This new publication, which replaces A Primer for Mississippi School Librarians published in 1967, is designed for use in planning, implementing, and evaluating school library media programs. For the administrator, there are competencies which must be met to develop the library media program as an integral part of the total instructional program. Information on the interactive roles of the library media specialist, teachers, and the administrator as well as materials on personnel, budget, space, materials, and equipment will also be of interest to administrators. The above mentioned materials will be useful for library media specialists as will the specific competencies outlined in the areas of the total library media program, materials and equipment selection, purchasing, organization, and assistance to students and teachers. The handbook delineates Mississippi's standards for school library media programs and provides school personnel and evaluators with a tool to measure the effectiveness of school library media programs. In addition to the 25 specific competencies, there are chapters on district-level media services and the role of the State Department of Education. A bibliography and a performance assessment instrument are included. (THC)