These days it seems like school librarians are under attack, if not already an endangered species. After eight years of the No Child Left Behind Act--which, paradoxically, chipped away at many library positions--recent state and local budget shortfalls have led to rounds and rounds of layoffs for school librarians. While things are tough in the…

This article features YOUmedia, an innovative learning space that's housed on the ground floor of the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library Center. A student states that YOUmedia is a great example of what learning can look like in an out-of-school environment. The Windy City's one-of-a-kind program, which attracts young men and women…

If one wants to learn about the role that games play in education, then the University of Wisconsin at Madison is the place to go. It's home to the Games, Learning, and Society Initiative and its current director Dr. Kurt Squire. In this interview, Squire talks about his research and how libraries can embrace gaming as a tool for learning.

While volunteers can be the backbone of a library, there's a fine art to crafting a well-oiled team of helpers, especially in these tough economic times when a nonpaid assistant can end up taking one's job. Case in point? Librarians at Bridgewater Middle School and Raynham Middle School in Massachusetts recently lost their positions, and parent…

Describes the ongoing development of school libraries in the Birmingham (Alabama) Public School System. Highlights include commitment of the Board of Education and the city; accreditation; planning; communication; cooperative planning with classroom teachers; cooperative projects with the public library and cable company; Reading Is Fundamental…

Explains the benefits of pediatric literacy programs. Discusses forming partnerships, training volunteers, role of the children's librarian in building coalitions with community organizations, fundraising and free publicity, and working with doctors' busy schedules. Includes addresses and phone numbers for the "Born to Read" and "Reach Out and…

A collaboration between schools in Benton Harbor, Michigan and the city's public library undertook a successful effort to teach tolerance through art by bringing children together from two racially polarized areas. The children were eventually paired with a partner for the main activity-painting portraits of each other. (AEF)

"Born to Read," has attempted to build a partnership between public librarians and health care providers to help new and expectant at-risk parents. Describes the experiences of projects in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), Provo (Utah), and Houston (Texas). Discusses literacy and learning theory, ethnic needs, and resources for infant/toddler…

What school library media coordinator could resist the opportunity to engage students in a cultural exchange with a library elsewhere in the world? Not this one. When the author saw she could use her library to inspire students in rural North Carolina to broaden their understanding of the world, she leaped at the opportunity. She linked the…