Discusses the need to make the public aware of the role of the school library media center in order to gain their support. It is suggested that the dissemination of the contents of "Information Power," a document presenting guidelines for a strong media center, can foster this awareness. (four references) (CLB)

Over 5 million students aged 6 to 21 received services under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" during the 2000-2001 school year. In partial response to this growing population of diverse learners, the relatively recent and highly controversial "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)" legislation has served as a…

Cites court decisions in several prominent school library censorship cases and discusses the role of the library media specialist in preparing students to meet challenges to their intellectual freedom. Several teaching/learning activities that are useful for involving students in censorship and intellectual freedom issues are described. (eight…

Discussion of several of the objectives in Information Power, the new American Association of School Librarians/Association for Educational Communications and Technology guidelines for library media specialists, considers such topics as access to information and the role of the media specialist. (eight references) (MES)

Discusses the need for media specialists to be able to translate broad issues into specific questions that can be answered at the building level in order to improve school media programs. A series of specific questions for each challenge posed in "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs" is presented. (five references)…

Considers issues raised by Ann Irving's article in this yearbook, including the changing roles of students, teachers, and librarians in elementary and secondary schools; differences in information technology in the United Kingdom and the United States; and information access, using whatever medium is appropriate. (LRW)

Discusses use of the Internet by school library media specialists and its importance in the development of the library profession. Highlights include how to access the Internet and resources about the Internet, including information about networks as well as three sources that provide introductions to the general concepts of the Internet. (LRW)

Description of how library media specialists can assist teachers and administrators in retrieving useful information by using ERIC highlights its organization, the types of materials available that are especially useful to classroom teachers, and ways that it can be accessed online. A list of ERIC Clearinghouses with addresses is included. (EM)

Discusses the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 and the role of school library media specialists. Focuses on principals' perceptions of media specialists in five categories: information literacy; collaboration, leadership, and technology; learning and teaching; information access and delivery; and program administration; and suggests that…

Discussion of how students can successfully enter the information highway focuses on the role of the school media specialist. Topics include information-seeking behavior; missions and goals of library media programs; affective access, including interpersonal communication, physical and affective ergonomics, and social interaction; and global…

Response to issues discussed in Ann Irving's article in this yearbook focuses on the changing role of school librarians. Highlights include the impact of information technology on library services; the development of school libraries in the United Kingdom versus the United States; instruction in information skills; and equal access to information.…

Discusses Web sites operated by extremist groups and considers how school library media specialists can educate students about hate groups and teach strategies to recognize inappropriate sites. Topics include critical thinking; limiting access through filters; developing Web access policies; and creating computer use agreements. (LRW)

Discusses the changing role of school librarians based on a historical account in North Dakota. The role of automation is emphasized, i.e., how it has changed librarians' tasks, attitudes toward librarians, and how time is spent; and needed skills, teacher collaboration, wider access to materials, and future possibilities are discussed. (LRW)

Discusses developments in distance education programs and considers roles for school library media specialists in distance education projects. The Star Schools Project is described, access to information and resources in new formats is considered, the Library and Information Science Distance Education consortium is explained, and directions for…

Presents nine standards and indicators that can be used to evaluate library resource programs. The first three reflect the primary roles of teacher-librarians (i.e., information specialist, instructional consultant, and teacher); the next five represent instructional and management concerns and processes used to implement such programs; and…