When talking about collection development, few school librarians think about databases. Databases provide learners with a one-stop shop for cross-curricular, up-to-date, vetted information in a structured and easy-to-manipulate format for class projects. To be successful learners, students need to know how to use a database to find the information…

Traditional libraries are being redefined. They are not only places to access books in print, but are also rich resources for digital assets. As a result, technology training programs need to progress beyond basic "mouse and keyboard" in order to meet the ever-changing needs and demands of the public. As library collections transition to…

Two hundred years ago, literacy meant being able to read and write. Today people find themselves with many literacies in a nation that is considered ninety-nine percent literate. The plethora of literacies has just given birth to another term--transliteracy. Transliteracy is the ability to read, listen to, view, understand, synthesize, and apply…

Today's students have grown up in an information environment very different from the one that many people remember. They have been raised on the fast-paced edutainment of "Sesame Street" and have spent their adolescence watching 3-minute music videos on MTV. Their media environment specializes in short messages and multimedia, with news dispatched…

There are multiple stages to developing critical skills when both the librarian and faculty member are partners in the process. One of the first actions is for both the librarian and the faculty member to be in the library class to help students with information literacy. A teaching dynamic becomes evident, and the students understand the…

Discusses how one school library functions as a natural setting for extending the literacy of students, even though the library has no librarian. Focuses on how instruction and the opportunities for meaningful practice are integrated realistically as students use this "second classroom," the school library. (MG)

Describes the Library Scavenger Hunt program at Baylor University (part of the reading and study skills program) which emphasizes learning what sources are available in a college library, where they are located, and how to use them. (SR)

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, is to familiarize the reader with some advances in cataloging that may not be so esoteric in the near future for school librarians. Second, is to provide hints for easy cataloging of traditionally uncataloged electronic information and thus enhance information access through the school library OPAC.

Describes a library media center activity for elementary and secondary grades where students use reference materials to find the answers to a travel game based on a "Where's Waldo" format. Clues for a worldwide version and a U.S. version are included. (LRW)

Describes two search models for school libraries. Models include searches defined by the student but conducted by a trained searcher, and student-conducted searches which teach search skills. Decisions about which model (or combination) to use should be based on the available resources and the purposes for conducting the search. (AEF)

Six point-of-use audiovisual programs were developed by librarians as part of a library instruction program in Alexander Library at Rutgers University to illustrate the basic skills needed in using the library's print collections in the social sciences and humanities. Topics for the 16mm filmstrip cartridges were (1) Tour of Alexander Library; (2)…

Describes a research project for 10th-grade students that was developed to produce independent researchers who had a clear understanding of the research process and a knowledge of some of the research materials available in the school library media center. Independence was emphasized by discouraging help from the teacher or librarian. (LRW)

Suggests an activity for the evaluation of students' information skills learned through the year that involves cooperation between teachers and the library media specialist to provide students with questions to be correctly answered for extra privileges. Questions on particular subjects, using specific reference sources, and with time limits are…

Outlines the pros and cons for preparing a mini-collection of school library resources in advance and for having students locate their own resources. Discusses collection use, library/information skills, and facilities management for all possibilities. (AEF)

This paper describes the development and implementation of a library instruction unit for use in a basic reading and study skills course for freshmen at Trenton State College in New Jersey. A brief discussion of reasons for the lack of library skills among these students is followed by a list of course objectives. It is noted that at the…