Presents the views of six librarians on the new version of "Information Power" (IP 2) by AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology). The new version includes guidelines for school library media programs and introduces national student standards for information…

Discusses the need for state standards for school library media programs and describes efforts in Minnesota to develop new standards. Highlights include implementing standards from "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning"; three graded levels of standards; contributions of teacher-librarians; possible uses of standards;…

Many children today have never lived in a home without a computer. They are the "Net Generation," constantly "connected" by iPod, cell phone, keyboard, digital video camera, or game controller to various technologies. Recent studies have found that Net Genners see technology as "embedded in society," a primary means of connection with friends, and…

Program evaluation is about measurement, but it is also about making meaning of those things quantified. This booklet aims at providing guidance for school library media specialists in doing both. It offers brief comments about each of the following areas and provides some concrete tools for the evaluator's use when needed: Organization…

Discusses budgeting strategies for school media technology programs. Highlights include sources for school funding, school district budget information, control of the budget, how to write an effective budget, working with other community and school groups, local politics, and sidebars that discuss spreadsheets and maintenance budgets. (LRW)

To help plan for the building or renovating of a media center, this paper presents a list of questions that the steering committee and the architect or project leader needs to answer. It opens with some general rules for planning, such as using a steering committee composed of stakeholders, involving the architect as soon as possible, not…

Discusses six ways to prevent the school media center from becoming a study hall recreation area: (1) schedule learning activities; (2) add technology to work areas; (3) share space with adults; (4) minimize rules; (5) provide alternative activities; and (6) change the school climate. (Author/AEF)

Discusses how to write assessment instruments for student performance skills with computers that cannot be evaluated by standard paper and pencil tests and considers the library media specialist's role. Highlights include assessing content and the container, or format; using examples of high quality work; giving criteria; revisions; and using…

Reviews design factors to consider when planning library media centers. Highlights include planning teams; planning for more than one kind of learning; considering community as well as school use; planning for existing technology rather than future possibilities; considering ease of supervision; traffic patterns; lighting and sound damping; and…

Discusses the restructuring of the Mankato, Minnesota school media program, accomplished by merging library and technology programs. Addresses time frame; necessary equipment and resources; computer networking; scheduled in-service training; and involvement of parents, teachers, and the school board. A sidebar lists five elements vital to a…

Describes the development of an information-literacy curriculum that incorporates media and technology by media specialists in the Mankato Area Public Schools (Minnesota). Topics include identifying current skills; the Big Six information-processing model; grouping skills within the model; curriculum integration; projects to replace traditional…

This book defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technology enhanced school, and provides relevant examples and advice on such topics as budgeting, facilities design, planning, and public relations and staff development. Each chapter includes anecdotes, examples, and quotations from various sources. The book…