Presents full text of the Educational Priorities Panel Report, researched and written by Robin Willner (May 1985), which examined mandates, services, materials, staff, and use of New York City (NYC) public school libraries. Comments by key people formerly or currently involved in administration of NYC's public school libraries are included. (EJS)

This system for checking that library books are shelved correctly was developed at the New Ulm (Minnesota) Public Library where a 68,000-volume collection is checked every three months by four part-time teenage pages. Seven steps in the procedure are outlined, and sample schedules and monitor sheets are included. (MES)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Second survey report (first was published October 1983) presents information on expenditures in library media centers for resources and audiovisual equipment, condition of collections and patterns in collection development, staffing and educational background of head library media specialist, and patterns of use of microcomputers by students and…

Describes the role of the school library media program in networking in terms of nine network considerations requiring group agreement, joint programs and services, media specialist's roles, and challenges to be met. (CMV)

Describes statewide use of MITINET, a microcomputer automation system created to aid resource sharing among small libraries and serve as tool for converting card catalog information to MARC format computer-readable files. Highlights include conversion stages, entering data on microfiche, vendor's role, local level, costs and system requirements,…

Discusses S.R. Ranganathan's five laws (books are for use, every book its reader, every reader his or her book, save the time of the reader, the library is a growing organism) and updates them (libraries serve humanity, respect all forms of knowledge, use technology intelligently to enhance service, protect free access to knowledge, honor the past…

Describes public library policies and restrictions on children's library usage, which may include requirements such as name-writing performance tests or enrollment in first grade to qualify for a library card. Such policies are criticized as discriminatory. (MES)

Discusses the need for cooperative planning in the design of library facilities and describes the roles of the library director, library staff, architects, engineers, and consultants in the planning process. The role of children's librarians in identifying the special needs of children is emphasized. A checklist for planning spaces for children's…

Summarizes expenditures for public and private school libraries throughout the United States during 1985-86, looking at such factors as funding sources; collection size and materials; expenditures per student; school level and region; media center staff and salaries; electronic technology; and level of media coordination (individual schools versus…

School librarians developed and tested a game which would help familiarize students with reference materials. A clue was provided each day, Monday through Friday, and a competition was held to see who could find the answer earliest in the week. (LS)

Describes visual aids that can be used to help hearing impaired children participate in library story hours as well as programs for library instruction and encouraging reading. Factors to be considered in selecting appropriate library materials for this group are discussed, and book selection aids and information sources are indicated. (CMV)

Speed, fill rate, and discount are reasons why it is often preferable for libraries to order directly from publishers rather than through a distributor. Nevertheless, some publishers have decided not to accept orders from libraries and schools. This has had a deleterious effect on libraries and library collections. (MES)

This bibliographic essay cites fiction titles for adolescents in grades seven through 12 on a wide range of subjects and reading levels. Suggestions for preparing booktalks to promote current books, introductions and summaries to be used for particular titles, and the effectiveness of booktalks are highlighted. (EJS)

This essay addresses the role of the children's librarian in introducing youth to the characteristics and use of information technologies. Discussion covers the Electronic Utopia, library education's view of services to youth, problems of illiteracy and semiliteracy, and differences between oral and literate cultures. Nine sources are given. (EJS)