Books were scarce in nineteenth-century South Dakota. Limited resources and a lack of widespread interest worked to hinder the growth of libraries in rural schools. Library advocates persisted in their cause, voicing their support, engaging in fund-raising activities, and proposing library legislation. Their efforts eventually led to the passage…

The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Association for Indiana Media Educators surveyed 2,650 schools regarding materials which have been questioned or challenged in school library media programs. The 1995-86 results are compared to results from the 1994 survey. (DGM)

Describes the Young Hoosier Book Award program, which is designed to promote voluntary reading. Notes that schools across Indiana are deeply impoverished in terms of literacy resources for students and that school libraries are chronically underfunded and are in dire straits. (RS)

Describes the life of Steven Kellogg, a children's book illustrator and writer. Includes extension ideas for school library media center activities related to his works and presents a selected annotated bibliography in chronological order, videos, and biographical information. (LRW)

Includes eight articles that address issues related to budgeting and finances in secondary school libraries. Topics include limited budgets; budget proposals; administering grants; writing grants; using Microsoft's Excel software for budgeting; using credit cards for library purchases; offering prizes for donating books; and offering coffee and…

Discusses how school librarians can use self-interest to increase their influence with the principal. Topics include demonstrating how the library can help; providing pertinent information; increasing interaction with the principal; accuracy and speed of providing information; helpful Web sites; and organizing and presenting the information. (LRW)

Discusses recent trends in information literacy and instruction. Topics include the emergence of standards and guidelines; standards in elementary and secondary schools; accreditation standards, certification, and mandates; defining what librarians do, particularly as teachers; plagiarism, copyright, and ethical behavior; and the impact of…

Discussion of spirituality in schools focuses on Native American images, especially as used for school mascots and product marketing. Includes various resources, both electronic and printed, that are helpful to school library media specialists as well as other educators. (LRW)

Describes how the Robin Hood foundation has teamed with architects to ensure that New York City's 650 schools have comprehensive and modern libraries. Offers brief descriptions of the first six library designs resulting from this public-private partnership. (EV)

This 17-item annotated bibliography of both retrospective and more recent information sources contains references to books and journal articles on flexible scheduling in library media centers. (MES)

Discussion of the use of poetry in the classroom highlights 15 poetry books and suggests numerous activities appropriate for grades 2 through 5 in the subject areas of African Americans, birds, color, discoveries, families, food/eating, haiku, multiculturalism, Native Americans, nature, New England, Paul Revere/biographies, seasons, trains, and…

Presents an interview with a parent who spearheaded a group of parents and residents who took action to preserve First Amendment rights for their children when their school board, responding to pressure from right-wing religious activists, removed a book from the middle-school library. (SR)

Describes a study of libraries in government postprimary schools in Benue State, Nigeria. Data are reported on staffing, finance, acquisition, processing, facilities, cooperation with other libraries, relationships with central administration, library instruction, and respondents' recommendations. Suggestions for improvement and areas of further…

Describes time-saving ways to use bulletin boards, display cases, and shelftop displays to develop a friendly, stimulating atmosphere in the library media center. Concepts, themes, and images for use throughout the year are suggested; and tips for easy ways to develop art work or use existing materials are provided. (KRN)

Provides highlights of the activities of the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) for 1992-93 as they relate to the American Library Association priority areas of access to information; legislation and funding; intellectual freedom; public awareness; personnel resources; and library services, development, and technology. (EAM)