Discusses the major findings of the 1988-89 study that investigated the impact of school library media centers on academic achievement in Colorado public schools. Highlights include research methodology; the effects of staff size, collection variety, funding, and library media specialists' instructional role; and suggestions for further research.…

With increasing Internet access, library media specialists are implementing acceptable use policies to govern student conduct online. Policy components include definition and purpose; rights, responsibilities, and risks; penalties; and parental consent. Effective policies have input from all community members, are concise, and serve as guidelines…

Explains curriculum mapping, a computerized method for use in educators' decision-making in elementary and secondary education. Topics include the role of media specialists with information literacy, collection development, and curriculum support; identifying gaps in skills and assessment; aligning assessments with standards; and timeliness.…

Provides two examples of district-wide assessments from South Brunswick (NJ) schools in which library media specialists and teachers collaborate to make complex learning visible. Describes a sixth grade assessment that addresses library media skills and integrating research skills into the curriculum; and a freshman project that requires an…

This paper reviews literature related to competencies and the role of school library media specialists. Highlights include the instructional or curricular role; interpersonal and communication skills; leadership and change agents; continuing education and professional development; and future possibilities for school library media education…

A group of twelve pupils from an emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) school were transferred to a mainstream comprehensive school. They were supported by a specialist teacher and two Educational Support Assistants. The behaviour of the pupils was monitored. The behaviour of the EBD pupils was found to be very similar to that of the other…

A large number of school administrators are reluctant to evaluate school specialists and/or teachers who work with special-needs students. However, because Public Law 94-142 was passed to protect and improve the quality of education for children who have special needs, administrators have a duty to uphold the right of all students to a quality…

This publication presents manuscripts and research reports by graduate students. Accompanying papers from their mentors establish a context for the student papers. In this volume the works are organized by sponsoring university. Student papers presented are: (1) "A Naturalistic Study of Art Choices in a Preschool Setting" (Karen Thomas);…

Technology is arriving in school libraries in unprecedented quantities, resulting in many changes in the school library media center. While most librarians agree that technology is wonderful, many are feeling the stress of rapid change and coping with the decisions made by educational policy makers. This looseleaf notebook, written for the novice,…

In order to shed further light on the state of the public school library today, a study was conducted to identify major trends in school libraries and to gain perspective on the critical issues facing school library media specialists in the coming decade. A secondary objective of the study was to uncover the attitudes and awareness level of…

Helpful hints are provided to keep the library media specialist visible, expand resources, identify constituencies and resources, and keep the library from being taken for granted. Library media specialists must recognize that they are faced with a kaleidoscope of constituencies, beyond students and teachers, in local businesses, parents, school…

This book addresses two problems common to school library media specialists: the lack of time to conduct evaluations, and the lack of knowledge on how and what to evaluate in the school media center. The book contains research and evaluation techniques and studies that have been conducted in school library media centers. Many study results are…

This publication is a strategy plan to help teacher librarians avoid possible difficulties and promote positive decisions. The document is in the form of a hands-on checklist that includes reading suggestions, buying lists, product descriptions and contact information, and helpful hints. The six chapters are: (1) "Stepping In," including…

The title report of this publication contains the results of a 1993 study devised to ascertain the market share and geographic distribution of automated systems in Australian school libraries. Thirty-three surveys were distributed to vendors of automated systems known to have school library installations or to have recently developed a product for…

This statistical analysis report from the National Center for Education Statistics examines the current state of school libraries in the United States and how they have changed. The primary source of data in this report is the 1993-94 Library Survey, the first federally sponsored survey of library media centers and head librarians in elementary…