The first article describes the whole language approach as an outgrowth of individualized reading and the language experience approach, which encourages students to read books about their own interests, regardless of their reading levels. The second suggests ways in which media specialists can contribute to the planning and implementation of whole…

Discusses the positive qualities of teen paperback romances that may be perceived by adolescents but not by adult readers. Guidelines to aid school librarians in evaluating teen romances and suggesting books to young readers are presented. A bibliography of seven teen romances is also provided. (CLB)

Discusses the need for media specialists to be able to translate broad issues into specific questions that can be answered at the building level in order to improve school media programs. A series of specific questions for each challenge posed in "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs" is presented. (five references)…

Focuses on the planning process described in "Information Power," recently published guidelines for school library media programs. Topics addressed include: (1) the rationale for program planning; (2) benefits and risks of planning; and (3) the steps in planning a curriculum-integrated program. An instrument for assessing preliminary conditions…

Explores the role of library media specialists in school curricula enrichment and the possibilities for utilizing both print and nonprint media to this end. Examples of media support for social studies, science, mathematics, and the arts are presented. The importance of networking and support systems to the success of media centers is discussed.…

Presents arguments for and against the use of bibliotherapy in secondary education, and suggests strategies for appropriate use. For example, in a group setting, bibliotherapy can be applied in a non-confrontational, preventive manner by counselors, media specialists and teachers; however, when it is used as prescriptive measure, extreme caution…

Seven articles discuss the importance of using evaluation forms and methods tailored to the library, rather than to teachers, for the evaluation of school librarians. Appropriate evaluation criteria are suggested and three evaluation forms are provided, including one intended to be completed by students. (CLB)

Presents a model of the information search process as a complex series of stages involving thoughts and feelings as well as actions. A study that sought to verify the model using high school seniors from three different achievement levels is described, and the implications for library instruction are discussed. (five references) (CLB)

Discusses the need for school librarians to use multiple selection tools in building suitable library collections and suggests cost effective methods for gaining access to selection tools. Selection aids discussed include bibliographies, book reviews, and catalogs of remainder houses. (CLB)

Provides fully developed library media activities for use by elementary school students with curriculum units on art, health, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. For each activity, the objectives of the exercise, appropriate grade levels, resources, instructional roles of librarians and teachers, procedures involved, and…

Overview of the new guidelines for school library media programs developed cooperatively by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology reviews issues such as information studies curriculum, planning, media specialist roles, personnel, and information resources. (MES)

Includes four articles grouped under the general theme of school library management. Topics covered include the application of total quality management to the school librarian's administrative and teaching tasks; dealing with graffiti and vandalism; organizing periodicals; and managing volunteers. (KRN)

Discusses the changing role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include the impact of an increase in job complexity and decreases in library funding; strategies for delegating; circulation; equipment operation; and empowering teachers. A sidebar lists 11 different perspectives of the media specialist's role. (11 references) (KRN)

Suggests sources of information for African American History Month for library media specialists who work with students in grades four through eight. Gale Research's "African-American Reference Library," which includes "African-America Biography,""African-American Chronology," and "African-American Almanac,"…

Describes the planning and implementation of a resource-based inquiry unit about the position of women in society to coincide with Women's History Month. Details the scheduling, content, and structure of the unit, as well as student, participant, and teacher reactions to the project. (JKP)