The library, as we once knew it, may no longer be relevant. And, yet, this is undoubtedly the most exciting time in history to be a librarian. The future of the school library as a relevant and viable institution is largely dependent on librarians and how quickly they respond to change. They worry about their field and their practice. They worry…

Few subjects spark more disagreement and confusion than copyright. The authors of the 2007 report "The Cost of Copyright Confusion for Media Literacy" coined the term "hyper-comply" to describe how many information professionals respond to copyright. According to the study by American University's Center for Social Media, educators often…

Many children today have never lived in a home without a computer. They are the "Net Generation," constantly "connected" by iPod, cell phone, keyboard, digital video camera, or game controller to various technologies. Recent studies have found that Net Genners see technology as "embedded in society," a primary means of connection with friends, and…

Department of Education has created a report card with a star rating system, which would assist parents in evaluating the local schools in Minnesota. Schools should not concentrate only on the stars that are test-based but should also consider other criteria like the quality of the library program.

The strategies to be followed by a Library Media Specialist when his or her position is reduced due to budget reductions or reorganizations in the school district are discussed. The strategies include, learning the timeline for district budget adjustment project, distribution and discussion of library advocacy information with building…

Doug Johnson considers himself to be a secretly subversive library media specialist as he promoted measures for remodeling the library with new carpeting and air conditioning for making the library more enjoyable rather than protecting the books and computers. Some things that library media specialists often do to gain acceptance in their…

This article provides suggestions, evaluative tools, and checklists principals can use to establish and maintain effective school library media programs.

Discusses the need for state standards for school library media programs and describes efforts in Minnesota to develop new standards. Highlights include implementing standards from "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning"; three graded levels of standards; contributions of teacher-librarians; possible uses of standards;…

The role of web hate sites on the tragedy that occurred in Red Lake School and its community on 21 March 2005 is discussed. Library media specialists and technologists should make sure that students find communities with values that are life-affirming and socially responsible, as even a small thing can make a huge difference in a student's life.

Discusses the steps to ensure that assessment leads to genuine improvement: (1) agreeing on goals based on recognized standards; (2) establishing yearly objectives that help meet those goals; (3) developing a formal method for reporting the attainment of those objectives; and (4) using the assessment of the program as a part of the media…

Describes the ideal environment in school libraries for retaining professionals who combine the best tasks and skills from library science and technology. Institutions should have: a desire for change; ample support staff; staff development opportunities; high priority on people skills; and high expectations of staff and leaders. (AEF)

Discusses how to write assessment instruments for student performance skills with computers that cannot be evaluated by standard paper and pencil tests and considers the library media specialist's role. Highlights include assessing content and the container, or format; using examples of high quality work; giving criteria; revisions; and using…

Reviews design factors to consider when planning library media centers. Highlights include planning teams; planning for more than one kind of learning; considering community as well as school use; planning for existing technology rather than future possibilities; considering ease of supervision; traffic patterns; lighting and sound damping; and…

It has been the author's good fortune to have had the experience of working with amazing clerks, secretaries, and media paraprofessionals throughout his career. In his experience, students rarely differentiate between the library professional and paraprofessional. The most accurate description of how most paraprofessionals are treated is "benign…

Discusses the restructuring of the Mankato, Minnesota school media program, accomplished by merging library and technology programs. Addresses time frame; necessary equipment and resources; computer networking; scheduled in-service training; and involvement of parents, teachers, and the school board. A sidebar lists five elements vital to a…