In a climate of increased interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), school libraries have unique opportunities to grow collections and cultivate partnerships in the sciences. At the federal level and in many states, STEM initiatives encourage hands-on exposure to technologies and open the door for student-led discovery of…

In this article, the author discusses the new "AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner"--a map for student learning. The new standards focus on the learner. They outline the content and process that students need to learn now and will need in the future, a process taught through the school library program by a school library teacher. The…

Lists the foundational elements needed for an effective library media program and introduces the key components of effective collaboration with classroom teachers, providing proven strategies for its implementation. Suggests teacher-librarians need to take the initiative in collaboration and discusses collaboration as a predictor of student…

Discusses leadership of the school library media specialist in the areas of curriculum and instruction. Presents case studies of principals who were media specialists and recognize the importance and leadership potential of media specialists, and provides a leadership model for school library media specialists. (LRW)

Addresses the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds' experiences working with school libraries and the lessons learned from the Library Power initiative, including: how school libraries can support national education goals, particularly in meeting the challenges outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; current threats to library reform; and how…

Describes efforts by the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) to develop a professional community for library media specialists through ALA (American Library Association) Annual Conference programs and the construction of an AASL Web site devoted to issues and topics related to effective teaching and learning behaviors. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the importance of collaboration between the school library media specialists and classroom teachers from a principal's perspective. Topics include the problems with traditional scheduled library visits; media specialist as teacher; principals' expectations of teachers and media specialists; and barriers to successful collaboration. (LRW)

Discusses the lack of communication between school principals and school library media specialists, the lack of information principals have regarding media specialists' roles and responsibilities, and the use of the executive briefing to open up effective channels of communication. Explains correlations between "Information Power"…

Describes advantages for school library media specialists to be school board members. Highlights include budget allocations for media centers in new schools; meeting with various lawmakers to advocate for school library interests; explaining the rationale for new technology; working with administrators; and being a change agent. (LRW)

Presents a profile of Cherry Creek High School (Colorado) and its library media program and describes the following five elements of power that library media centers have to increase student achievement and love of learning: (1) access; (2) support for data driven decision making; (3) integration of technology; (4) connections between teaching and…

Discussion of the way technology is changing the delivery of information services to students and teachers focuses on an assessment rubric designed to upgrade library services by focusing on library media specialists' responsibilities. Provides examples of use of the rubric in an elementary school and in a library consortium. (Contains 2…

Discusses the need for professional development opportunities for school library media specialists and describes the development of a workshop in Georgia for new media specialists. Includes the roles and responsibilities of media specialists, including collaboration with teachers; and decision-making responsibilities. (LRW)

Explains the Primary Years Program (PYP), an inquiry framework developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization that describes the characteristics of an international student in the learner profile and describes its use in the Vienna International School. Discusses collaborative planning by teachers; real-life connections; and role of the…

Discusses the role of school library media specialists (SLMS), the trend toward constructivism, "Information Power" and SLMS, and helping science teachers meet the National Science Education Standards. Includes relevant Web links and a bibliography of works concerning SLMS and science teachers. (LRW)

Discussion of library media specialists and technological change focuses on the use of the World Wide Web. Highlights include teaching and learning issues; roles of the library media specialist, including teacher and instructional partner; designing Web sites; and student-created Web pages. (LRW)