The fact that people now live in a world of abundant portable electronic devices is important to any organization that maintains a web presence, including libraries. No longer tied to a desktop, the patrons' netbooks, tablets, ebook readers, and, of course, cellphones all become potential tools for remote access to library content. About a year…

Game-design programs are relatively new in the world of academia, as the author of this article discovered when she worked as Brown College's librarian and learning resource center coordinator. With that newness comes the challenge of determining a "core" collection of materials to support the discipline. This kind of core collection is…

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,…

Three articles include charts excerpted from "Pennsylvania Online: A Curriculum Guide for School Library Media Centers"; "Processing/Accessing Micro Software," in which Ruth Fitzgerald advocates integrating software into the card catalog; and "Microcomputer Software: A Sellers' Showcase to Physical Science Programs," in which Phyllis Levy Mandell…

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, located on the National Naval Medical Center's campus in Bethesda, Maryland, is a medical education and research facility for the nation's military and public health community. In order to support its approximately 7,500 globally distributed users, the university's James A. Zimble Learning…

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…

Discusses the use of digital cameras in school library media centers and offers suggestions for teachers and students in elementary schools. Describes appropriate image-editing software; explains how to create panoramas, screen savers, and coloring books; and includes useful tips for digital photographers. (LRW)

Describes the HyperCard Library Instruction Project (CLIP) and the research upon which it is based. Findings of research of HyperCard instruction with secondary students and a description of ways to use HyperCard instruction are presented. A sidebar article describes the California-based CLIP program and the HyperCard modules the organization is…

Discusses computer software that can perform routine calculations on small computer systems quickly and accurately to aid in the task of translating ideas into numbers and decisions. VisiCalc, use of spreadsheet analysis programs, and applications for school library media specialists are highlighted. Six references are included. (EJS)

Reviews Oregon State University Communication Media Center's experiences in designing, developing, and using a computerized scheduling system to help with the center's operation. Description includes purposes for developing the system, creation of the system using a commercial database management software package, and the five menus used in the…

Describes the features, advantages, and disadvantages of current hypermedia systems, and discusses types of systems, development environments, desirable features, and library and media center uses. An annotated list of hypermedia products, a list of associations and services for further information, a 36-item bibliography, and historical notes on…

Describes the use of video technology in elementary schools, particularly for social studies activities. Explains iMovie, a nonlinear editing software program for digital video nonprofessionals; discusses the possibilities for cooperative projects between library media specialists and teachers; and offers video production tips. (LRW)

Describes Cataloging in Publication (CIP), a cooperative program begun in 1971, whose partners are the Library of Congress (LC) and approximately 2,000 U.S. publishers. Why publishers participate and use of program by school libraries are discussed. Questionnaire for school librarians concerning provision of CIP cataloging for microcomputer…