Describes how to present a good image of the school library media center at the beginning of the school year. Highlights include coming in earlier than the teachers or students to set up displays and present an organized image, library instruction coordinated with English classes, and sample questions for orientation assignments. (LRW)

Eleven articles discussing school library management highlight: (1) use of student assistants; (2) time management; (3) human resource management; (4) administrator-librarian cooperation; (5) an educational platform for librarians; (6) accepting a new assignment; (7) dividing tasks between two librarians; (8) automating circulation; (9) moving a…

Continues a discussion of how library media specialists can become more organized. Topics include reducing the time spent dealing with paperwork by having someone else sort the mail; organizing paperwork by the use of folders and files; and desk space and other appropriate furniture, including space for computers. (LRW)

Discusses the necessity of preservation and conservation activities in school libraries to save materials such as school newspapers, programs of events, censorship records, board activities, yearbooks, and student projects. Topics discussed include brittle, deteriorating paper; monitoring the physical environment, including heat, light, humidity,…

Describes an evaluation that provided data regarding the roles of school library media specialists and whether they align with guidelines in "Information Power". Reviewed job descriptions via a listserv; compiled a list of performance responsibilities to develop a model job description; and concluded that a leadership role needs to be…

This series of articles discusses the use of adult and student volunteers in school libraries, focusing on volunteer recruitment; planning, implementation, and evaluation of volunteer programs; training methods and materials; and appropriate rewards for volunteers. (CLB)

Eight articles discuss ways for school libraries to promote themselves, including innovative uses of bulletin boards and newsletters; ways of coping with budget cuts; maintaining good relationships with administrators, students, and teachers; use of electronic publishing to create newsletters; and capitalizing on the controversy surrounding…

Five articles on the evaluation of school librarians focus on the development of evaluation instruments, evaluation portfolios as evidence of effectiveness, evaluation from the student aide's point of view, and the use of planning and reporting to build program support. Sample evaluation criteria are included together with explanations. (LAE)

Describes a two-year plan for a library instruction program for teaching research skills to junior high school students. An annotated bibliography is presented that includes 14 books and 15 journal articles on instruction in library use, and a pre- and posttest for students is provided. (LRW)

Discusses computer vendors who position themselves as value-added resellers to benefit school library media specialists by assisting them in purchasing effective and appropriate technology products and services. Explains the benefits of developing a good relationship with a vendor, even if the cost is higher than purchasing through a catalog. (LRW)

Seven articles provide ideas for the promotion of school libraries through the use of bulletin boards and displays. Topics covered include display ideas; design basics and hints; and a directory of sources for ideas and materials. Two materials describe activities and displays used in schools to celebrate National Library Week. (CLB)

Three articles provide tips for remodeling or building a school media center. Topics addressed include computer workstations; furnishings; packing, moving, and reshelving books; handicapped accessibility; advisory committees; documentation; design elements to increase the comfort of librarians and students; and miscellaneous considerations such as…

Includes two articles that discuss time management and mail management strategies for librarians. Highlights include identifying personal work styles; planning and prioritizing; using calendars and computers; reexamining traffic patterns; delegating; and sorting and handling mail. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Explains how fast and reliable Internet access can be obtained by using satellite communications based on experiences at a high school in Mississippi. Discusses Internet communications; how it was implemented in the media center; local area networks; the need for Ethernet-based connection to the Internet; and price. (LRW)

Provides suggestions for media specialists to conduct effective and motivating professional development for teachers. Highlights include making examples that teachers can use in their classrooms, small- versus large-group instruction, providing a printed agenda and handouts, using an instructional assistant, sticking to a schedule while breaking…