Discusses computer software that can perform routine calculations on small computer systems quickly and accurately to aid in the task of translating ideas into numbers and decisions. VisiCalc, use of spreadsheet analysis programs, and applications for school library media specialists are highlighted. Six references are included. (EJS)

Describes the features, advantages, and disadvantages of current hypermedia systems, and discusses types of systems, development environments, desirable features, and library and media center uses. An annotated list of hypermedia products, a list of associations and services for further information, a 36-item bibliography, and historical notes on…

Discusses the responsibility of the school library media specialist with respect to microcomputer software acquisition and usage. Copyright and the library media center, copyright infringement, remedies, and protection, strategies that can be used in obtaining and disseminating quality software, and policy development are noted. Thirteen…

Describes Cataloging in Publication (CIP), a cooperative program begun in 1971, whose partners are the Library of Congress (LC) and approximately 2,000 U.S. publishers. Why publishers participate and use of program by school libraries are discussed. Questionnaire for school librarians concerning provision of CIP cataloging for microcomputer…

This examination of ways to use general-purpose commercial software to assist in the management of library media centers focuses on database management programs, word processing, authoring systems, and calculator (spreadsheet) programs. System requirements and purchasing information for representative programs (address, price) are provided. Six…

Discusses developments in artificial intelligence in terms of their impact on school library media centers and the role of media specialists. Possible uses of expert systems, hypertext, and CD-ROM technologies in school media centers are examined and the challenges presented by these technologies are discussed. Fourteen sources of additional…

Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)

Examines criteria for software selection and the use of software packages (programs, routines, documentation) in school library management. General criteria, specific criteria for selecting library management programs (for tasks such as circulation, cataloging, recordkeeping), specific criteria for selecting educational programs, and reviewing…

Provides some basic guidelines for converting a card catalog to a computerized catalog in school libraries. The advantages of using the MARC format are discussed, and three conversion methods (on site, records created by the vendor off site, and full vendor conversion off site) are compared in terms of the work involved, costs, and time. (CLB)

Describes a prototype interactive science catalog for children that will have three interfaces: a subject-oriented browsing search, a search tied directly to science simulations, and an author/title/subject keyword searchable interface. Research plans include examinations of children's abilities to formulate and implement searchable queries and…

Areas discussed in six articles include: literature for critical reading activities; computer software packages for elementary and secondary science classes; professional materials for school media specialists; recommended materials for school libraries; the results of a study of the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction; and documents on…

"The Evolution of a School Library Network: Setting up a CD-ROM Local Area Network (LAN)" describes how to set up a CD-ROM LAN in a school library, including establishing a technology plan and choosing hardware, software, cabling, and staffing. A description of the Texas Education Network (TENET) and reviews of print and electronic…

Discussion of the relationship between reading ability and library quality and use focuses on results of a multiple regression analysis of data that examined fourth-grade scores on the 1992 NAEP Reading Comprehension test. Highlights include books per student in school library media centers, circulation in public libraries, and software available.…