Relates the role of Al Sandrini, superintendent of the Norris (CA) School District, in expanding the school libraries, including materials and staffing. Discusses what made him a strong library advocate, investing district money in libraries, site-based management, and how school librarians can be strong advocates. (LRW)

Describes programs developed by the Chicago School District to renovate and revitalize its school libraries. Topics include funding, other educational reforms in the district, updating library collections, updating librarians' skills, increasing budgets through grants, flexible scheduling, corporate support, relations with the Chicago Public…

Describes school library reform efforts in New York City's elementary public schools initiated by a private foundation to help improve education and fight poverty. Topics include funding; successful public and private collaboration; librarian training; and research to determine the role and influence of libraries. (LRW)

Provides the following seven guidelines to help librarians better serve mentally disabled students: (1) consult with teachers; (2) select appropriate materials; (3) identify essential library skills; (4) create illustrated signs; (5) be creative about funding; (6) take regular field trips; and (7) don't limit the materials. A list of resources and…

Describes the National Library Program supported by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The program's national goals and guidelines and results of eight projects are presented. Brief descriptions of five new projects and nine planning sites are given. Continuation plans and the possibility of funding beyond the three-year project period are…

Discusses the design of combined school/public libraries and includes the views of three high school librarians and two elementary school librarians who helped create combined libraries. Topics include physical design issues, including entrances, lighting, and location; funding; cost benefits; contracts; signage; and parking. (LRW)

Describes the fundraising efforts of the Torrey Pines High School (California) library through the formation of a Friends of the Library group. Discusses how to form a nonprofit corporation, making the purchase of new books a priority, increasing the library's visibility, and ideas for fundraising events. (LRW)

Describes how three public library youth librarians used statistics to justify budget requests, change resource allocations, expand services, and show benefits of new services to the community. Examples are provided under the following headings: Show what's missing; Show what's gone wrong; Show what's going right; Show inequities; and Compare and…

Discusses graphic novels and visual literacy and notes the increases in the graphic novels budget at Downers Grove (Illinois) Public Library. Outlines seven steps to developing a graphics collection. Sidebars highlight popular titles, award-winners, and Web sites for librarians just learning about graphic novels. (AEF)