Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)

Discusses the planning and preparation necessary to ensure a cost-effective and accurate retrospective conversion of school library catalogs. Suggested strategies include heavy weeding, developing accurate standardized shelf lists with an entry for each holding, and standardizing entries within a school district or region. (CLB)

Briefly describes CD-ROM technology and discusses the possible impact of this technology on school library media centers. The advantages and disadvantages of the technology are discussed, a number of appropriate products are described, and ideas to help media specialists implement CD-ROM technology are suggested. A directory of CD-ROM resources…

Based on cats in literature, the seven short lesson plans presented here were developed for grades K-four and follow the goals and objectives of the North Carolina Competency Based Curriculum Guide (CBC) for Library/Media Skills. Activities based on puns on the word cat are also included. (19 references) (LRW)

Using qualitative methods, this study investigated the library search process of college-bound high school seniors. A six-stage model of the students' search process was developed from the thoughts, actions, and feelings commonly experienced. Using several theoretical bases, a grounded theory of the process of searching for information was…

Reviews 19 recent publications from professional associations and the federal government that address areas impacting directly on school library media programs and media specialists. Suggestions for obtaining and using the publications are offered. (CLB)

Describes a library media program that incorporates flexible scheduling, accessibility for all students, and a prescriptive approach to library-based learning. The discussion covers library services offered to students and teachers; the cooperative relationship of administrators, teachers, and librarians; and the goals and objectives of the…

Describes the development of the Media Specialist Stress Inventory (MSSI), designed to examine the degree to which stress variables can be used to predict burnout levels of school library media specialists. The results of tests of the reliability and validity of the MSSI are presented and discussed. (31 references) (CLB)

Discusses areas to be considered in planning for an automated system for a school library including standards; networking; hardware; cost; order of conversion; retrospective conversion; non-print bibliographic records; vendor reputation; integration with school management software; and subject access. Microcomputer integrated systems,…

Describes the causes and symptoms of technostress (a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with new technologies) as it relates to school librarians. Skills for managing change and conflict are discussed, and case studies of several actual victims of technostress are presented. (MES)

Presents a unit designed to be a beginning step for second- to fourth-grade students toward completing a total research project later in the school year. Objectives, project goal, an introduction and two lessons, classroom integration, and evaluation are included. (LRW)

Discusses site-based management in schools and suggests implications for school library media specialists. Topics addressed include historical background, including total quality management; current changes in education, including school restructuring; and a review of recent research and literature from 1990-93. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Describes an exhibit organized by the media specialist at Base Line Middle School (Colorado) that portrayed ethnic stereotypes in today's culture through movies, records, sports logos, cartoons, newspaper articles, magazines, and other media. Presentations by community members from the ethnic groups are described, and student reactions are…

Presents information on government publications for school library media specialists, notes problems, and identifies selection aids. Topics include: the "Monthly Catalog" on CD-ROM, the Superintendent of Documents Classification System, GPO bookstores and depository libraries, how to purchase and promote the use of government…

Discusses the use of 39 new fiction and nonfiction travel-related titles to enable children to practice thinking skills in a nonthreatening environment. Examples for teaching inference, observation, prediction, comparison, and contrast are provided. Examples can be used as entry points for booktalks or introductions to other kinds of programs.…