The development, publication, and distribution of the "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" once again demonstrate the vision of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in pointing the way with new literacies (textual, media, digital, technology) for students. These standards include critical self-assessment strategies that will…

Recently, many new and veteran authors have begun creating modern vampires that are seducing readers with their tales of mystery, suspense, and hunger. Their audiences span most age groups, but teens especially seem to be drawn to these books. As such, librarians must develop a better understanding of which vampire stories really stand out. In…

Argues that a strong program of professional development is essential to library media specialists' efforts to keep up with their evolving instructional role. The concepts and role definition originally used as a catalyst for developing this role in a new set of professional standards are examined, and major competencies required of media…

This discussion of the needs and characteristics of single-staff librarians provides an overview of continuing education and professional development programs covering issues relevant to this group such as management techniques, the role of the library, time management, planning, budgeting, and automation. Eleven references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the value of professional development for media specialists, conditions which bring about a positive attitude toward professional development, and the role of college and university preparation programs. Obstacles to professional development are also discussed, and six recommendations for library media educators in the move toward…

Focuses on the potential role of the media specialist in the delivery of professional development. The role of the school principal is described, and it is suggested that the media specialist can be a valuable source of assistance with instructional leadership responsibilities. The team concept and various approaches to instructional leadership…

This brief 3-page paper gives a broad outline of the type of qualifications needed for a librarian to become a library director. Four requirements that candidates should meet are suggested: (1) a work record involving both public and technical library services; (2) a second Master's degree or doctoral degree; (3) evidence of initiative as revealed…

Discusses the concept of time management and its value in the small or one-person library. Some misconceptions about time management are considered, and continuing education is recommended for librarians to learn time management skills. (MES)

Six symposium papers are included in this document. The first paper, by Henry Chang, is a brief profile of Asian/Pacific American (APA) librarians, emphasizing the need for more data on this group and the need for the group to become more assertive of their rights to equal opportunity in the field. The second paper, by Jane Katayama, addresses…

Discusses the value of continuing education for staff members of special libraries as reported by information professionals in a study of excellence in corporate libraries. Background on the Special Libraries Association's Professional Development Program is also provided, and the importance of keeping current with the literature is emphasized.…

Examines the possible role of the chief information officer in universities and corporations, and the ways in which librarians need to restructure their professional role to qualify for the chief information officer function. (CLB)

This guide presents a series of articles which give pointers, hints, and examples of day-to-day development activities school librarians can use to hone their professionalism. The first of five sections describes ways in which librarians can provide professional service and lists some markers of professionalism. The second section presents one…

Provides a brief introduction to the five articles in this issue, which explore the formal and informal dimensions of effective leadership, along with the personal, institutional, and social factors that shape the acquisition and use of power by the school library media professional. (CLB)

Discusses the need for continuing education for youth services librarians at different levels based on their educational background and purposes for continuing education, range of currently available programs, and barriers to participation. Ways in which state library agencies and professional associations could provide structured coherent…

Descriptions of microcomputer software packages currently available in Australia emphasize those used by special and school libraries. Software for library management functions, text retrieval, and database management systems are included, and geographical distribution is examined. The need for professional development courses in software…