Suggests activities that school library media specialists can use to encourage students to think of history as fun and relevant and to want to read history books. Discusses heroism in poems and songs; writing poems based on historical figures; biographies; limericks; and publishing student writings on parchment paper. (LRW)

Describes the seven library buildings named as winners by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) that include four new facilities, one conversion of a warehouse building to library use, and two renovations. Public, school, and university libraries are included. (LRW)

Presents thought from school library media specialists regarding collection development. Topics include first-year experiences; the importance of cataloging; selection criteria; selection sources; and weeding. (LRW)

Defines models and describes information search models that can be helpful to instructional media specialists in meeting users' abilities and information needs. Explains pathfinders and Kuhlthau's information search process, including the pre-writing information search process. (LRW)

Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Discusses developing bid specifications for facilities projects. Highlights include: the four basic sections of bid specifications (general conditions, specific conditions, table of values, and information about the bidder's company); setting standards for products; determining whether the bidder is qualified to do the work; a sample timeline; and…

Presents a profile of Cherry Creek High School (Colorado) and its library media program and describes the following five elements of power that library media centers have to increase student achievement and love of learning: (1) access; (2) support for data driven decision making; (3) integration of technology; (4) connections between teaching and…

Discusses improving student test scores based on an interview with Bob Berkowitz, co-developer of the Big6 approach to problem solving. Highlights include experiences at Wayne Central High School (Ontario Center, NY); cooperation between library media specialists and classroom teachers; viewing instruction as a series of information problems; and…

Describes the Pathways to Knowledge model for helping students achieve information literacy in library media programs. Discusses the searcher's thinking, information search or seeking, and instructional strategies; information skills; the six stages in the model, including appreciation, presearch, search, interpretation, communication, and…

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

Reviews the literature in library and information science to identify factors that influence the outcome of challenges to school library materials. A conceptual model is developed that encompasses district selection policy, librarian characteristics, school environment, community environment, and initiator of the challenge, and tentative…

Presents potential questions to ask prospective teacher-librarians during employment interviews. The questions encompass the following areas: personal; education; teaching experience; professionalism and leadership; cooperative planning and teaching; promotion of resources and services; design and production of materials; reading, listening, and…

Argues that the inability or refusal of librarians to define their own mission has resulted in school libraries without professional staff, academic libraries perceived as warehouses, and public libraries that fluctuate with society's whims. The premise that saving the library is a primary concern, regardless of the quality of the institution, is…

Argues that current technologies offer unique possibilities for instructional improvement and identifies probable obstacles to exploitation of these opportunities for all students, including female, handicapped, inner-city and rural, minority, disadvantaged, and average learners. A 2-tiered model is presented for the media specialist addressing…

The article gives parents of physically disabled children suggestions for development of an assistive device lending library through the public or school library. Guidelines for writing the proposal (the introduction, statement of need, suggested funding sources, advantages for the library) and submitting the proposal are given. (DB)