In this article, the author talks about the International Children's Digital Library (ICDL), an online digital library which gives students an opportunity to read and learn about other cultures and countries in a different way. The library's web site (http://www.icdlbooks.org) was designed by children, with the guidance and expertise of adults.…

Describes a process approach to library media skills instruction which would focus on the development of students' critical thinking skills and give them the ability to examine and utilize information. The importance of instructing students in database searching and ways that database searching will enhance information skills development are also…

In this column, the author provides a description and brief review of the "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database" (CLCD). This subscription database is a 1999 spinoff from Marilyn Courtot's "Children's Literature" website, which began in 1993 and is a free resource of reviews and features about books, authors, and illustrators. The separate…

Explains search engines that are used on the World Wide Web to find information on the Internet. Highlights include eight search engines with information on how to find the help screen; four "spiders" that conduct searches of several search engines; and four online sites for learning more about using search engines. (LRW)

Describes a simplified online service specifically designed for school and student use, which accesses 90 appropriate databases through the use of menu options, help screens, and search hints. The costs of the service and its use in teaching online search skills are discussed. (CLB)

This brief article describes the database, Science Online, from Facts on File. Science is defined broadly in this database to include archeology, computer technology, medicine, inventions, and mathematics, as well as biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and astronomy. Content also is divided into format categories for browsing purposes:…

Highlights some popular search engines and presents guidelines on making queries, narrowing a search, using quotation marks and how and when to used advanced searches. Discusses special search tools for World Wide Web and CD-ROM products and homework assistance software. Lists the network locations of five popular search engines. (AEF)

Describes a computerized database for children's radio and television, which contains detailed information and evaluations of children's programs and public service announcements currently on the air or available on cassette. Information on access to the system, subscriber and search costs, and a contact for further information are provided. (CLB)

Discusses analytical searching, a process that enables searchers of electronic resources to develop a planned strategy by combining words or phrases with Boolean operators. Defines simple and complex searching, and describes search strategies developed with Boolean logic and truncation. Provides guidelines for teaching students analytical…

Describes MICROsearch, a self-contained system developed at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources for searching selected portions of the ERIC database on a microcomputer, and recommends that library media specialists use the program to teach basic online searching skills to teachers who are planning to take summer courses. (BBM)

Defines information literacy and describes the "Information Literacy IQ (Institutional Quotient) Test" of the Association of School Librarians (ACRL). Lists and describes online sources for basic materials on information literacy, information literacy-skills models, information about information literacy, and books on information…

Provides a school library media activity for elementary grades using the "Guinness Book of World Records" in print and CD-ROM format. Lesson objectives, librarian preparation required, student activities, and evaluation are included. (EAM)

Describes a two-week online seminar for high school students in which they were exposed to electronic bulletin boards, information systems, and bibliographic databases. Information on vendors, costs, access to systems, and supplementary materials is included. (CLB)

Suggests that to be an effective educator and user of the Web it is essential to know the basics about search engines. Presents tips for using search engines. Describes several search engines for children and young adults, as well as some general filtered search engines for children. (AEF)

Stresses the importance of teaching the skills necessary for students to understand computer communications, including microcomputer and remote computer commands; how to get information from human resources through a bulletin board service or information utility; and keyword searching and Boolean logic. (EM)