Lists the foundational elements needed for an effective library media program and introduces the key components of effective collaboration with classroom teachers, providing proven strategies for its implementation. Suggests teacher-librarians need to take the initiative in collaboration and discusses collaboration as a predictor of student…

Discussion of collaboration in K-12 education focuses on the need for collaboration between teachers and librarians. Gives examples of successful teacher-librarian collaboration; considers reasons for unsuccessful attempts or lack of opportunities; and suggests that preservice teacher educators and librarian educators need to collaborate to…

Discusses how to create a good acoustical environment for college libraries, focusing on requirements related to the HVAC system and lighting, and noting the importance of good maintenance. A sidebar looks at how to design and achieve the most appropriate HVAC and lighting systems for optimum library acoustics. (SM)

Presents K-12 and college libraries/media centers considered outstanding in a competition, which judged the most outstanding learning environments at educational institutions nationwide. Jurors spent two days reviewing projects, highlighting concepts and ideas that made them exceptional. For each citation, the article offers information on the…

Research has shown that independent reading, both in school and out, is associated with gains in reading achievement. Principals can play a critical role by promoting voluntary reading to teachers, students, parents, and the community. (17 references) (MLF)

One way to channel support to schools from local businesses is to invite them to donate funds to school libraries. Soliciting their assistance also increases the number of supporters within the community. (MLF)

Discusses the maintenance of vertical files in the school library. Topics covered include circulation, weeding, using materials for special displays, acquiring materials, policies on advertising and controversial issues, cross-references, subject headings, introducing students to vertical files, beginning a collection, and preservation. (MES)

Presents potential questions to be asked by the prospective teacher-librarian during an employment interview. The questions address the following areas: role of the teacher-librarian, access to the resource center, clerical and technical assistants, resource center budget, discipline, staff evaluation, selection of materials, type of community,…

Includes reviews of "Information Power," the guidelines for school library media programs published by the American Library Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, by a library media specialist, a school library consultant, a professor of school librarianship, a high school librarian, and a…

Discusses the necessity of incorporating bibliographic instruction courses into the curriculum of teacher preparation programs and reviews the literature in this area. A unit which introduces elementary education majors to school library services as a part of a required children's literature course at Western State College of Colorado is…

Presents a humorous approach to the question of how to recycle catalog cards necessitated by the results of library automation and online catalogs. A sidebar summarizes an article that appeared in the "New Yorker" magazine regarding the discard of card catalogs. (LRW)

Describes a formalized library media specialist mentoring program in the Iowa City Community School District. Discussion includes characteristics for successful mentoring; the role of mentors; benefits for mentors, proteges, and library media programs; and the evolution of the mentoring relationship. (AEF)

A survey of 77 Missouri high school principals revealed a traditional view of the school librarian as one who purchases, processes, and circulates books and provides occasional reference services. Skills indicating involvement with the instructional process rated average in importance. Principals did not view library media specialists as teachers.…

Describes an intergovernmental partnership in which an elementary school library was integrated into the town library as a cost-saving measure. (SR)

At New York City's progressive Bank Street School for Children, teaching is directed to the whole child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The school's reading program focuses on a language-experience approach based on student choice. This article shows how collaboration between teachers and librarians has strengthened the…