Today's new media tools are incredibly powerful communication vehicles that allow organizations to connect and engage with many different audiences. With more than seven million users, Twitter is growing at an annual rate of 1,382 percent, Facebook boasts over 250 million active members, and aspiring writers have started more than 133 million…

Getting kids excited about the library isn't as difficult as media librarians think. All it takes is giving them some control. They'll be surprised at how quickly their attitudes change once they let them play a role in everything from programming and technology to book selection and design. It may take some getting used to, but listening to what…

Offers definitions, statistics, and suggestions for public librarians working with homeschoolers. Library concerns are addressed, including censorship, negative staff attitudes, technology demands, and administrative limits; and ways to make homeschoolers more welcome are suggested, including compiling homeschooling resource materials, library…

Describes the development of the Young People's Library in Las Vegas (Nevada) as a symbolic and literal bridge to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. The roles in the design process of library administration, library personnel, and the architect are explored, and how this project addressed differences between the architect's artistic vision and…

Examines possible barriers to adequate reference services to children and young adults. Topics discussed include the effects of budget pressures and shifting priorities in public and academic libraries; equity in access to information; reference policies; communication between children and adult services staff and administration; multiple service…

This article presents operational guidelines or instructions to a newly graduated librarian from library school. The author discusses some important factors to consider in the field of library work as a school librarian. He also presents seven strategies to keep in mind for a successful first year for a school librarian: (1) put people first; (2)…

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)

A database for recordkeeping for a summer reading club was developed for a public library system using an IBM PC and Microsoft Works. Use of the database resulted in more efficient program management, giving librarians more time to spend with patrons and enabling timely awarding of incentives. (LAE)

This article profiles Nate Greenberg, a superintendent of the Londonderry (NH) School District who viewed action research as a means for supporting libraries, which he sees as central to education. During the past six years, Londonderry's cascade of action-research projects (led by librarians) has tackled challenges such as how to get high school…

Outlines the perspective within which the multimedia librarian must prepare for the future including future developments in networks, individualized information, increased computer use and cable television. (KP)

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…

Stressing the importance of the annual report as a library management tool, this article discusses the development of policy documents or statements, housekeeping documents (statistics, memos, correspondence), information communication, the results of effective communication, contact with the community, and management skills. A 10-item background…

Discussion of music censorship provides a chronology of banned music from 1850 to the present. Highlights include reasons for music censorship, including lyrics that concern politics, sex, drugs, or death; rewriting song lyrics; radio air play versus sales; warning labels; First Amendment principles; and suggestions to defuse censorship in…

It is suggested that, in order to be prepared for efforts at censorship, private school libraries should establish a written selection policy, prepare a request for reconsideration of library materials form, set up a materials review committee, and keep up to date on intellectual freedom issues. (CHC)

Discussion of the provision and management of technology by school library media specialists focuses on CD-ROMs in high schools. Highlights include needs assessment planning; funding options; management strategies; long-range planning; and sidebars which include a bibliography of materials that discuss CD-ROM, recommended conferences, and CD-ROM…