In this article, the author discusses how to transform a down-on-its-luck library into an irresistible place for boys. She suggests to begin with vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. Based on the author's 30-plus years of experience working with students, she knows boys respond well to a scholarly environment. In fact, it is one of the ways…

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…

Discusses issues related to handling complaints, legal questions; expectations and responsibilities as these relate to the selection of materials by librarians for children and young adults. (CMV)

Reports results of a nationwide survey of school librarians that shows the increasing influence of librarians. Highlights include authority of library media specialists; career length; salaries; teacher-librarian collaboration; library materials budgets; librarian's role in purchasing materials and selecting vendors; certification; educational…

For gay students, some always feel like they are wearing a mask. They cannot let their family, even their friends, see the real them. According to researchers, the road to adulthood for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered teens is riddled with more potholes than for other teens. For starters, gay teens are two to three times more likely to…

Presents an example of a censorship attempt in the Detroit (Michigan) Public School System. The titles that were challenged are listed; the role of the book selection committee is discussed; help from outside organizations is described; and tips for dealing with censors are provided. (LRW)

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 censure of the Racine Unified School District by the Wisconsin Library Association for its internal censorship of library materials. Highlights include a chronology of events in the case, the district's history of censorship, its selection policy, and the importance of the case as a model. (EM)

Discusses the high school history curriculum and the use of primary sources that reveal women's lives and roles in U.S. history. Highlights include the role of the school library media specialist in making materials available; teacher resistance; the use of video; and an annotated bibliography of 42 sources for additional information. (three…