Presents an interview with the Executive Director of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Highlights include attracting members to the AASL, the multifaceted role of Executive Director, education, previous positions and accomplishments, goals for YALSA, intellectual freedom,…

Presents a history of school library media programs. Topics include the evolution of standards; the influence of military training on standards during World War II; district and school media programs; and "Information Power," by AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and AECT (Association for Educational Communications and…

Partnerships formed between public libraries and school library media centers where resources and facilities are shared have increased. Discusses the experiences of Washoe County Library System (Nevada), the New Orleans Public Library (Louisiana) and their respective school districts. Partnerships increased collections, space, and financing but…

Compiles reports from school librarians throughout Canada on library activities and the issues effecting them. For each province, the initiatives of its individual school library and media specialists association are highlighted. Discusses various conferences, advocacy, professional development, education, training, information literacy, library…

Discusses Virginia Hamilton's accomplishments as a writer and storyteller for young people. Suggests activities related to Hamilton's books, including reading aloud, watching a biographical videotape, displaying her books in the library or classroom, and visiting children's and young adult author web sites. Provides an annotated bibliography of 20…

Provides suggestions that can reduce stress for library personnel. Discusses strategic planning tasks, coping with patrons, releasing hostile feelings, recognizing no-win situations, keeping in good health, observing/changing personal habits, alternating mental and physical jobs, creating a library policy, selecting and arranging computer…

Research has shown links between good libraries and good student performance. A good library is adequately staffed, stocked, and funded. Its staff is involved in the school's teaching and learning; provides access to materials; has collegial, collaborative relationships with teachers; and embraces information technology. A dynamic librarian and a…

In remote Bristol Bay (Alaska), award-winning librarian Tiki Levinson built a library program that inspired students to read and teachers to embrace new resources for their classrooms. She recommends new books and Web sites to students and teachers and searches avidly for new resources that might pique a child's interest or meet a teacher's needs.…

Discusses the role of the school library in the learning process and suggests it should also encourage students' reading habits. Topics include a new paradigm in the concept of a reading culture, including an individualized approach to learning to use the school library; library staff; reading and information skills; and reading materials.…

Discusses the results of a survey of school principles that investigated how they perceive the role of librarians and the library media center. Shows a general lack of knowledge about the role of school libraries and their ability to improve student learning, and the need for librarians to communicate their role more clearly. (LRW)

Explains Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) model which is based on a constructivist view of learning and provides a framework for school library media specialists for the design of information services and instruction. Highlights include a shift from library skills to information skills; attitudes; process approach; and an interview with…

Describes how an independent college preparatory school library in Tennessee serving grades six through twelve has transformed its space to meet student needs. Discusses maximizing space for multipurpose use; changing library personnel duties to meet changing needs; increasing collaboration with teachers; and changes in the library collection.…

Discusses electronic reference service from a teen's point of view and from the school library media specialist's view. Considers traits that attract teens, including anonymity, speed, and convenience; and explains concerns of media specialists, including quality of electronic resources, how to provide access, library instruction options, and…

Discusses the kind of library media program that elementary students should have, focusing on the library schedule and its impact on student achievement. Considers time for collaborative planning with teachers; availability for multitasking in the library; and information literacy skills instruction integrated with content instruction. (LRW)

Provides information for school libraries interested in acquiring graphic novels. Discusses theft prevention; processing and cataloging; maintaining the collection; what to choose, with two Web sites for more information on graphic novels for libraries; collection development decisions; and Japanese comics called Manga. Includes an annotated list…