Considers how school library media specialists can collaborate with teachers to transform conventional topical units into problem-based projects and gives examples from classrooms in Hawaii. Highlights include focusing on real-life problems; seeking and using information for the projects; hands-on learning; student roles in making decisions; and…

Offers a brief history of library youth services and the political strategies behind them. Topics include the role of women, outreach programs of public libraries, tax support, library development after World War II, federal legislation and funding, National Library Week, school libraries, parent involvement, collaborative partnerships, and…

Explores trends in learning and learning environments, and makes projections regarding the future role of teachers and school library media specialists. Discusses nonlinear environments, student-centered instruction, school Intranets, the Internet, curriculum design, learning facilitation, teachers as coaches, collaboration, information literacy,…

Discusses the role of instructional media specialists in elementary and secondary schools. Topics include educational background, including technical skills, curriculum planning, and instructional design; classroom teachers; library media specialists and the change from teaching library skills to facilitating information literacy; the role of…

Includes 17 articles that discuss the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and the role of school library media centers. Highlights include improving student achievement; improving student scores on the MAP; graphic organizers; programs for volunteer student library workers; research process; research skills; reading initiatives; collaborative…

Provides a review of school library media research published from 2000-2002. Includes reports from ERIC and dissertations and thesis papers that discuss media specialists, information literacy, student achievement, electronic resources, first amendment rights, Internet use, standards, teacher collaboration, job competencies, mentoring, principals'…

Presents findings of a study that examined the impact of a model urban library system in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) on children's literacy development, particularly for poor, minority families, and its relation to reading achievement. It is concluded that libraries are vital for children's achievement and developing informational needs. (MES)

Discusses why school administrators have not heard about the difference libraries make in student achievement (e.g., stereotypes of libraries and librarians, lack of attention to library programs in teacher/administrator training, the absorbability and invisibility of library work) and how to make changes in order to draw benefits from school…

Discusses recommendations on how social studies concepts should be presented to elementary and secondary school students so that broad understandings and problem-solving skills emerge. Intervention strategies that might be useful to library media specialists as they help teachers and students with resource-based units of instruction are described.…

Discusses the emerging interest in media education, or media literacy, and its impact on the role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include the school reform and restructuring movement; the impact of technology on literacy; the role in civic education and in health education; and media education support organizations. (Contains 17…

Discusses results of a national survey of school library media specialists and children's librarians in public libraries about reactions to their library facilities. Complaints are addressed, including lack of space, poor design, and shelving; the most heavily used areas are ranked; accommodations for technology are examined; and further research…

Examines the process of constructing a new school library. Highlights include organizing the planning team, working with the architect, planning the environment and the details, and preparing for the grand opening. (AEF)

Considers the future role of library media services based on a review of past history. Topics include the separation of church and state in education; public schools and school libraries; library standards; the role of government; and current trends, including microcomputers and other technological developments, outcome-based education, and…

Includes ideas and activities for school library media specialists relating to vacationing and traveling, including the use of maps, travel brochures, travel diaries, postcards, videos, slides, and guest speakers. An annotated bibliography of 75 pertinent sources of information, including picture books, intermediate level, nonfiction,…

Suggests school library media specialists should be responsible for promoting the integration of technology into education. Topics include resource allocation in the past; school library funding; the political climate and educational planning; technology teachers; library policies; and librarian and teacher cooperation. Provides a list of…