography for school library media specialists lists periodical articles published in 1992 in the areas of information service; instructional consulting; management; teaching; literary consulting; notable authors, illustrators, and librarians; teaching; school reform; and the White Conference on Library and Information Services. (LRW)

Discusses planning necessary for library media centers that are adding new technology. Highlights include equity and access; selection of an automated system; implementation; placement of hardware, both for patrons and for staff; CD-ROMs and networks; and a case study of the West Windsor-Plainsboro (New Jersey) Middle School. (Contains five…

Describes a college-level student research project on white-collar crime and its relationship to political sociology. Provides suggestions for adapting the activity to other classrooms. Includes recommended resources that can be found in most college libraries. (CFR)

Outlines the Technical Aide (TA) internship program in the Tamalpais Union High School District (Larkspur, California) where students skilled in computer use facilitate technology use within the school. A TA program can provide needed personnel and service in the library as well as highlight library staff competence in technology. Presents tips…

Discusses how to use stories to help children connect mathematical ideas to their own lives. Gives examples of picture books and other children's books that present math ideas, suggests the use of visual learning and real-life applications, and explains how to adapt ideas to library media center activities. (LRW)

Notes the California's Reading Task Force's heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness (PA) evaluation and training. Argues that although evidence shows that phonemic awareness will emerge by simply reading, California's school libraries--ranked near last in the nation--would require a massive commitment to rise to the task. Argues (in an ironic tone)…