Just 10 years ago the Academy of American Poets initiated the observance of National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Since then, the movement has continued to gain momentum with the emergence of Young People's Poetry Week in 1999, a focus on poetry slams as the centerpiece for Teen Read Week in 2003, and the…

This report marks the third release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2008. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

The term "inquiry" can be viewed from two perspectives. Inquiry refers to the abilities students develop when designing and conducting investigations and the understanding they gain through this process about the nature of science. Inquiry also refers to teaching and learning strategies that enable students to master content concepts. Library…

This year's "School Library Journal's" spending survey showed that, despite the recession, the vast majority of media centers around the country have retained their credentialed media specialists. For example, almost 85% of elementary schools and more than 95% of middle and high schools have a full-time certified librarian. In addition, salaries…

This document is a step-by-step guide for librarians who wish to host children's authors and illustrators at school and public libraries. Topics include reasons for having an author/illustrator visit; preliminary planning and making proposals; making initial contacts; the program plan, including types of events, examples of successful visits and…

Designed for elementary and secondary school library media personnel, this fact sheet briefly outlines the need for and methods of public relations. The document emphasizes that because library media programs are vulnerable to budget cuts, the need exists to educate those making fiscal decisions on the role of these materials in the curriculum. A…

An investigation of alternatives in collection design for the school library/media center. (Author/PF)

A procedural guide to program-planning-budgeting systems (PPBS) and an exploration of valid sources of funding for school media programs. (Author/PF)

To increase their power and prestige within the school district, librarians and media specialists must pay greater attention to their contracts and become involved in local and national educational associations. (PF)

A total of 484 tenth-grade students, evenly divided between schools with Commonwealth libraries and those without, were assessed for motivational dispositions (need for achievement, test anxiety, and sense of responsibility for successes and failures), academic values, and displayed motivation (as revealed in choice of tasks). (Editor)

Following historical background on the 46 School Library Systems in New York State, the following topics relating to the systems are discussed: (1) mandates set up for the systems by the State Board of Regents; (2) required 3-year Plans of Service which explain how the mandates will be carried out; (3) governance; (4) funding; (5) creation of…

Designed to provide guidance for librarians, this publication expresses the opinion of the legal counsel of the American Library Association (ALA) regarding library and classroom use of copyrighted videotapes and computer programs. A discussion of videotapes considers the impact of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 on in-classroom use, in-library…

Continuing education, as well as initial professional training, is essential for the continuity and growth of school librarianship in Nigeria. Short summer courses often make it possible to improve and update the skills of teacher/librarians without interfering with their school-year duties. For 20 years the Eastern Nigeria (now Anambra State)…

This report provides background--including information on structure, funding levels, program evaluation and issues--on federal programs which provide financial or material assistance to public, school, and college libraries. Federal library grant programs are covered in the following categories: (1) aid to public libraries under the Library…

Intended to serve as a guide rather than as a comprehensive listing, this advisory list includes reference books appropriate for school media collections for grades K-6. Entries included on the list were selected from those materials submitted by publishers which received favorable reviews by educators. Single volumes and sets of books are listed…