This investigation of a special program on library use, library attitudes, and reading attitudes at 11 Phoenix, Arizona, area elementary schools highlights selection of schools and media specialists, program description, subjects, dependent variables (classroom- and nonclassroom-related use, attitude toward school library/librarian, reading…

This publication was developed by Alabama school library media professionals to help principals understand good school library media practices. The principal can publicize the school library as a center for student and family learning. He or she can actively promote the importance of information literacy as a basis for authentic, life-long…

This paper presents guidelines and tools for action research in the school library which will help the librarian justify expenditures and personnel and evaluate and plan services. It shows how statistics can be turned into meaningful knowledge about what is currently being done in the library, how well it is being done, whether it should be done,…

This paper examines the purpose and history of the school library in the United States, and specifically in California, and discusses concerns and issues that need to be addressed to ensure that school libraries have a place in the future. The paper concludes that excellent school librarians are essential in ensuring that all young people have…

Two papers addressing the practicalities of developing and managing a Web page include: "Managing a Web Node" (John Messing); and "Creating and Managing a School Library Web Page" (John Carr). The first paper discusses five areas in planning/managing a Web page: skills required; hardware and software requirements; planning…

For many years, there has been pressure on American schools to restrict or deny students access to books or periodicals deemed objectionable by some individual or group on moral, political, religious, ethnic, racial, or philosophical grounds. Censorship of library books in school media centers is present today. The library media specialist is…

This book is designed for overextended librarians and for those who are looking for fresh approaches to what they have been doing for years. The intent in the book is to incorporate traditional techniques, such as storytelling and puppetry, with the use of technology, particularly the Internet--many different learning styles are incorporated to…

The American Institute of Architects convened a 1997 conference to explore the issues specific to designing specialties in educational facilities caused by educational reform's emerging methodologies and teaching philosophies. This document discusses the presenter's views of these issues in the following areas: creating engaging learning…

Designed to assist smaller libraries in selecting suitable reference materials for their collections, this annual review source identifies and describes 538 of the most useful and affordable reference sources available. The reviews cover reference titles published in 1998. Detailed annotations describe the nature, scope, and usability of each…

The Office of Education has long been interested in the development of public libraries as agencies to further the educational progress of the nation. Beginning with 1870, it has issued at intervals statistical compilations on the status of the various types of libraries. Marking a change in that program, the comprehensive collection covering…

Discusses the background and functions of the Southeast Metropolitan Board of Cooperative Services (SEMBCS), which provides a broad range of educational opportunities to the residents of southeast Denver, Colorado, with emphasis on the activities of the Media Services program, including media processing and a consolidated film library. (JL)

Describes the experiences of three American librarians who had temporary assignments in other countries: one in New Zealand, in an urban primary school library; one in South Africa at a small polytechnic college bringing telecommunications into the library; and one in Laos to classify and catalog a polytechnic institute library's backlog. (LRW)

Discusses collaboration between secondary school teacher-librarians and English teachers to promote literacy and reading through choice book units, where students can choose from a selection of suggested titles. Topics include nonfiction books; advantages for low-ability readers; audio books; and Teachers as Readers book discussion groups. (LRW)

Geared for school library media specialists whose centers are in the early stages of automation or conversion to a new system, this article focuses on major components of media center automation: circulation control; online public access catalogs; machine readable cataloging; retrospective conversion of print catalog cards; and computer networks…

School library media specialists can revitalize programs and restore their worth to teachers, administrators, parents, and students by valuing books and reading, learning and teaching strategies to access print and electronic information, automating circulation systems and switching to integrated online catalogs, and communicating the contribution…