Discusses results of a telephone survey of academic, private, corporate, and secondary school libraries that was conducted for UMI (University Microfilms International) to track the use of CD-ROM in the library industry, monitor market share levels, and identify trends. The success of CD-ROM and the growth potential for networking are highlighted.…

Describes research that advocates flexible grouping patterns, based upon student needs, to increase instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Appropriate grouping in the classroom and in elementary school library resource centers is stressed, and benefits of cooperative learning as compared to competitive learning and individual…

Presents results of the second annual survey of the Canadian microcomputer-based school library system marketplace. Highlights include use of the MARC standard for cataloging; integrated, modular systems; problems with the questionnaire used; geographic distribution; union catalogues; bilingual capabilities; Canadian installations and sales…

Presents three articles that describe the use of storytelling and oral histories in junior and senior high schools: (1) a project that emphasizes family and community history using storytellers; (2) using tape recorders to gather oral histories and write a book; and (3) storytelling ideas for librarians to use in a variety of classes. (seven…

Suggests ways that the school library media specialist can help students become more successful as users of online information. Four types of barriers to becoming informed are described: (1) indicative access barriers (indexing systems and relevance); (2) physical access to documents identified in a search; (3) linguistic barriers; and (4)…

Provides an annotated bibliography of culturally relevant materials for students of Hispanic heritage; discusses the designation Hispanic versus Latino, Chicano, Puerto Rican, and Cuban American; and describes common characteristics of Spanish-speaking people, including language, family ties, ethnic identity, and discrimination. Addresses of…

Discusses authentic assessment and its possible uses in school libraries. Highlights include restructuring and authentic schools; authentic assessment techniques; motivation; increasing thinking skills; creative research products; roles of the library media specialist in authentic assessment; and an appendix with seven annotated curriculum…

Suggests that library media centers and public libraries are among the main institutions responsible for providing information on teenage pregnancy. Argues that the treatment of teen pregnancy as an "epidemic" by the United States government and the media, and the representation of pregnant girls in young adult fiction contribute to gender…

Presents six curriculum guides for art, language arts, reading, science, and social studies. Each activity identifies library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, librarian and teacher instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, activity samples, guidelines for evaluating finished activities,…

A Cambridge, Massachusetts, alternative public school's basic reading program is a rich combination of whole language and individualized phonics. Other strategies to hook kids on reading include 20-minute recreational reading periods with parent volunteers, a weekly book-bag program, reading buddies, special projects, and community helpers from…

Provides an instructional plan for integrating electronic media in the study of current events for grades six through eight through the collaboration of the classroom teacher and the library media specialist. Library-skills objectives, curriculum objectives, activities, evaluation, and follow-up are included. (Author/LRW)

Considers characteristics of successful school library media programs based on information from surveys of schools that participated in the national Library Power initiative. Discusses the importance of shared vision, professional development, planning opportunities, leadership from the principal, support staff, complementary school reforms, and…

Presents the table of contents of award winners for outstanding architectural design in educational facilities. Winning designs listed cover those for common areas, classrooms, libraries and media centers, cafeterias/food service, auditoriums, laboratories, multipurpose rooms, physical/recreational centers, residence halls, student/service…

Explains how media specialists can use departmental meetings to develop and promote better public relations within the school community. Topics include changes in the media center; new programs or services being offered, including new software and Internet resources; teacher requests for materials to support their curriculum; and interlibrary-loan…

Provides four fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in science and social studies. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)