This report presents selected findings from the Public School Library Media Center Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system at the elementary school level in which pupils can access information by subject, author, or title as in a standard card catalog. (CHC)

Every dollar counts in today's school libraries, where a resource is evaluated not just by the cost, but also by how many students will utilize it. A recent survey shows that many school librarians rely on their state to help provide (and pay for) databases that their students can access from the school media center or at their public library.…

This list of 126 software programs includes the title, description, producer or address to contact for additional information, system requirements, and cost. Programs listed are categorized by the following library functions: audiovisual catalog, audiovisual equipment inventory, bibliographies, catalog card printing, circulation and overdues,…

Describes ways in which microcomputer technology can help school media centers with collection development. The need to map the media center collection is discussed, benefits of collection mapping are explained, the need to consider curriculum requirements is emphasized, and setting up a database and spreadsheet is discussed. (LRW)

Review of technological advances and emerging information services that are having an effect on Australian schools highlights cataloging, circulation, and information services (Australian Schools Catalogue Information Service, South Australian Education Resources Information System, regional automated library networks); audiovisual services;…

Discusses the use of union catalogs by school libraries and gives examples of their use in two districts in Texas. Topics addressed include downloading, bibliographic information, holdings information, components of a union catalog, inventory lists, resource sharing, and time-saving benefits. (LRW)

Discussion of school library media center automation resulting from network participation provides a brief overview of the literature that mentions automation in conjunction with networks and a review of several model programs in Indiana, New York, and Ohio. Network participation in OCLC is noted. Twenty-three references are included. (EJS)

This document outlines a workshop for media specialists--"School Library Automation: Solving the Puzzle"--that is designed to reduce automation anxiety and give a broad overview of the concerns confronting school library media centers planning for or involved in automation. Issues are addressed under the following headings: (1) Levels of School…

Describes statewide use of MITINET, a microcomputer automation system created to aid resource sharing among small libraries and serve as tool for converting card catalog information to MARC format computer-readable files. Highlights include conversion stages, entering data on microfiche, vendor's role, local level, costs and system requirements,…

Explores the possible uses of microcomputers in school libraries, including library administration and technical processing, communications, curriculum related databases, and online bibliographic services. The impact on students is discussed in terms of computer literacy and the acquisition of information skills. (CLB)

This five-article section discusses changes in the management of the school library resulting from use of the computer. Topics covered include data management programs (record keeping, word processing, and bibliographies); practical applications of a database; evaluation of "Circulation Plus" software; ergonomics and computers; and…

Describes the services and programs offered by the library at The Bronx High School of Science. Topics discussed include the library collection; a basic library skills mini-course for freshmen and incoming sophomores; current uses of the library's computer system; and plans to automate the library's card catalog and circulation records.…

Discusses the need to develop more efficient information retrieval skills by the use of new technology. Lists four stages used in automating the media center. Describes North Carolina's pilot programs. Proposes benefits and looks at the media center's future. (MVL)

This report has been prepared as an evaluation instrument to help educators at the school, school division/district, and provincial levels evaluate, identify, and select a comprehensive school library automation system. The report presents a checklist of items to consider when evaluating school library automation systems and it can be used to…