What makes a successful informal learning space is a topic in need of further research. The body of discourse on informal space design is drawn from learning theory, placemaking, and architecture, with a need for understanding of the synergy between the three. Findings from a longitudinal, quantitative, and qualitative study at Sheffield Hallam…

In 1977-78 and again in 1980-81, extensive evaluations of learning resource services at Lake-Sumter Community College (LSCC) were conducted to determine: (1) the extent to which the Learning Resource Center (LRC) contributes to the stated purpose of the college; (2) the extent to which it meets its own objectives; (3) the extent to which the LRC…

The survey reported here was part of a larger project, the Wheatland Library Inter-Agency Collaboration Pilot Project. This Student User Survey summarizes data and recommendations for improved collaboration between the schools and the Wheatland Library. This report presents the findings of the survey along with recommendations. It provides a…

Describes a study of building-level school library media centers belonging to at least one multistate, multitype library network that was designed to investigate the impact of networks on cataloging, classification, and processing practices; interlibrary loans; resource sharing; and teacher and student attitudes. Networking barriers are discussed,…

Explains Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) model which is based on a constructivist view of learning and provides a framework for school library media specialists for the design of information services and instruction. Highlights include a shift from library skills to information skills; attitudes; process approach; and an interview with…

Relates the development of the concept of curriculum integrated library media programs in elementary and secondary education. Highlights include a history of school libraries; federal aid and guidelines; standards; the instructional role of the school library media specialist; the importance of flexible scheduling; and student attitudes. (34…

A study was conducted at Cincinnati Technical College (CTC) to determine why students were underutilizing the Learning Resource Center (LRC), as well as to assess the opinions of students who did use the collection and services of the LRC. Telephone surveys were conducted by LRC staff members with 142 of 360 randomly selected students in the study…

To measure the effectiveness of the services provided to users of elementary school media centers, a survey instrument has been developed to poll teachers, students, or administrators. Ratings cover nine broad service categories: accessibility, awareness, professional materials, utilization, planning, acquisition, production, evaluation, and…

Circulation increased and student attitudes toward paperback books in a junior high school library media center collection improved when chain bookstore marketing techniques were used, i.e., topical arrangement; high visibility; clear, colorful labels; books shelved face out; and moveable display racks. These techniques are recommended with some…

Describes a public and school library cooperative project with a year-long focus on young adult authors that culminated in a conference open to all middle school students with presentations by five authors. Securing funding, the planning process, authors' contracts, problems about recommended reading lists, and enthusiastic feedback from students…

To measure the effectiveness of the services provided to users of junior and senior high school media centers, a survey instrument was developed to poll teachers, students, or administrators. Ratings cover nine broad service categories: accessibility, awareness, professional reading, evaluation, utilization, planning, acquisition, production, and…

This report provides an overview of the current state of school library media centers that serve U.S. 10th-graders. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) provides comprehensive data from multiple sources on school library media centers that served 10th-graders in 2002. ELS:2002 is a…

Reports on a survey of high school students' attitudes toward the destruction of materials in their school library media center. The association of rule breaking with grade level, reasons for the behavior, willingness to report violators, and respondents' preferred preventative measures (e.g., improved photocopying services) are discussed.…

Discussion of the gender gap in computer-related activities focuses on a study of high school seniors that examined sex differences in library anxiety, computer anxiety, and anxiety in using computers for library research. The relationship between library anxiety and computer anxiety is explored, and further research is suggested. (21 references)…

A completely individualized, self-contained, taped orientation tour of the Learning Resource Center of the Thomas Nelson Community College was developed by the library director. To generate the materials, the staff and director cooperated in an analysis of the items of information that were basic to the use of the learning resource center and in…