Since most libraries are now hosting their own web sites, this author advocates for a social network centered on the work of building and supporting resource-rich library sites. While there are already several social networks for books, books are just one thing that libraries make available. A social network that helps people share what they are…

Discusses the use of literature in the whole-language approach. Examples show the integration of a second grader's experiences with the curriculum; integrating the language arts in the middle school via study of the author as well as the book; and the integration of literature into the study of history. Titles to use in each area are suggested.…

The school library media specialist holds a strategic position to collaborate with English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers in designing activities that not only promote multicultural understanding, but also engage linguistically and culturally diverse students in the whole range of language learning and literacy. The unlimited resources of the…

Describes the situations encountered in an academic library when hiring and training hearing impaired individuals as technicians in the library's cataloging department, as well as the support systems and training modifications used for these employees. (CLB)

Suggests a method for teaching research and other media center skills by integrating them in the reading and language arts curriculum with the media specialist and classroom teacher team-planning relevant activities. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are summarized. (MES)

This paper provides ideas implemented by one school librarian to improve and encourage the use of the school library by Limited-English-Proficiency (LEP) and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students at the school. First, a description is given of how the librarian fostered a positive and welcoming environment for introducing the students to the…

Supporting evidence from both neurological research in brain hemisphere functions and comparisons of the use of symbols in Eastern and Western cultures are used to advance the position that the capability of graphics software for microcomputers to combine textual and visual elements makes them a powerful and revolutionary communications tool. (CLB)

Discusses the importance of the computer in the history of literacy and proposes that electronic technology will foster change in both the structure and symbolic character of writing. Writing as technology, the structure of electronic text, computer symbols, the spatial character of writing, and writing and speaking are considered. (EM)

Examines capabilities of the computer as a tool for bibliographic instruction; how librarians can utilize the computers; and the effects of microcomputers on bibliographic instruction librarians. Three approaches to writing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs (CAI authoring system, special purpose CAI language, general purpose computer…

Describes a workshop offered by elementary library media specialists for teachers and administrators which illustrated ways in which media specialists can support and enhance curriculum. Included are detailed examples of activities and projects in social science, language arts, and science which have been implemented in Maryland schools. (CLB)

Discussion of Lois Lenski's children's books focuses on the realism that predominates in her work through the use of real-life observation as opposed to imagination alone. Ways to use her work as part of a whole language approach to teach reading as well as science, geography, and social studies are suggested. (23 references) (LRW)

Discusses the need for adult literacy programs and ways in which public libraries may commit their resources to fighting illiteracy. Increased use of library technicians to act as liaison between students, tutors, and the library is advocated as a means of personalizing and enhancing programs. (CLB)

Outlines challenges with which English as second language students confront the library and reflects on the need for global education; internationalizing curricula in colleges, high schools, and elementary schools; and library skills as key to learning. The personal approach to instruction at New York City Technical College is described. (EJS)

Describe a study which analyzed sexism in recent children's science books and made comparisons to books published in the 1960s and 1970s. Factors considered included: male-oriented illustrations, overuse of masculine pronouns, references to animals, exclusive language, careers for males, and the male figure as imagery. (EM)

Discusses the need for Spanish language materials in public libraries, and describes support systems that aid in the selection of materials. A directory of 50 vendors of Spanish language books, with brief information about the scope of materials and services they make available, is provided. (CLB)