Briefly discusses some of the factors to be considered in selecting instructional software for microcomputers and presents an annotated list of instructional computer programs recommended by the authors for first purchase in developing software collections. A list of distributors is attached. (JL)

Profile of the computer program offered by the library/media center at Chief Joseph Junior High School in Richland, Washington, highlights program background, operator's licensing procedure, the trainer license, assistance from high school students, need for more computers, handling of software, and helpful hints. (EJS)

Describes common problems with signs used in school libraries and offers suggestions for improving their effectiveness. Techniques to be considered in designing legible signs are discussed, as well as developing a system of signs by evaluating their function in terms of instructional objectives. A list of suggested readings is provided. (CLB)

This manual of microcomputer operations for the media center is intended to serve as a guide for students, faculty and staff of West Orange High School, Florida. The philosophy behind the media center is that students and teachers benefit from library services, and that all related equipment, schedules, procedures, and materials should be…

Produced to provide educators and library media personnel with some understanding of and direction in the rapidly expanding field of microcomputers and their applications, this monograph includes several articles dealing specifically with media center applications and others concerned more generally with the microcomputer in educational settings.…

Reviews the major factors media specialists must consider in evaluating instructional software for microcomputers, stresses the importance of staff use of instructional software as a selection criterion, outlines the role of community support in implementing instructional computing, and recommends several periodicals as sources of information on…

Describes ways in which microcomputer technology can help school media centers with collection development. The need to map the media center collection is discussed, benefits of collection mapping are explained, the need to consider curriculum requirements is emphasized, and setting up a database and spreadsheet is discussed. (LRW)

In response to the requests of library media workshop participants who were queried during the 1982-1983 school year by the Iowa Department of Public Instruction about what would be most helpful to them in the area of library skills, this sampler of library media skills teaching ideas was produced. Ideas were solicited from practicing library…

Discusses selection of appropriate instructional media and purchase of required equipment to be used in school library media centers. Writing specifications for desired equipment, bidding procedures, types of equipment (video, graphic production, microcomputers), guidelines to selection, and evaluation of choices are highlighted. A list of…

Suggests five-step process for teachers and media specialists to determine which microcomputer courseware will be of value: (1) make chart of important characteristics; (2) use vendor catalogs and reviews to locate titles addressing unit objectives; (3) obtain courseware for preview; (4) preview; (5) compare notes. An 18-item bibliography is…

Discusses ways in which online searching promotes the development of research, computer, and critical thinking skills, and reviews two databases that offer access to information on elementary school science. Lesson activities for grades four through six are suggested, and information on the vendor, system requirements, and cost of each database is…

This guide is designed to be used as a reference tool for the novice library media specialist in charge of one or several pieces of equipment that must be maintained or repaired periodically. Under acquisition of new equipment, topics include selection procedures and equipment selection aids, while the organization section discusses numbering,…

Examines criteria for software selection and the use of software packages (programs, routines, documentation) in school library management. General criteria, specific criteria for selecting library management programs (for tasks such as circulation, cataloging, recordkeeping), specific criteria for selecting educational programs, and reviewing…

Although the general automation process can be applied to most libraries, small libraries and media centers require a customized approach. Using a systematic approach, this guide covers each step and aspect of automation in a small library setting, and combines the principles of automation with field- tested activities. After discussing needs…

Presents guidelines for library media specialists who are preparing to install automated systems to provide improved management and access services. Reasons for automating library management are discussed; hardware and software considerations are reviewed, including costs and compatibility; and retrospective conversion of bibliographic records is…