Synergy may be defined as the collaboration between two or more parties to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate parts. That is exactly what happened in Denton, Texas, when all types of librarians collaborated on a community reading initiative. In 2007 Denton Reads--a One Book, One Community organization--was formed with…

Discussion of censorship against books in public and school libraries focuses on intellectual freedom; First Amendment rights; and curriculum development to include lessons on the First Amendment. Offers suggestions for activities focusing on censorship and banned books. (LRW)

Reports research based on an ongoing three-year investigation of changes that have taken place in two Library Power schools in a large urban school system in the southeastern United States; the Library Power initiative emphasizes that library media specialists integrate information literacy skills throughout the curriculum. (AEF)

Describes the school library media program in New Trier Township High School (Illinois) that uses collaboration to respond to the needs of students, staff, school, and the community. Highlights include collaboration to meet curricular needs; staff development for teachers and support staff; supporting school values; and community programs. (LRW)

Considers the roles of teachers and school librarians in comparison to J. K. Rowling's muggles and wizards in the Harry Potter books. Presents a technology assessment tool that asks teachers what skills they would like the library to provide to support curriculum, including reference, technology, literacy, and collaborative learning, and provides…

Presents six conversations between school library media specialists and teachers that are based on true stories involving collaboration. Discusses pressures to relinquish individuality in lesson plans; planning; curriculum development; and child development classes and preschool programs. (LRW)

Explains curriculum mapping, a computerized method for use in educators' decision-making in elementary and secondary education. Topics include the role of media specialists with information literacy, collection development, and curriculum support; identifying gaps in skills and assessment; aligning assessments with standards; and timeliness.…

Discusses the role of the school library media specialist in standards-based learning. Topics include standards-based assessment; information literacy standards; collaboration with classroom teachers; benchmarks and indicators for student performance; leadership in a standards-based climate; and the use of technology to support curriculum and…