The library, as we once knew it, may no longer be relevant. And, yet, this is undoubtedly the most exciting time in history to be a librarian. The future of the school library as a relevant and viable institution is largely dependent on librarians and how quickly they respond to change. They worry about their field and their practice. They worry…

To have an impact on student achievement, librarians must first find ways to educate kids who are steeped in an information-rich world--and then use research to show other educators how libraries make a difference in learning. Today's students live in an information-rich "cocoon" that most librarians did not grow up in, said David Loertscher,…

Summarizes nine papers commissioned by the Department of Education for "Rethinking the Library in the 1990s." Common themes include user education, technological and social change, public policies, and changing roles for librarians. It is argued that these papers, which address adult services, need to be critiqued in terms of library…

Identifies library values affected by technology, including respect for and privacy of the individual, equality of user needs, and freedom of purpose and access. Fundamental changes that may result from technology are predicted in the areas of the library role, functions of staff, fees for services and document delivery, and costs of local and…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

Discusses the emerging interest in media education, or media literacy, and its impact on the role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include the school reform and restructuring movement; the impact of technology on literacy; the role in civic education and in health education; and media education support organizations. (Contains 17…

Sixteen leaders in the field of youth librarianship share their perspectives on the last 40 years and predictions for the future. Topics include major issues, changes in public and school library services, censorship, changes in users and the impact on library service, changes in children's books, and the future role of libraries and librarians.…