In recent years, a number of statewide research studies have been conducted to determine the impact of school library media centers and their school library media specialists (SLMSs) on student achievement. Research studies in eighteen states have clearly established the relationship between well-staffed, well-funded school libraries on student…

Examines the historic interrelationship between libraries and adult education in light of the major personalities, events and forces affecting the relationship. Reports on interviews conducted at five learning resource centers (LRC's) regarding the development of the LRC and the librarian's role as adult educator. (DMM)

Discusses results of a survey developed to determine if school library media specialists perceive that they have been able to implement their roles as described in "Information Power" (1988 and 1998). Also investigates whether they perceive it is important to assume a leadership role in the use of instructional technology. (Author/LRW)

Summarizes findings from a study that investigated the impact of school library media centers on academic achievement. Findings in the following areas are presented: size of the resource center staff and collection; qualifications of staff; duties of the teacher-librarian, including the instructional role; collaboration with classroom teachers;…

Assesses the scope of the nation's illiteracy problem. Describes a study of community college libraries' involvement in literacy education. Relates 31 library directors' survey responses regarding illiteracy as a community problem; the nature of college- and community-based literacy programs; and the relationship of libraries to these programs.…

An elementary school librarian initiated a survey of school librarians in Arizona to discover how they dealt with problems in scheduling classes in their media centers and developing curriculum to teach library skills. Results were used to support proposed changes to provide more flexible scheduling and increase teacher/librarian cooperation. (EM)

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 on a survey of principals' knowledge of the teacher-librarian role and proposes a plan to help administrators become more aware of the role and to strengthen partnerships among teachers, administrators, and librarians. What principals need to know about resource centers and how they can learn are addressed. (Contains four references.) (KRN)

A statewide survey of Nevada school librarians was conducted in the spring of 1988 to determine their perceptions of their roles as curriculum leaders in their schools. Their responses showed that Nevada school librarians see themselves as instructional leaders, and to a lesser extent perceive that their principals, teaching colleagues, and…

Describes a survey administered by the King County Library System (Washington) that assessed the resources of school libraries and media centers in its service areas in order to determine the public library's appropriate role and level of service in supporting students. Results indicated that school libraries in King County are not well funded.…

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…

Fifteen of Texas's 49 public community/junior college districts maintain rural extension centers in small- to medium-sized cities located from 19 to 108 miles from campus. Operating out of borrowed or leased facilities, with no local income or tax base, these centers provide a regular schedule of credit classes to rural Texas residents. In…

In 1993, the Colorado State Library published "The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement." This follow-up study focuses attention on the library media specialist and the services she or he provides throughout the building, rather than just the library media center as a specific place, and emphasizes the fact that…

A survey was developed in 1984 by the Pennsylvania School Library Media Service Division to evaluate the status of state mandated school library media programs. The survey instrument was mailed to 1,923 (out of a possible 3,487) schools to the attention of the 1,963 school librarians; the response rate was approximately 67% (1,336). This report on…

Describes a project sponsored by a grant from the American Association of School Librarians and the Highsmith Corporation that focused on elementary curriculum integration of the library media program, collaboration between teachers and media specialists based on roles suggested in "Information Power," and flexible or fixed scheduling of…