Describes the Macintosh CD-ROM edition of "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" and discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the electronic dictionary in library media skills instruction. Use in large group instruction is discussed and advantages are highlighted, including the large print feature, sound feature, and ability…

Reviews factors that should affect the decision to automate a school media center and offers suggestions for the automation process. Topics discussed include getting the library collection ready for automation, deciding what automated functions are needed, evaluating software vendors, selecting software, and budgeting. (CLB)

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians which indicates that most collective bargaining agreements do not address issues specifically related to the library. Strategies for expanding the rights of librarians are described, including collective bargaining, modification of district policy and/or administrative practices, and revision…

Summarizes the current state of the art of bibliotherapy, discusses differences between reading guidance and bibliotherapy, and discusses the preparation necessary for work in this area, focusing on the needs of librarians working with children and adolescents. Available options for training in bibliotherapy and organizations that will provide…

Discusses how libraries can help children and teenagers meet their needs for the future together with the current status of the nation's library service to youth. A checklist for assessing library service at the state and local levels is provided, and national proposals recommended for action at the Second White House Conference on Library and…

Discusses "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs," which focuses on the library media specialist's role in planning the delivery of resources and services. Implementation of the guidelines on national, state, regional, district, building, and personal levels is discussed, and political cultures that influence…

Discusses possible responses to the situation that arises when online searches by high school students result in references to materials that do not meet selection criteria for the school library. Responses to the article from six readers are also presented. (CLB)

Describes the life cycle of children's and adolescents' books, distinguishing between out of print and out of stock materials. The relationship between children's librarians' reliance on review media and their perception of an out of print crisis is examined, and suggestions are offered for ensuring that ordered titles are available. (CLB)

Reviews curriculum guides and the research literature to examine locational skills instruction in elementary schools and the transferability of skills to the public library. Factors that may limit instructional effectiveness are identified and the need for public children's librarians to have realistic expectations of children's abilities to…

Reviews literature on marketing techniques for public, academic, special, and school libraries from 1982 to the present. Results of a survey of librarians in Indiana and Illinois on marketing techniques are included, and a 114-item annotated bibliography is presented. (LRW)

Abstracts describe five research projects which investigated a library-based computer-assisted writing program; high school library media specialists with exemplary programs; the impact of access to an academic library via online catalog for college bound students; transferability of library research skills from high school to college; and the…

Outlines steps for school library media centers planning for regional cooperative collection development (CCD) based on the use of a conspectus. CCD and resource sharing are contrasted; and use of the conspectus for analyzing the current collection, studying growth and use trends, and deciding future collection needs is explained. Conspectus…

Eleven high schools with advanced technology programs were examined for their use of technology, particularly the Internet, in classrooms and school libraries. Discussion includes teacher attitudes, teacher training, local politics and the school environment, the power of the individual to enhance or inhibit success, guidelines and ethics, and…

Reviews 13 dissertations completed between 1992 and 1994 as well as 8dissertations in progress that are relevant to the school library media field. Topics include children's literature, information retrieval, media production, international school librarianship, and use of the library. (LRW)

Describes a project sponsored by a grant from the American Association of School Librarians and the Highsmith Corporation that focused on elementary curriculum integration of the library media program, collaboration between teachers and media specialists based on roles suggested in "Information Power," and flexible or fixed scheduling of…