Discussion of censorship against books in public and school libraries focuses on intellectual freedom; First Amendment rights; and curriculum development to include lessons on the First Amendment. Offers suggestions for activities focusing on censorship and banned books. (LRW)

Argues against perpetuating misinformation in this technological age, as illustrated in recent Indiana legislation mandating that selected historical writings be included in school library collections; among documents listed is a letter from an Indian chief which has been proven to be fictitious. (AEF)

To integrate the library fully into the educational life of an elementary school, the following design principles are offered: (1) locate the library centrally within the school; (2) provide separate areas for different functions; (3) design the entire space so that it can be observed by one adult; and (4) incorporate computers seamlessly into the…

Presents the following tips for getting the school media center off to a good start in the fall: refocus to-do lists; be ready for business; provide advance scheduling; deal with perceptions; conduct new staff orientation; focus on teachers of new students; and provide ongoing staff development. (AEF)

Discusses how to catalog nonbook, or nonprint, materials in school libraries. Highlights include advantages of putting nonbook materials into an online catalog; weeding the collection; note fields; updating skills and knowledge for nonbook cataloging; documentation for the online system; and contacting other librarians and catalogers for help.…

Examines theoretical and practical elements that lead to successful implementation of change. Discusses research on planned educational change and change agent theory; describes a school library media specialist's effort to implement a learning-centered library program; and includes a list of practical ideas for implementing "Information…

Examines current standards and guidelines relative to libraries in Catholic elementary schools, using a sampling of library literature and school district documents. Discusses the importance of data; quantitative data; qualitative data; the mission of the Catholic Church; and the role of the Catholic Library Association in formulating proposed…

This article, citing the example of large bookselling chains who offer cafes in their stores, advocates the provision of food and drink in school libraries as well. High-quality food, made available by vending machine, would increase levels of wellness, energy, and teachability. Protests involving mess, lack of money, and difficulties with parents…

Elementary library media specialists in Iowa recorded their use of time for two days. Descriptive measures indicated nearly equal amounts of time for direct services and for management and operations activities. Automation, scheduling, support staff, and number of buildings served by the media specialist were found to have a significant influence…

Recommends that school librarians and media specialists make known the importance of school libraries and media centers and the work they do. Suggests increasing librarian visibility in schools, writing articles, and attending and presenting at conferences and conventions for teachers and administrators. A sidebar contains suggestions for article…

Discusses methods of managing queues (waiting lines) to optimize the use of student computer stations in school library media centers and to make searches more efficient and effective. The three major factors in queue management are arrival interval of the patrons, service time, and number of stations. (Author/LRW)

Discusses challenges facing teacher librarians to plan a future for the information-knowledge environments in schools and suggests that action and evidence-based, learning-centered practice focusing on a constructivist inquiry approach are important. Topics include perceived lack of support and understanding; funding; professional development; a…

Discusses the need for Spanish language materials as a result of the growth of the Hispanic population, and describes issues faced by one children's book publisher. Topics include how books are selected for translation; Spanish only versus bilingual editions; selecting translators; standard Spanish versus regional Spanish; and information for…

Presents an annual list of adult mystery titles (in print as of September 1999) to recommend to teenagers, as well as recently published mystery readers advisory sources or nonfiction mystery-related titles that school and public libraries may want for their collections. (AEF)

High school students often use online databases and the Internet in the school library media center (SLMC) to complete teachers' assignments. This case study used a survey to assess teachers' awareness of electronic resources, and to determine whether their directions influence student use of these resources in the SLMC. Participants were teachers…