This article discusses the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), a plan that is quickly gaining the support of library organizations around the globe. The FRBR Study Group was appointed by International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and issued its final report in 1998. The report redefines the basic unit of…

According to early childhood education scholar and leading expert on this topic, Lilian G. Katz, dispositions are a "pattern of behavior exhibited frequently... in the absence of coercion... constituting a habit of mind under some conscious and voluntary control... intentional and oriented to broad goals" that can be taught and caught through…

The authors' professional standards used to be pretty straightforward and specific. Not exactly works of literary creativity, but they served the purpose of giving them structure and direction, and let their principals know what they actually did all day. Then came along a new buzzword called "dispositions." They heard it for the first time when…

In this article, the author discusses collection development. Collection development is the one professional activity that allows librarians to define the coin of their realms: the content and kinds of materials they can offer the patrons they serve. Collection development begins with a collection development plan that underscores the mission of…

In this article, the author describes five lessons which focus on skills that students will need in any library. The following lessons should be taught during first semester to first-year middle school students: (1) Locating books at the library; (2) Locating databases at the library; (3) Locating encyclopedias at the library; (4) Locating…

Ten years ago, in 1996, poet and children's book author, Pat Mora began celebrating "book joy" by founding a children's book and reading day, El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros or Children's Day/Book Day. Dia is modeled on National Children's Day Celebrations in Mexico held since 1925 when it was launched in conjunction with a…

Recycling good ideas is one of the most important skills school librarians can develop. Effective time management is significant to a successful library program; thus adapting, improving upon, and locating resources to enhance an existing idea or model result in time well spent. Developing a comprehensive library curriculum with a detailed…

Some may think being a school librarian requires the same talents and skills at all grade levels. The author, having a masters in library science, thought she could handle any library-related issue no matter what the patron age. In this article, she describes three distinct moments from her first day as an elementary librarian which made her…

Provides information for school libraries interested in acquiring graphic novels. Discusses theft prevention; processing and cataloging; maintaining the collection; what to choose, with two Web sites for more information on graphic novels for libraries; collection development decisions; and Japanese comics called Manga. Includes an annotated list…

The role that a public librarian can play in teaching on-line research classes is put forth. The manner in which school and public librarians can work together to help teachers and students deal with information overload is discussed.

Library media specialists are often asked when to create a new record in cataloging various editions of the same title for library media center collections. This article, adapted from the new edition of "Catalog It," will provide some hints to answer this question. In some cases, it is easy to recognize when two copies of the same information…

Even though librarians fulfill the roles of teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator many outside the library still say that librarians don't do anything. However, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes before the library program begins.

The answers to questions and comments that continually arise in school libraries are found in the essential documents. The different ways of planning and writing essential documents as well as their promotion and application are described.

To address the varying needs of media specialists, area Educational Technology Training Centers, Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESA), and larger school systems are forming professional development communities or consortia that cater specifically to the continuing education needs of library media specialists. In addition to academic and…

In data-driven collaboration, the teacher and library media specialist (LMS) have a prolonged and interdependent relationship as they do in all collaboration. Units and projects are team-planned, team-taught, and team-assessed. The partners share goals, have carefully defined roles in the process, and plan comprehensively based on the results of…