Reviews validation studies on ten procedures for diagnosing learning disabilities. Evaluates special knowledge claims of learning-disabilities specialists. Author finds procedures often lack sound empirical base, yet diagnosis/labeling of children as learning disabled continues. Concludes that specialists resort to bilogical explanations for…

Reviews the history of sales of nonprint media to schools, speculates about reasons for declining sales, and discusses implications for the future of nonprint media. (Author)

Describes the training and functions of the media resources officer (MRO) in the Inner London (England) Education Authority. The MRO is a new professional school and college staff member with specialized media skills who organizes, develops, and teaches the use of audiovisual technology and materials to students and teachers. (MF)

Children quickly become bored with repetition requiring the library media specialists to vary their booktalk formats to sustain children's attention and promote recreational reading. This article discusses the four basic booktalk formats: plot summary, anecdote, character description, creation of mood, and a fifth to promote books with a common…

The author argues that school library media specialists are professional educators first interested in the child and his or her success in school and in life and not in educational fads. Includes an annotated bibliography of print and nonprint resources to put into perspective the debate over technology in the classrooms. (PEN)

Discusses 10 challenges media specialists must overcome to effectively use technology in education. Highlights include people opposed to technology; teacher training to help develop collaborative relationships; establishing and using a comprehensive technology plan; assuming more professional responsibility; and empowerment. (LRW)

Considers whether the role of the school library media specialist is that of teacher or administrator and discusses how media specialists can be proactive leaders. Topics include collaborating with teachers, serving on committees, communicating with the principal, attending professional conferences, volunteering in professional organizations, and…

To promote recreational reading among high school students, a group of teachers created the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award where students read and vote on their favorite 5 out of 12 nominated titles. Describes how media specialists promote the program and how educators integrate nominated books into classroom subject curricula.…

Discusses educational benefits, logistical considerations, and inexpensive techniques for creating and facilitating a student-run multimedia publishing operation in the school media center. Checklists are provided for overall equipment needs and for grouping technologies with related functions into smaller "minicenters." A sample student…

Provides examples of how one public elementary school library media specialist integrates the use of computers into literature lessons. Describes activities for grades K-5 as well as project suggestions for any grade. (AEF)

Discusses the school library media specialist's responsibility to address students' cultural differences, including those related to religious practice and spiritual beliefs. Topics include the separation of church and state; resources that address spirituality and religion; and additional resources from ERIC. (LRW)

Discusses the importance of fostering learning communities in today's school reform movement and the potential role of the school library media specialist as a leader in building collaborative networks with classroom teachers. Highlights include a comparison of traditional and collaborative models; linking collaboration and leadership; and…

For two Arizona schools with widely diverse ethnic makeup and socioeconomic backgrounds, the arts became a medium for defusing the potential for conflict. During spring 1995, sixth graders from both schools participated in "New Beginnings," a collaborative poetry and visual arts project. Through their interactions, the children created a…

Presents a checklist for school librarians to use in evaluating World Wide Web pages. Highlights include content; authority; ease of navigation; the "experience"; use of graphics, sound, and video; treatment, including stereotyping and age appropriateness; speed and types of access; and costs and search engines. (LRW)

Describes the Star Schools program, a federally funded project designed to serve as a model for using technology to reach small or disadvantaged schools in isolated areas. The discussion covers the objectives of the project, the use of telecommunications technology and computer networks, and the current and future role of library media specialists…