Short Pump's media center sits in the middle of the school because this library is the house that Lynn Henry Thorpe built, while principal during its 1990 planning year and 1991 opening. Thorpe believes passionately that libraries are central to successful learning. This article describes Thorpe's fervor for libraries and its history of innovation.

Details planning and implementation of a two-year project by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to demonstrate online circulation procedures at two pilot sites--an elementary and a high school media center. Benefits of an automated circulation program are discussed, and recommendations for similar sites are offered. (MES)

Surveys the historical development of automated technical processing in schools and notes the impact of this automation in a number of cases. Speculations about the future involvement of school libraries in automated processing and networking are included. Thirty references are listed. (BBM)

Identifies questions that should be asked, problems that may arise, and sources of information for library media specialists choosing hard disk computer systems. (CLB)

Discusses areas to be considered in planning for an automated system for a school library including standards; networking; hardware; cost; order of conversion; retrospective conversion; non-print bibliographic records; vendor reputation; integration with school management software; and subject access. Microcomputer integrated systems,…

Discussion of microcomputer applications in a medium-sized school library highlights planning, computer software functions, circulation processes, reference services, print reports (bibliographies, overdue book notices, circulation analysis), special functions, equipment needs, and funding possibilities. (EJS)

Discusses the importance of Boolean searching as a skill that students will need in the future. Methods for teaching Boolean searching are described, and the value of truncation as an online searching aid is considered. (MES)

Briefly discusses types of software available for library and media center operations and library instruction, suggests three sources of software reviews, and describes almost 50 specific application programs available for bibliographic management, cataloging, circulation, inventory and purchasing, readability, and teaching library skills in…

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…

Reports the results of three statewide studies in Alaska, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, which show that a school library media program with a full-time library media specialist, support staff, and a strong computer network leads to higher student achievement as evidenced on standardized achievement tests. (LRW)

Description of the new Souhegan High School (New Hampshire), a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, focuses on the library and information center. Highlights include learning principles of coalition schools; physical layout of the library; collection development, including print and nonprint materials; library technology; and implications…

Reports the results of a survey that examined school library media center expenditures during the 1987-88 school year and compared these figures with previous survey results. Factors reported include funding, library collections, staffing patterns, technology and library automation, network participation, instructional involvement, school district…

Discusses results of a survey of state-level school library officials conducted via fax to determine statewide school enrollments, funding, media center staffing, state-mandated minimum levels of staffing for school libraries, the ratio of students per school library media specialists, staffing standards, staff shortages, and technology and…

Excerpts from testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding the proposed Technology for Education Act highlights the need for strong school library media collections and programs in addition to the latest technology. Highlights include funding, expenditures, media centers and student achievement, librarians'…

Presents results of the latest biennial survey of school library funding. Highlights include funding sources; expenditures; currency of collections; technology; library staff and training; programs and services; media specialists' experience and salaries; instructional planning with teachers; and district level leadership. (LRW)