Discusses ways to evaluate school library media programs and how to demonstrate quality. Topics include how principals evaluate programs; sources of evaluative data; national, state, and local instruments; surveys and interviews; Colorado benchmarks; evaluating the use of electronic resources; and computer reporting options. (LRW)

Work sampling is a research technique where workers are observed at random times and their activities recorded. Data are converted to percentages indicating the overall distribution of how time is spent in various categories. A background of work sampling, its history in libraries and the planning and implementation of a school library media study…

Describes a study of high school library media specialists that was conducted to determine whether media specialists with automated circulation systems spent time differently than those without automated systems and in what areas the differences occurred. The differences found are discussed, and future research is suggested. (LRW)

Discussion of free voluntary reading focuses on a study that tracked students' reading progress in reading motivation programs in elementary and secondary schools. Topics include standardized test results for sixth graders; media center collections and circulation statistics; and correlation of total reading minutes and total reading score. (LRW)

This 2002 staffing survey investigated personnel in school libraries in all 50 states. Topics include staffing shortages of certified library media specialists; recruitment efforts; certification processes; ratio between students and librarians; budget cuts; government role; and online graduate library science programs. (LRW)

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the proportions of time high school library media specialists with and without automated circulation systems spent in various work activity categories. Use of the work sampling technique to calculate percentages of time is explained, and results are discussed in relation to "Information…

Examines Internet resources available for elementary school children and discusses why Internet access should be provided through school library media centers. Highlights include appropriate Web sites, a case study, equity of access, censorship, integrating Internet resources into the curriculum, Internet usage guidelines, and identification and…

Contains six articles that cover topics related to instructional technology in school library media centers, including: impact on student achievement; data collection for program evaluation; integrating national and state standards; library media specialist collaboration with educational technologists; a professional development model; and online…

This book addresses two problems common to school library media specialists: the lack of time to conduct evaluations, and the lack of knowledge on how and what to evaluate in the school media center. The book contains research and evaluation techniques and studies that have been conducted in school library media centers. Many study results are…

Describes a study of high school library media specialists that compared time spent on various work activities in libraries with and without automated circulation systems to examine automation vendors' claims that implementation of their systems will save time. Implications for library media educators are suggested. (Contains 19 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the impending shortage of school librarians. Topics include state hiring mandates that don't require certified media specialists; certified library personnel shortages; staffing ratios; support staff; access to library education programs, including distance education via the Internet; and future concerns. (LRW)