Describes "The Electric Library" (TM), a database (which can be searched via an Internet connection) designed to assist schools, librarians, and parents with information retrieval. Discusses technical and logistical benefits, the problem of selected and limited resources, and cost issues. Provides a sample debate topic exercise using "The Electric…

"Opposing Viewpoints" and "Opposing Viewpoints Juniors" have long been standard titles in upper elementary, middle level, and high school collections. "Opposing Viewpoints Juniors" should be required as information literacy/critical thinking curriculum tools as early as fifth grade as they use current controversies to teach students how to…

Discusses the use of encyclopedias by students and considers the role of the library media specialist in teaching appropriate encyclopedia use. Topics addressed include problems with plagiarism; the need to improve assignments; the information seeking process; becoming critical users of information; and the quality of information sources. (three…

Discusses reasons for including sports books in school library reference collections, explains why they should not be found only in public library collections, and provides six annotated bibliographies of sports books suitable for intermediate or middle school library collections. (LRW)

This article provides descriptions of four new science and technology encyclopedias that are appropriate for inclusion in upper elementary and/or middle school reference collections. "The Macmillan Encyclopedia of Weather" (Stern, Macmillan Reference/Gale), a one-volume encyclopedia for upper elementary and middle level students, is a…

This column describes a new teaching tool, BrainPOP, which is a database that blurs the distinction between classroom and library media center. This collection of more than 300 short, concept-based, animated movies is intended primarily for use by teachers in classroom instruction. It is reminiscent of the single-concept film cartridges that used…

This article reviews the new Grolier Student Encyclopedia, intended for grades three through eight. Good middle-level readers might become frustrated with this source, but primary and intermediate students, middle-level students reading below grade level, and English language learners of any age will find the style of information presentation…

Discusses the nature and quality of visual dictionaries and other reference sources heavily dependent on graphics; and considers whether they are useful reference tools for elementary school libraries, criteria that determine whether they are successful, and how they fit in an information literacy program. (LRW)

Suggests titles for elementary school reference collections that are basic adult resources to support teacher's curricular needs and general reference questions that are beyond the scope of most children's reference sources, and which will be used by teachers and by library media specialists rather than by children. (LRW)

This article describes the U-X-L encyclopedia "Bowling, Beatniks, and Bell-Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th Century America," a five-volume set, arranged chronologically with two decades in each volume. Each decade then is divided into topics, such as commerce (more exciting than it sounds with lots of inventions, consumer goods, and technology); film…

Describes "CQ Researcher", a publication from the "Congressional Quarterly" publication staff that presents information on social issues suitable for middle school and high school students. Discusses the completeness of coverage, the reliable authority of the publisher, and an easy-to-understand format that is available in…

Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Discusses the role that school library media specialists can play in the development of children's writing skills. Recommends a number of reference books for student writers published by Scholastic, including a dictionary, thesaurus, dictionary of idioms, rhyming dictionary, dictionary of spelling, and a treasury of quotations. (LRW)

Describes a reference source for middle school students on biotechnology that is useful for science and social science curricula as well as interdisciplinary approaches. Explains the four-volume format and various features that make it useful to media specialists and students. (LRW)

From a librarian's point of view, children using the Internet need to be cautioned about more than just the dangers of offensive materials and persons. Topics include teaching critical-use skills for evaluating electronic reference sources, problems with commercialism, and differentiating between fact and opinion. (LRW)