Outlines current function of the school library media center, highlighting reference services, the information function, national standards, the library media program, the teaching of library media skills, library instruction as a shared responsibility of classroom teachers and media specialists, and the development of the reference collection.…

Provides a definition of the planning process drawing upon models from management science, outlines the steps library administrators should take in developing a planning program, and describes some of the recent planning processes for public libraries, school media centers, academic libraries, and special libraries. A reference list is provided.…

Examines the importance of inservice education for school library media personnel and discusses responsibility for identifying learning needs, strategies available and problems involved in assessing these needs, and steps involved in locating sources of continuing education. Fourteen references are provided. (EJS)

Employs the narrative of a school media specialist's experiences in developing an active instructional role for the school library as a vehicle to summarize research findings on the attitudes of administrators, teachers, and media specialists toward the role of media specialists in instructional development. A 16-item reference list is included.…

Discusses reasons why library media specialists are not actively involved in the instructional development process and offers several suggestions for improving future library media center programs. Seven references are cited. (CHC)

Presents an interview with the Executive Director of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Highlights include attracting members to the AASL, the multifaceted role of Executive Director, education, previous positions and accomplishments, goals for YALSA, intellectual freedom,…

Presents a history of school library media programs. Topics include the evolution of standards; the influence of military training on standards during World War II; district and school media programs; and "Information Power," by AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and AECT (Association for Educational Communications and…

Partnerships formed between public libraries and school library media centers where resources and facilities are shared have increased. Discusses the experiences of Washoe County Library System (Nevada), the New Orleans Public Library (Louisiana) and their respective school districts. Partnerships increased collections, space, and financing but…

Compiles reports from school librarians throughout Canada on library activities and the issues effecting them. For each province, the initiatives of its individual school library and media specialists association are highlighted. Discusses various conferences, advocacy, professional development, education, training, information literacy, library…

Discusses Virginia Hamilton's accomplishments as a writer and storyteller for young people. Suggests activities related to Hamilton's books, including reading aloud, watching a biographical videotape, displaying her books in the library or classroom, and visiting children's and young adult author web sites. Provides an annotated bibliography of 20…

Provides suggestions that can reduce stress for library personnel. Discusses strategic planning tasks, coping with patrons, releasing hostile feelings, recognizing no-win situations, keeping in good health, observing/changing personal habits, alternating mental and physical jobs, creating a library policy, selecting and arranging computer…

Research has shown links between good libraries and good student performance. A good library is adequately staffed, stocked, and funded. Its staff is involved in the school's teaching and learning; provides access to materials; has collegial, collaborative relationships with teachers; and embraces information technology. A dynamic librarian and a…

In remote Bristol Bay (Alaska), award-winning librarian Tiki Levinson built a library program that inspired students to read and teachers to embrace new resources for their classrooms. She recommends new books and Web sites to students and teachers and searches avidly for new resources that might pique a child's interest or meet a teacher's needs.…

Discusses the role of the school library in the learning process and suggests it should also encourage students' reading habits. Topics include a new paradigm in the concept of a reading culture, including an individualized approach to learning to use the school library; library staff; reading and information skills; and reading materials.…

Discusses the results of a survey of school principles that investigated how they perceive the role of librarians and the library media center. Shows a general lack of knowledge about the role of school libraries and their ability to improve student learning, and the need for librarians to communicate their role more clearly. (LRW)