Discusses the nature of locally based research, demonstrates its relevance to the concerns of school library media specialists, and outlines the phases and steps involved in conducting locally based research. Resources for, and benefits of, locally based research are also discussed. A 15-item reference list is included. (JL)

A study undertaken to find a satisfactory system of classifying and organizing materials for college or university learning assistance centers discovered that little information had been published. Further investigation revealed that the two major systems used in libraries, the Library of Congress (LC) and Dewey Decimal Systems, were found to be…

This statement in support of Education Consolidation Improvement Act reauthorization discusses six topics related to school libraries: (1) purpose of school libraries; (2) research supporting need for school libraries; (3) current status; (4) funding realities; (5) deteriorating book collections; and (6) impact of federal aid. An American Library…

Laura Bush hosted a White House Conference on School Libraries on June 4, 2002, to discuss the latest research on libraries, student achievement and successful local programs. Mrs. Bush's cohost was Dr. Robert Martin, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and education, library, government and philanthropic leaders from across…

Provides an overview of current issues related to student assessment. Focuses on the ability of library instruction and library research skills to help students develop critical thinking skills. Presents selected comments from respondents to a survey regarding the current status of libraries in student assessment. (DMM)

Discusses library media research and provides specific guidelines to enable school media specialists to read research critically and to apply valuable research at the local level. A seven-item reference list is attached. (JL)

Reviews curriculum guides and the research literature to examine locational skills instruction in elementary schools and the transferability of skills to the public library. Factors that may limit instructional effectiveness are identified and the need for public children's librarians to have realistic expectations of children's abilities to…

This project report describes the development and implementation of a model of qualitative measures for evaluating the use of school library resources by students and teachers. It explains a record-keeping system for school librarians to use in tracing media from purchase, through processing, to eventual utilization. Using parts of sample…

This study reports the findings of two surveys conducted in 1983 by the University of Wisconsin-Stout's (UW-Stout) Library Learning Center. The main objectives of these surveys were to question users with regard to which library services and resources users are aware of, which ones are used by what groups, how they are used, and what value is…

Reports on a national study of the cooperative efforts undertaken by community college learning resource centers with other area libraries and non-library agencies. Focuses on kinds and extent of cooperative activities, and types of cooperating organizations. Explores relationships between selected institutional characteristics and cooperative…

Although a review of the literature on the instructional role of the media specialists reveals a pattern of progression from 1950 to 1984, analysis of the research in this area indicates a time lag between actual practice and the instructional role espoused by the standards and the literature. (EM)

This book shows teacher-librarians and school library media specialists how to perform qualitative research and use the results effectively to promote the school library and build a shared understanding of the impact of school libraries on student learning. Hands-on guidance is provided for performing action research, including how to establish…

Elementary school instructional media centers (IMC's) were studied to determine the presence or absence of six conditions identified as promoting positive self-concept: cooperation, independence, success, positive atmosphere, challenge, and a feeling of value or acceptance. Following a review by a panel of experts of a preliminary observation…

This four-part report provides and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data about the Cuesta College Library. Part I presents enrollment trends for full- and part-time students, full- and part-time faculty numbers for 1981 through 1984, a profile of the learning resources budget, and inventories of instructional stations, learning materials, and…

A study was conducted at Cincinnati Technical College (CTC) to determine why students were underutilizing the Learning Resource Center (LRC), as well as to assess the opinions of students who did use the collection and services of the LRC. Telephone surveys were conducted by LRC staff members with 142 of 360 randomly selected students in the study…