Library media specialists can show the effectiveness of the library media center in support of block scheduling through action research. This article discusses how to add to the evidence on the effects of changes because of block scheduling through testing the effects of block scheduling on use of the library media center. (Author/LRW)

Describes an assessment instrument developed by Norman (Oklahoma) Public Schools based on "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning", published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Emphasis on partnerships encourages assessment by…

Provides and explains an instrument developed for evaluation of the teacher-librarian by the principal. Discusses the need to separate evaluation of the library program from the evaluation of the librarian; includes guidelines for principals regarding necessary professional and personal competencies for teacher-librarians; and discusses the…

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) establishes high standards for what teachers should know and be able to do and operates a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet these standards. The five core propositions endorsed by the NBPTS are listed and goals for school librarian certification are…

Discusses how the growing use of information technology and the move toward schools as community learning centers are affecting the demand for and use of space in educational institutions, particularly in reference to changes which promote lifelong learning and the creation of the information society. Observations from Australia, Austria, Belgium,…

Highlights the different design approaches that may be taken and the HVAC systems that result depending on the type of educational facility involved, be it an elementary, secondary, or postsecondary institution. Explores school indoor air quality issues and highlights the roles and responsibilities of IAQ project participants. A case study…

Includes three annual reports: one from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the Special Libraries Association, and a report on innovations in Canadian libraries that discusses electronic initiatives, partnerships, books and publishing, school libraries, national issues, local challenges, and funding. (LRW)

Considers the opportunity for creativity in the use of technology in the school library media center. Highlights include technology defined by "Information Power"; the creative personality; creativity and technology; and 12 characteristics of a creative library media specialist, including adaptability, flexibility, and independent…

Banned Books Week does not need to end in September. Its spirit should permeate the school library media center throughout the year. Yet by the time students get to middle school, some may balk at "celebrating the freedom to read." It goes without saying that it?s an intense age for ten- to fourteen-year-olds. They have so many other issues,…

This article describes the U-X-L encyclopedia "Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell-Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th Century America," a five-volume set, arranged chronologically with two decades in each volume. Each decade then is divided into topics, such as commerce (more exciting than it sounds with lots of inventions, consumer goods, and technology); film…

In study after study, three priorities appear to make a difference to the principal's view of the teacher-librarian. First, teacher-librarians who collaborate with classroom colleagues make a difference to literacy and student achievement; those who don't, don't. Second, teacher librarians who perform leadership roles in the school and in the…

Science teachers nationwide share many of the same aspirations and challenges, such as the increasing pressure to improve students' test scores. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requires each state to create academic standards and proficiency levels in math, reading, and science that all students must meet by 2014. A testing program to assess…

This article discusses the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), a plan that is quickly gaining the support of library organizations around the globe. The FRBR Study Group was appointed by International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and issued its final report in 1998. The report redefines the basic unit of…

School library media specialists are the first to witness the malaise that permeates American schools threatening the future of our society. Believing that personal lack of aspirations, our failure to encourage reading for pure enjoyment, and society's disrespect toward education has left a void in our children that is filled with apathy.

School library websites are a necessity. The earliest adopters have now had almost 10 years for development and redesign. Many sites have gone through numerous iterations with major improvements each time. Issues of cost, time, technology and training have made the discussion more a matter of deciding what to include and how to structure the sites…