This digest brings together the various views on curriculum-related roles for library media specialists. The first section considers reasons why a disparity between theory and practice exists in regard to the involvement of library media specialists as curriculum consultants. Several sources addressing this issue are reviewed in the second…

This article differentiates between curriculum development and instructional development and discusses the media specialist's role in these activities. (STS)

A reanalysis of the database from the 1993-94 AASL (American Association of School Librarians)/Highsmith Research Study indicates that library media specialists who participated in at least one multiple-content area unit reported significantly higher levels of involvement with classroom teachers in curriculum planning compared with those who…

A study was undertaken to determine what type of curriculum leadership roles school librarians were exerting in the nation's nineteenth largest school district, the Clark County Public Schools of Nevada. A 15-item questionnaire was mailed to 75 Clark County School District librarians; responses were received from 59 libraries (79%). Following a…

This examination of the emerging theoretical base of library instruction in schools combines learning theory with research on information-seeking behavior and a broader view of library and information skills. Thirty-five references are listed. (MES)

Based on the premise that coordination of media resources with the curriculum involves the cooperation of teachers and library media specialists, this guide is designed to enhance both cooperative planning and communication. It contains: (1) six media and curriculum coordination case studies portraying typical scenarios faced by classroom teachers…

Stresses the need for involvement of media specialists in curriculum planning and teaching, lists school districts that have developed library skills curriculum guides, and describes model resource units. Five steps to resolve obstacles to successful implementation of the program are suggested. (CLB)

An elementary school librarian initiated a survey of school librarians in Arizona to discover how they dealt with problems in scheduling classes in their media centers and developing curriculum to teach library skills. Results were used to support proposed changes to provide more flexible scheduling and increase teacher/librarian cooperation. (EM)

Examines the evolution of the Whole Language curriculum, its current theory and practices, and its effect on the school library media center. The similarity between Whole Language and the Montessori approach to literacy is discussed, and the role of the media specialist in a Whole Language library media center is described. (31 references) (LRW)

Discusses the collaborative role of school library media specialists as instructional consultants to help teachers plan curriculum and develop instructional activities. Topics addressed include the nature of instructional planning; how teachers plan; and strategies for planning in partnership with teachers, including planning styles, planning…

Purpose: Media literacy educators in K-12, higher education, and after-school programs depend on the ability to make use of copyright materials (print, visual, film, video and online) in their teaching. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of media literacy educators regarding copyright and fair use. Methodology:…

This book is intended to provide practicing school library media specialists and students in professional degree-granting programs with both a conceptual framework and practical approaches to the curriculum-related responsibilities of the school library media program. The responsibilities discussed include both library and information skills…

This resource book is intended as a companion to the book "Curriculum Initiative: An Agenda and Strategy for Library Media Programs," which provides practicing school library media specialists and students in professional degree-granting programs with both a conceptual framework and practical approaches to the curriculum-related…

Examples of school library media activities that illustrate instructional involvement currently taking place in various parts of the nation are classified according to David Loertscher's taxonomy. (CHC)

Outlines several models for successful collaboration in planning, teaching, and evaluating by library media specialists and classroom teachers. Suggests strategies for promoting collaboration, stressing proactive contact with colleagues, administrators, and students to create awareness of and support for the library program. (JKP)