Library and Information Science (LIS) as a discipline is guided by core values that emphasize equal access to information, freedom of expression, democracy, and education. Importantly, diversity and social responsibility are specifically called out as foundations of the profession (American Library Association, 2004). Following from this, there…

Evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) provides school librarians a systematic means of building, assessing, and revising a library program, thus demonstrating a school library program's worth to the larger school community. Through survey research collecting both qualitative and quantitative data, 111 public school librarians in…

Winter 2007 marked an episode of high anxiety in the library science profession, when the latest Newbery winner, "The Higher Power of Lucky," triggered discussion about words and their suitability for young readers. It seems that the entire world now knows that the word "scrotum" appears on the first page of the book. School…

Discusses the "axemaker" school librarian, drawing the concept of innovators for survival and growth of the human species, from Burke and Ornstein's "The Axemaker's Gift: A Double-Edged History of Human Culture." Examines contributions of library science to society and suggests that "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning" is the…

This article presents the results from a survey that investigated the latest requirements and certification standards for school librarians in each state. In the survey, 42 report they require certification for K-12 library media specialists, meaning that school library candidates must have a bachelor's degree including coursework designed to…

Describes the ideal environment in school libraries for retaining professionals who combine the best tasks and skills from library science and technology. Institutions should have: a desire for change; ample support staff; staff development opportunities; high priority on people skills; and high expectations of staff and leaders. (AEF)

Discussion of the role of school libraries in the education system of Kenya highlights a description of Kenya (geographical, social, political, economical, educational), existing library service, and courses offered at Kenya Institute of Education to prepare participants to head learning resources centers. (EJS)

This essay presents a professional librarian's opinion on a many-sided subject. Highlights include lack of attention to school library media specialists and their needs by library schools and the role of the school library media specialist in the educational process. Ten readers' responses are included. Eleven references are listed. (EJS)

Presents results of nationwide survey to determine certification requirements for school library media specialists (name of certificate, number of hours of education, audiovisual hours/terminology, accredited/approved programs) and the various competencies and skills required (administration, audiovisuals, cataloging, reference, literature,…

Designed for use by students in library science and school media programs in the state of Louisiana, this handbook outlines the responsibilities and activities which will engage library school students when they become practicing school librarians or media specialists. Checklists of the competencies which student librarians must achieve to become…

Discusses the current focus on the librarian's role as educator as the result of the report, "A Nation at Risk," by National Commission on Excellence. Publications identifying responsibilities of academic, public, corporate, and technical librarians are examined noting library role in creation of learning society and views on…

Provides examples of education programs for school library/media specialists or teacher-librarians in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean region, and the United Kingdom. Teacher education, basic library science courses, specialized courses in school library media and services, and efforts of International Federation of Library…

Discusses the need for school librarians to respond to changes in the field of education as well as in librarianship. Topics addressed include responses to change, including resistance; new roles for librarians, teachers, and administrators; cooperation with other libraries; involvement in the school's change process; and librarians as change…

Profiles eight youth services librarians from public and school libraries, who participated in a recent American Library Association seminar. Describes reasons for career choice, learning experiences, salary, public image, duties performed and programs developed, highlights of the job, librarian teacher cooperation, technology, library education,…

Based on a content analysis of professional journals, conference proceedings, ERIC documents, annuals, and dissertations in library and information science, the following current trends in the field are discussed: (1) there are important emerging roles and responsibilities for information professionals; (2) the status and image of librarians…