Examines the evolution of the Whole Language curriculum, its current theory and practices, and its effect on the school library media center. The similarity between Whole Language and the Montessori approach to literacy is discussed, and the role of the media specialist in a Whole Language library media center is described. (31 references) (LRW)

The link between classrooms and the library is emphasized, and cooperation between librarians and instructors in developing library instructional programs is advocated. A context for academic library instruction is developed by examining its history. The philosophical rationale for library instruction is generally traced to the lectures of Ralph…

Reviews 25 years of library instruction and experiences with integrating library instruction into the liberal arts curriculum. Highlights include orientation versus instruction; the educational role of the library; accreditation agencies; faculty role; faculty culture and resistance to change; future prospects; and the role of the academic library…

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)