Describes the development of Books for Africa, an organization that solicits donations of books in the United States and sends them to Africa, largely to school libraries, to improve literacy rates, increase library holdings, and build library shelves. Other organizations that donate books are also listed. (LRW)

Discusses ways in which libraries are using the World Wide Web to provide information via a home page, based on information from a survey in Iceland as well as a larger study that conducted content analyses of home pages of public and school libraries in 13 countries. (Author/LRW)

Describes School Librarian Links, an Internet directory developed by a school library media specialist, listing professional resources available via the Internet for school library media specialists and teachers. Highlights directory sections: acceptable use policies, curriculum links, best education sites, librarian resources, publishers and…

Describes how parent volunteers assisted in implementing the educational technology plan of public schools in Howard County, Maryland. Discusses involvement in the planning; assistance in the library media center; training; help in labs and classrooms; and assistance in technology-related staff training. (AEF)

Reports on a study of grade 6 reluctant readers, identifying factors that served as barriers to the students' voluntary reading habits, finding them varied and complex. Points to several areas in which schools can promote voluntary reading, including choices in instructional reading, opportunities to read for enjoyment, and access to high-interest…

Examines ways of evaluating school library media collections: size; checking the collection against recognized standard bibliographies; and calculating average collection age. Suggests frequency of curriculum revisions, average age of materials in standard bibliographies, and weeding guidelines as possible measures for comparison to collection…

Describes an activity to encourage book talk in children of all ages by utilizing a single symbol or object to stimulate thinking about books. Notes the activity's goals: to encourage children to think about books, encourage further reading, discover the symbolism of literary works, and better understand the creative structure of literature. (SD)

Reports on a meeting with a group of experts including Leylha Ahuile, Rene Alegria, Rueben Martinez, Diana Martinez Calice, Silvia Matute, Anne Messitte, and Teresa Mlawer from the Spanish language market for books. Topics include publishing; school and library markets; bookstores; the role of the Latino press and Latino authors; coverage in…

In this interview, a leading expert in school librarianship discusses the school librarian's role in creating students who are effective users of information. The importance of information technology to information management is described, as are strategies librarians can use to collaborate with teachers and administrators. He describes how…

Various partnerships between public and school libraries in the Northwest are described, from summer reading programs to continuous collaboration. School librarians appreciate the support available from public libraries, which becomes more important as school budgets tighten and services in schools become vulnerable. But the presence of a…

Explains the I-Search model for student research, focusing on allowing students to pick their own topics; application in elementary and secondary education; helpful elements for school library media specialists to consider in selecting an information literacy model for use in schools, including adaptability and flexibility; and developmental…

Includes a variety of sources for quality information for Canadian school libraries. Highlights include professional associations; award-winning books; Canadian children's and young adult authors and illustrators; educational films; Web sites; Canadian information sources on the Web; Canadian poetry; and professional resources. (LRW)

Explores the academic environment of a total information system for school libraries based on the idea of a digital intranet. Discusses safety; customization; the core library collection; curriculum-specific collections; access to short-term resources; Internet access; personalized features; search engines; equity issues; and staffing. (LRW)

Describes how high school librarians refocused their time and effort to make reading an integral part of the library program for teens. Discusses ALA (American Library Association) suggestions; a program developed around the theme of banned books; providing a wider variety of booktalks; and a newsletter highlighting new acquisitions. (LRW)

Explains 10 concepts that school librarians can use to incorporate information literacy concepts into the curriculum through collaboration with teachers. Highlights include how libraries are organized; how information is arranged and accessed; setting criteria for the acceptability of information; and benefits of voluntary reading. (LRW)