In this article, the author talks about the concept of school library as a place of learning for students. He contends that a school library must be conceived in terms of three aspects. First, it should have a creative school library media specialist to lead the principal through a meaningful vision of what the library could be in terms of…

Discusses the meaning of knowledge management and the increasing need for school library media instructional specialists. Topics include electronic learning collaborations; global relations and critical thinking in information literacy; and implications for library collections. (LRW)

Discusses collaborative planning for inquiry between teachers and library media specialists. Highlights include instructional media specialists; roles of teachers and library media specialists; curriculum development; learning resources; access over ownership; resource budgets; best practices for managing learning resource collections; and a…

This review provides a summary of the feature and research content published in "School Library Media Quarterly" since 1972 to provide a description of the major research interests reflected by those who have published. The institutions and professional roles represented by the authors are also summarized. Results outlined in four…

Outlines steps school media specialists can follow to establish direction for library media program and offers methods of documentation and justification. Reasons for documentation, the implementation process (documentation of what is happening, what is needed, how needs will be met), and documentation product presentation are highlighted. Six…

Discussion of learning resources focuses on collection mapping to facilitate learning resource plans and application to learning standards and resources tied to curriculum needs. Presents sample learning resource profiles that include specific student performance objectives for selective knowledge content areas organized by school level. (LRW)

Describes five models for instructional design, including the ASSURE Model (analyze learners, state objectives, select methods, media and materials, utilize media and materials, require learner participation, and evaluate); the Learning Cycle; Instructional Analysis Model; Integrated Model for Teaching Library Skills; and Instructional…

Defines models and describes information search models that can be helpful to instructional media specialists in meeting users' abilities and information needs. Explains pathfinders and Kuhlthau's information search process, including the pre-writing information search process. (LRW)

Advocates of critical literacy emphasize the empowering role that literacy can and should play in reshaping the environment in which one lives and works. Through mastering the skills of critical literacy, students apply the inquiry process and knowledge gained as a means for political or social action. By gathering appropriate information,…

Discusses the textbook as instructional technology; research providing insight on the impact textbooks have on curriculum, teaching approaches, and student learning; the award-winning book "Lies My Teacher Told Me"; research indicating how the textbook can be more dominant in influencing learning than primary sources; advantages and disadvantages;…

Describes four models: The Authoring Cycle, a whole language approach that reflects the inquiry process; I-Search, an approach to research that uses the power of student interests; Cultural Celebration, using local heritage topics; and Science Lab Report, for the composition of a lab report. (LRW)

Discussion of technology focuses on instructional technology. Topics include inquiry and technology; curriculum development; reflection and curriculum evaluation; criteria for technological innovations that will increase student motivation; standards; impact of new technologies on library media centers; software; and future trends. (LRW)

Based on a literature review and content analysis of written collection development policies for school libraries in Indiana, a Delphi survey of district-level school media directors in 28 states identified important issues to be addressed in future school library collection development policies. Respondents found copyright guidelines to be an…

INCOLSA, Indiana's statewide library and information network was established in 1995 as the result of a voluntary merger of the state's 10 autonomous, mulitype library services agencies. An evaluation was conducted centered on services appearing under three major goals listed in the 1994 plan: (1) statewide information access and delivery; (2)…

Reviews the role of a public school media specialist and suggests resources for further reading in various areas. Highlights include the instructional role; levels of instructional involvement; the role of school libraries; teaching information skills; and the evaluation process, including evaluation of instructional systems, student performance,…