In many locales--in many states--early conceptions of the school librarian's job have not evolved over the years even as the duties have expanded exponentially. The fact that in some districts outdated evaluation tools, such as Georgia's 1990 system, are still used to rate 21st-century school librarians is an obvious sign of the misconceptions…

In April 2010, the New York State Board of Regents challenged the library community to rethink the State's vast array of library services to ensure that they are aligned with modern expectations and the expanded functions needed in today's society, operate with improved efficiency, and are prepared for the future as an essential and vibrant part…

Thanks in part to technology, the boundaries of library positions are dissolving. It is no longer practical to discuss the profession in terms of traditional library types, and in today's library, the relationship between librarians and technology is stronger than ever. In this informative volume, veteran author Laura Townsend Kane interviews…

In 2005, the American Association of School Librarians' Independent Schools Section conducted a national survey of independent school libraries. This article analyzes the results of the survey, reporting specialized data and information regarding independent school library budgets, collections, services, facilities, and staffing. Additionally, the…

There's no shortage of library management books out there--but how many of them actually tackle the little details of day-to-day management, the hard-to-categorize things that slip through the cracks of a larger handbook? "Library Management Tips that Work" does exactly that, addressing dozens of such issues facing library managers, including: (1)…

This book brings together articles that have appeared in "Technology Connection,""Library Talk," and "The Book Report" magazines over the past five years. All of the articles have important tips, tricks, techniques, and suggestions for building a successful library media program. The book is divided into six chapters,…

In this interview, a leading expert in school librarianship discusses the school librarian's role in creating students who are effective users of information. The importance of information technology to information management is described, as are strategies librarians can use to collaborate with teachers and administrators. He describes how…

Managing technology has become a significant task in today's school library. The library media specialist must control the inventory and optimize its use so that the school community can access and use the information it needs. Presents the following tips: documentation; processing; preventative maintenance; facilities issues; access; security;…

Research has shown links between good libraries and good student performance. A good library is adequately staffed, stocked, and funded. Its staff is involved in the school's teaching and learning; provides access to materials; has collegial, collaborative relationships with teachers; and embraces information technology. A dynamic librarian and a…

Focusing on successful management of the school library media center (SLMC) as a system, this latest edition of an authoritative work addresses and integrates the many trends and developments of the past decade while maintaining the vision of the SLMC as the nerve center of the media system--a network of services oriented to the educational…

This comprehensive handbook offers detailed instructions for accessing the current performance of--and setting objectives for--school library media programs. Useful for both practicing school library media teachers and those in training, this manual shows how to identify problems and potentials, set goals and objectives, structure evaluation…

Presents a strategy for completing a library media center policy review, from evaluating existing policies through submitting policies to the school board for approval. Special attention is paid to issues related to the use of new technologies in middle and high school library media centers, including student/faculty technology use, circulation,…

The 15 articles in this theme issue celebrate the one-hundredth anniversary of the New York Library Association (NYLA), which was founded by Melvil Dewey. These articles provide an overview of the past, present, and future of NYLA and its constituent interest groups, are: (1) "The New York State Library Centennial" (James Corsaro); (2)…

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of the management and use of information technology (infotech) in school library media centers, with emphasis on the possible applications of infotech in the school library program (including its use in school library management, in information services, and in curriculum-related applications) and…

Introduction to the second part of a two-part series on collection development invites the reader to evaluate current collection development practice while considering changes, in light of recent innovations in library automation, resource availability, and format. Three major themes discussed in as many articles are briefly reviewed. (SD)