A study of 296 American Library Association members found that although library media specialists (LMS) support the instructional consultant role as stated in the guidelines of Information Power, they lagged in its practice; and LMSs who used flexible scheduling practiced the instructional consultant role more than LMSs who used fixed scheduling.…

Argues that current technologies offer unique possibilities for instructional improvement and identifies probable obstacles to exploitation of these opportunities for all students, including female, handicapped, inner-city and rural, minority, disadvantaged, and average learners. A 2-tiered model is presented for the media specialist addressing…

Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

Summarizes the results of a study that identified researchable issues related to the role of libraries in the information society. Specific research questions are presented within the categories of access to information; information needs and users; libraries and education; library models; the role of public services librarians; and education and…

Reports on a survey of the leisure reading of 700 teenagers in rural North Carolina which collected data on reading for pleasure, types of materials selected, favorite authors and books, differences in interests of boys and girls, reasons for reading, and how respondents find out about books. Implications for teachers and library media specialists…

Describes a study that examined the professional information needs of rural secondary school teachers in New South Wales (Australia). Concludes that teacher librarians have a pivotal role in meeting information needs, and that computer networks provide a means of overcoming the teachers' professional and geographical isolation. (LRW)

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Discusses the role of school library media specialists as instructional consultants and the gap between theory and practice in the roles of curriculum support and instructional design. A study of school media specialists in DeKalb County (Georgia) Public Schools is described that investigated the theory-practice gap. (23 references) (LRW)

Reports the results of a survey which examined the status of library media centers in public schools given exemplary status by the U.S. Department of Education and makes recommendations in the areas of staffing, the role of the library, and funding which would have a significant impact on elementary education. (CLB)

Describes a study that investigated the competencies or skills in six major professional areas that library media specialists should have as perceived by Arizona library media specialists and school principals. Areas highlighted include professional matters, library materials, management, human behavior, planning and evaluation, and learning.…

This first part of a study focusing on the consultation and teaching roles of elementary school library media specialists examines relationships between the methods of scheduling students into the library media center and the curriculum consultation activity and information skills instruction performed by library media specialists. (five…

This third and final part of a study focusing on the consultation and teaching roles of elementary school library media specialists examines relationships among scheduling methods, consultation activity, information skills instruction, and the planning process, culminating in a model for collaboration between media specialists and classroom…

Describes a study that attempted to determine the effects of fixed versus flexible scheduling on the curriculum involvement of elementary school library media specialists and on the curricular integration of library skills. Teachers' planning styles are discussed, and recommendations for further studies are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

Reviews research that addresses four major themes about library and information skills instruction in library media programs: (1) the value of library and information skills instruction; (2) the content of library and information skills; (3) teaching library skills in the context of subject area curriculum; and (4) alternative methods for teaching…

Discusses the major findings of the 1988-89 study that investigated the impact of school library media centers on academic achievement in Colorado public schools. Highlights include research methodology; the effects of staff size, collection variety, funding, and library media specialists' instructional role; and suggestions for further research.…