Discusses Internet plagiarism and includes an outline for a presentation that library media specialists can use with teachers. Highlights include an overview of the problem; helping teachers recognize the signs; pinpointing the source, including the use of search engines and Web sites; and prevention, including more control over the research…

Focuses on evaluating the school library media collection. Discusses how to figure the age of the collection; comparing the collection to a professional selection source; and how to estimate the cost of upgrading the collection. Includes a sample letter to principal and supporting fact sheet. (AEF)

Describes six trends in current library facilities design, whether for new buildings or renovations: self-service and operational efficiency; flexibility and technology integration; green/sustainable buildings that use the natural environment; collaboration between public and school/college libraries; aesthetics; and customizing to the local…

Looks at 141 high-performing library media centers, providing statistics on grade levels and regions served, services offered, collection size and local expenditures, expenditures from all sources, librarian/teacher instructional planning by grade and service level, principal communication and service level, program services and communication, and…

Considers how computer technology is affecting classrooms and school libraries. Examples of elementary and secondary school uses of computers in California classrooms are given; teacher education for use of the World Wide Web is described; and the role of teachers and library media specialists is discussed. (LRW)

Discusses issues related to planning school library media facilities and suggests appropriate resources. Topics include planning with the school community and considering technology use; curriculum needs; and physical considerations such as air quality, hard wiring versus wireless, and needed space. (LRW)

Describes the school library media program in New Trier Township High School (Illinois) that uses collaboration to respond to the needs of students, staff, school, and the community. Highlights include collaboration to meet curricular needs; staff development for teachers and support staff; supporting school values; and community programs. (LRW)

Explains cognitive apprenticeship models. Highlights include modeling; coaching; scaffolding; metacognition; learning through social interaction; placing learning in an authentic context with authentic activities; information literacy and problem solving; and implementing apprenticeship approaches in library media centers. (LRW)

Through informed use of such electronic tools as Web sites, electronic discussion lists, and e-mail, school library media specialists can assume responsibility for their own professional growth and can actively influence issues and institutions that are important to their professional lives. Discussion includes recognizing information needs;…

Presents a dramatization of a high school library in 1968, a place with wooden bookcases, card catalog, wooden furniture and tiptoeing librarian through 30 years of changes to a library media center with banks of computers, librarian-teacher cooperation, emphasis on authentic assessment, and the satisfaction of librarian, teachers, and students…

"Parents: the Anti-Drug" is a public service campaign developed on the premise that parents are the most influential adults in a child's life, at any age. Action is the operative term in these announcements. The parent is not influential in a quiet, reserved role nor as one who moves aside for others to deal with education of the child. The parent…

This column provides background related to several "hot" reading topics currently taking place in schools across America as educators strive to produce lifelong readers who enjoy reading, read for a variety of purposes, and make meaning from the texts they read. Information for further reading on the topics explored also are shared. Such topics…

For young teen girls, reading has become hot again. With their appealing covers, witty heroines and humorous plots, teen chick lit books are bringing girls out of the malls and into local libraries and bookstores in search of the next must-have title. These fun books are about boys, friendship, family, fitting in, and growing up. What makes the…

Considers how school library media specialist administrative responsibilities can carry over to a job as state consultant for school library media services. Discusses characteristics of effective administrators; collaboration; the appreciative inquiry process for systemic change; and duties and projects of the state program that strengthen media…

Presents strategies for educating administrators as to the value of school library programs and their influence on student achievement. Highlights include meeting and communicating with principals and superintendents; providing documentation to support library policies and collections; demonstrating professional research abilities; inviting them…