Provides guidelines for purchasing and installing CD-ROM technology in school libraries. Considerations include hardware and software selection and familiarity with new products. Two lists are provided that contain contact information for six companies and recommendations for six standard CD-ROM reference sources to include on a network. (JKP)

Discusses computer vendors who position themselves as value-added resellers to benefit school library media specialists by assisting them in purchasing effective and appropriate technology products and services. Explains the benefits of developing a good relationship with a vendor, even if the cost is higher than purchasing through a catalog. (LRW)

Describes the use of Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) and Commodore Dynamic Total Vision (CDTV) technology in school library media center reference services. CD-I and CDTV are compared to CD-ROM regarding hardware, editing, and software; and to videodisks regarding hardware, analog/digital, standardization, audio/video, and cost. (Contains 12…

Discusses CD-ROM technology in conjunction with three components of the virtual library: (1) a fully functional computerized network; (2) digital information that is content rich; (3) knowledgeable users. These concepts are related to the results of a study of CD-ROM applications in 301 secondary-school library media centers. (eight references)…

Suggests ways to stretch media center budgets for technology, based on experiences at Winona Middle School (Minnesota). Topics include keeping statistics, hardware purchase and warranty information, centralizing purchases, planning for the reallocation of hardware and software, creative financing, working with business and community groups, staff…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios by school library media specialists for professional development as a resume, an evaluation instrument, or other types of credential documentation. Includes guidelines for building a successful portfolio, including appropriate software selection; audience considerations; and technology skill…

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Discusses ways to select and evaluate CD-ROM programs. Various evaluation and review sources are described, results of recent evaluations are related, curriculum ideas for using interactive electronic books in elementary school classes are suggested, sources for CD-ROM classroom activities are provided, and an example of a network CD-ROM exercise…

Discussion of planning for automation in school libraries focuses on plans in the North Kitsap (Washington) School District. Highlights include selection of microcomputer-based hardware and software to support local area and wide area networks; a circulation system and an online public access catalog (OPAC); and database creation and retrospective…

Provides guidelines for automating a school library with limited funds and staff. Includes suggestions for preparation; finding equipment, choosing software, using MARC records, using volunteers for barcoding/loading records, the initial switch to an automated catalog, and continuing expenses and hardware upgrades. A sidebar lists costs for a…

This theme issue presents nine articles that describe the availability of various types of computer software for use by patrons in academic, public, school, and special libraries. Topics discussed include selection and evaluation, cataloging and classification, physical access including circulation, copyright and other legal considerations,…