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)

Use of the library media collection can enhance gifted programing as students learn information-retrieval skills while completing student projects. Especially important areas of the library media collection include current events, literature, and biographical information. (PB)

Focuses on the planning process described in 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. Topics discussed include the rationale for planning, benefits and risks, and steps in the planning process. (10…

Presents examples from children's literature that illustrate types of special "thinking/dream spots." Suggests the following activities: creating a dream place in the library media center, describing or drawing a dream spot, designing a meditation room, making a sculpture garden, and writing monologs. (AEF)

Describes a high school English class project that focused on life in various decades and resulted in student projects that included diaries, newspapers, original compositions, and letters. Cooperation between the teacher and librarian is discussed, examples are included, and 16 resources for a time travel project are listed. (LRW)

Provides an overview of school library development in Great Britain and the United States and discusses five factors that have facilitated or retarded school library development in each country: standards, staffing and certification, government support, rationale for school libraries, and professional organizations. (Author/LRW)

Describes two search models for school libraries. Models include searches defined by the student but conducted by a trained searcher, and student-conducted searches which teach search skills. Decisions about which model (or combination) to use should be based on the available resources and the purposes for conducting the search. (AEF)

Outlines the Colorado vision for student information literacy and discusses its implications for other states and communities as part of a national effort considering the future of library media programs. Highlights include Colorado information literacy guidelines, statewide training, assessment measures, research programs, and future scenarios.…

Discusses how one-on-one interaction between teacher-librarians and students can turn library research projects into positive experiences in which students use a process of constructing knowledge for themselves rather than reproducing knowledge they find in information sources. A model of thinking during information use is presented. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the role of Finnish school libraries in supporting learning focuses on the development work and further education provided by the Further Education Centre for Vocational Institutes and Administration in Finland. Highlights include school libraries in comprehensive schools and vocational institutes, resource-based learning, and…

Describes the use of students as library pages at the Loudoun Country Day School (Virginia). Highlights include student selection procedures, including interviews; parental consent form; library page duties; benefits to students; benefits to the library; and parent attitudes. Copies of the student interview form and parental consent form are…