Just a couple of years ago, it was tough to find good graphic novels for the K-4 crowd. Sure, there were some standout selections, such as Andy Runton's "Owly", Jimmy Gownley's "Amelia Rules!", and Jennifer and Matt Holm's "Babymouse", but they were lonely exceptions in a barren landscape. Things quickly changed when publishers realized that the…

This year's "School Library Journal's" spending survey showed that, despite the recession, the vast majority of media centers around the country have retained their credentialed media specialists. For example, almost 85% of elementary schools and more than 95% of middle and high schools have a full-time certified librarian. In addition, salaries…

Explains an arrangement organized by the Houston Area Independent School Library Network (HAISLN) that allows secondary school libraries to share the expenses and use of lesser used periodicals through the use of fax machines. Guidelines for the network are described, costs and copyright issues are discussed, and future plans are addressed. (three…

This guide is divided into two sections; a Product Directory listing product groups subdivided into individual products with the names of the firms that supply them, and the Suppliers Directory, which lists each firm, the full address and all branches, telephone number(s), and products and services available. (Author/JL)

Discusses the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in young adult problem novels and reviews eight novels that deal with AIDS. Emotional and educational issues are addressed, and a sidebar lists resources on AIDS for young people, including books, articles, videos, and pamphlets and posters. (LRW)

Media specialists and teachers spend an estimated $1.4 billion annually on nonfiction titles. And even though most librarians, like Shirley Morand of New Richmond High School in Ohio, expect budget cuts this academic year, they still plan to dish out a sizable chunk of money on books that support students' textbooks, according to School Library…

Circulation increased and student attitudes toward paperback books in a junior high school library media center collection improved when chain bookstore marketing techniques were used, i.e., topical arrangement; high visibility; clear, colorful labels; books shelved face out; and moveable display racks. These techniques are recommended with some…

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…

Discusses research on censorship attempts that occurred in schools and school libraries over the last decade, including studies that considered types of materials targeted, by whom, and with what results. The increase in school censorship and the problem of the often unclear use of the term censorship are discussed. (EM)

Designed for use by public and school librarians as a starting point in developing educational programs, this annotated list of resources on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) includes pamphlets, films and video, fiction and non-fiction books, posters, organizations, and hotlines. The importance of AIDS education programs is emphasized.…

Reports on budgets for and expenditures by school library media centers (fiscal year 1982/83) in 1,179 public and 72 private schools. Tables highlight distribution of respondents; expenditures and collection size; comparison of private and public school media centers; school enrollment; district level library media coordinators; microcomputers;…

Discusses use of federal funds for school libraries provided by Chapter II Block Grants created by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Increased spending for such items as library materials, instructional equipment, and microcomputers is enumerated. Five ways for librarians to obtain and monitor funds are outlined. (EJS)

Discusses the need for sex education and the inclusion of accurate information in materials produced for young people. Materials that address sexual reproduction, puberty, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases are reviewed, and recommended titles for print and nonprint materials are listed together with resources for…

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)

Describes a pilot project undertaken by the Office of Library and Media Services of the Baltimore County Public Schools with Weston Woods, Inc., which involved the purchase of 100 videocassette reproductions of 10 different films based on children's books. Purchasing information for the videocassettes is included. (EJS)