Reports on three companies that offer "on approval" books to school libraries; i.e., companies send books to be reviewed, simplify paperwork, and offer low prices and free shipping. Sales procedures, company addresses, and telephone numbers of Garrett Book Company, National Library Service, and Ollis Book Corporation are noted. (EJS)

Examines issues for school libraries related to increasing resource sharing among libraries. The importance of development of a school district curriculum guide and curriculum development policy and the purchase of library materials to support the curriculum is emphasized. Fair use procedures, cost considerations, timeliness, and system…

Presents questions for evaluating a media center's reference section, focused on types of resources; reference-material evaluation criteria and items that belong in or are misplaced in the reference section; relocating materials and ensuring use of newly classified materials; and how to collect data on usage of resources. (AEF)

Discusses booktalks as a method of promoting reading among middle school students and suggests titles in the areas of fantasies, mysteries, contemporary fiction, outdoor/adventure fiction, historical fiction, and humorous fiction. A Web site is given that includes complete bibliographic information and additional titles. (LRW)

Explains collection mapping for library media collections. Discusses purposes for creating collection maps, including helping with selection and weeding decisions, showing how the collection supports the curriculum, and making budget decisions; and methods of data collection, including evaluating a collaboratively taught unit with the classroom…

The first article describes an eight-year censorship battle and offers practical advice for the personal survival of the school librarian involved in such a situation. The second offers suggestions for preparing the best possible defense, including steps to be taken before an incident occurs as well as when it occurs, and helpful resources and…

This annotated bibliography includes 32 works of fiction, 43 works of nonfiction, and 10 audiovisuals and teacher resources for middle school Mexican American audiences. Discussion includes interest level and reading level for each work, publishing issues, and Mexican American stereotypes. A sidebar article provides brief biographies of 21 Mexican…

Includes seven articles that discuss censorship and intellectual freedom in junior and senior high schools. Highlights include access to appropriate information; library material selection; dealing with complaints; a list of potentially controversial titles and topics; a history of book burning; the censorship of fiction; weeding versus…

Provides practical advice to high school librarians on book selection, including a review of self-help and financial books of interest to teens, as well as selection of reference materials and computer software. Descriptions of two successful special projects--a book fair and a high school archive--are included. (CDD)

Suggests guidelines to consider when choosing electronic reference tools for school libraries, including stand-alone systems versus networked versions; other resources that give access to the same information; annual updates; replacement costs; equipment needs; student and teacher needs; training time needed; and ease of use. (LRW)

Focuses on effective data gathering in school libraries. Discusses the connection between program goals and statistical information; budget data; using spreadsheets to track and compare costs; circulation data and trends; copyright assessment of materials; material-quality evaluation; lab usage data; computer information; data on services and…

Presents a checklist of skills for school librarians to use with library science student interns. Areas of skills addressed include selection of materials, cataloging, vertical files, preparation of materials for shelving, circulation, audiovisual and computer equipment and procedures, administration, physical arrangement, relations with staff and…

A series of eight articles discusses the perceptions of the school library held by students, teachers, and parents, and suggests several strategies to improve the services and image of the library. The areas discussed include public relations programs, services addressing current social issues, library material selection, and library teacher…