Although the need for adequate exploitation of limited resources is a recurring theme in discussions on school based curriculum development, surprisingly little attention in the education literature has focused on the possible role of the school librarian as school resources coordinator and contact point for resources outside the school. The…

Discusses ways that school media specialists can address the needs of latchkey children and at-risk students. A total of 21 resources providing background information and suggestions for dealing with the issues involved are listed. (MES)

This paper looks at how the goals for school library media programs are aligned with the goals of education in general and what this alignment means in terms of the allocation of resources. Citing the 1983 report, "A Nation at Risk," it argues that there may be a disparity between the actual value of the school library media program and…

Discusses the National Goals for Education and suggests a need for an increase in the quantity and quality of research by school library media professionals. Cooperation between media specialists, teachers, and principals is discussed; and resources to help planning programs that will meet the national goals are described. (LRW)

Defines the concept of the virtual library, reviews factors in its inception, indicates prerequisites for its success, and explores the implications of the concept for librarianship, with an emphasis on the school library media center. (49 references) (KRN)

Examines conditions in the school district and national concerns affecting the implementation of school library media programs. The importance of these programs to education is discussed in terms of classroom teaching practices, and changes necessary to meet expectations of teacher-librarians are described. (16 references) (MES)

Discusses strategies for research libraries to meet current demands and limitations through networks and resource sharing. Explored in terms of their importance to research library development are OCLC, the Research Libraries Group and their networks, the concept of a central resources pool, and the impact of the information industry. (SW)

Outlines the current socioeconomic conditions within the United States and explores the effect of these trends on libraries and information services. The resulting obstruction of information mediation is discussed, and recommendations for professionals seeking to maintain their role as information mediators are offered. (58 references) (LRW)

This overview of school librarianship in Canada focuses on the aim of the school library program, the school librarian's role as teacher-librarian, guidelines and standards for effective service, and district support services. A list of selected readings on these issues is provided. (EJS)

Examines three major components of the role of the university library in China: (1) the university as a participant in the educational work of the university; (2) the library as a provider of information that enables researchers in the university to carry out investigations; and (3) the responsibility of the library to society as a whole. (25…

Discussion of the instructional consultant role of the school library media specialist argues that the term "instructional partner" more accurately defines this concept. Professional and educational literature on this subject is reviewed, and a business consultant's personal recommendations to other consultants are applied to the school…

Suggests directions for improving school library services to Native Americans by examining three areas: important events in library development since 1950s; Native Americans' perceived needs for information (specifically in Arizona); four proposed roles which reservation-based library media specialist can assume to help eliminate educational…

Discusses the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and some of its effects and impact on public education, focusing on ideas and ways to make the library media center a meaningful experience for the hearing impaired, deaf, blind, and physically handicapped. (MP)

Argues that current technologies offer unique possibilities for instructional improvement and identifies probable obstacles to exploitation of these opportunities for all students, including female, handicapped, inner-city and rural, minority, disadvantaged, and average learners. A 2-tiered model is presented for the media specialist addressing…

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)