This is Part 1 of a three part series of articles summarizing selected articles from the journals of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) over a period of thirty-five years from 1972 to 2007. Part 1 traces the evolution of the library media specialist to emphasize a greater student-centered approach to teaching and learning.…

Discusses basic facts about the brain and new research findings concerning growth and development that may help reconsider how information literacy skills are taught. Explains Kovalik's Integrated Thematic Instruction Model that recommends taking into account brain research and tying into relevant activities for the entire school year. (LRW)

Explains a variety of models involving information use and includes key resources for each one. Highlights include a study of information skills; the REACTS model; the Big Six for information problem-solving; portfolio of information skills; pathways to knowledge; and characteristics of information literacy. (LRW)

Two challenging criteria for judging information involve bias and authority. In both cases, judgments may not be clearly possible. In both cases, there may be degrees or levels of acceptability. For students to gain experience and to demonstrate skills in making judgments, they need opportunities to consider a wide spectrum of resources under a…

Discusses models for information skills that include inquiry-oriented activities. Highlights include WebQuest, which uses Internet resources supplemented with videoconferencing; Minnesota's Inquiry Process based on the Big Six model for information problem-solving; Indiana's Student Inquiry Model; constructivist learning models for inquiry; and…

Presents a revised working definition of schema, lists four types of knowledge that individuals have (i.e., identification, elaboration, planning, and execution), and outlines issues in schema theory. The usefulness of schema in problem solving and information problem solving is discussed, and implications for teachers of information literacy are…

Discusses thinking skills as they relate to library information skills, especially information inquiry, information literacy, and information use. Topics include ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) standards of student performance and bibliographic instruction; college level critical thinking skills; and authentic tasks for…

Discusses scope and sequence plans for curriculum coordination in elementary and secondary education related to school libraries. Highlights include library skills; levels of learning objectives; technology skills; media literacy skills; and information inquiry skills across disciplines by grade level. (LRW)

Online learning and virtual schools allow students to take classes any time and anywhere. These emerging learning environments require school library media specialists to expand their thinking about their resources and services. Creation of a virtual library can provide access to remote materials that enhance the experience of online learners.…

Focuses on using effective instructional analogies, or explicit, nonliteral comparisons between two objectives, or sets of objects, that describes their structural, functional, and causal similarities. Describes the structure of analogies; common analogies to help younger learners become excited about searching for information in the library; and…

Discussion of achievement tests and aptitude tests focuses on their relevance to information skills instruction. Topics include planning for resource-based activities by media specialists; history of student achievement and library skills; reading achievement; and results of state studies on achievement tests. (LRW)

Considers the school library media center as an information learning laboratory. Topics include information literacy; Kuhlthau's Information Search Process model; inquiry theory and approach; discovery learning; process skills of laboratory science; the information scientist; attitudes of media specialists, teachers, and students; displays and Web…

Discusses course integrated library instruction and the teaching role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include a history of course-related integrated instruction; isolated instruction; individual instruction; collaborative planning with other teachers; independent inquiry that can lead to lifelong learning; and full immersion…