Defines graphic novels as meatier and longer comic books and discusses their appeal for teens. Lists online and print sources of reviews; explains how to build a collection; and includes an annotated bibliography of 30 titles suitable for a middle school or high school library's core collection or for a public library's teen collection. (LRW)

Discusses principals' inaccurate perceptions of school library media programs and teacher-librarians. Topics include the invisibility of media specialists; isolation and scheduling; a low profile in professional literature read by principals; occupational socialization; principals' experiences as K-12 students; teacher training; administrator…

Discusses three school activities--electronic messaging, problem solving, and database searching--that make use of computer telecommunications. Multipurpose services, equipment and software, training and support, low-cost start-up ideas, and the role of the library media center are also covered. Two recommended publications on telecommunication…

Uses measures drawn from the "Information Power" guidelines for school library media programs and data from a national survey to compare the performance of the states in providing library collections and services in public schools. Tables present data on sample size, collection effort scores, and service scale scores. Raw data on collections and…

Based on a literature review and content analysis of written collection development policies for school libraries in Indiana, a Delphi survey of district-level school media directors in 28 states identified important issues to be addressed in future school library collection development policies. Respondents found copyright guidelines to be an…

Discusses evaluation of the teacher-librarian and describes nine areas of competence deemed necessary by the Canadian School Library Association (CSLA): (1) administration; (2) selection of learning resources; (3) acquisition, organization, and circulation of resources; (4) guidance; (5) design and production of resources; (6) information…

Describes results of a survey of secondary school libraries in Israel that was conducted in 1983-84. Library characteristics related to type of community and type of school are described, including size of collection, hours of operation, and librarians' qualifications. School library use is also discussed. (six references) (LRW)

Describes the Macintosh CD-ROM edition of "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" and discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the electronic dictionary in library media skills instruction. Use in large group instruction is discussed and advantages are highlighted, including the large print feature, sound feature, and ability…

Reviews factors that should affect the decision to automate a school media center and offers suggestions for the automation process. Topics discussed include getting the library collection ready for automation, deciding what automated functions are needed, evaluating software vendors, selecting software, and budgeting. (CLB)

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians which indicates that most collective bargaining agreements do not address issues specifically related to the library. Strategies for expanding the rights of librarians are described, including collective bargaining, modification of district policy and/or administrative practices, and revision…

Summarizes the current state of the art of bibliotherapy, discusses differences between reading guidance and bibliotherapy, and discusses the preparation necessary for work in this area, focusing on the needs of librarians working with children and adolescents. Available options for training in bibliotherapy and organizations that will provide…

Discusses how libraries can help children and teenagers meet their needs for the future together with the current status of the nation's library service to youth. A checklist for assessing library service at the state and local levels is provided, and national proposals recommended for action at the Second White House Conference on Library and…

Discusses "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs," which focuses on the library media specialist's role in planning the delivery of resources and services. Implementation of the guidelines on national, state, regional, district, building, and personal levels is discussed, and political cultures that influence…

Discusses possible responses to the situation that arises when online searches by high school students result in references to materials that do not meet selection criteria for the school library. Responses to the article from six readers are also presented. (CLB)

Describes the life cycle of children's and adolescents' books, distinguishing between out of print and out of stock materials. The relationship between children's librarians' reliance on review media and their perception of an out of print crisis is examined, and suggestions are offered for ensuring that ordered titles are available. (CLB)