Although still a relatively new technology with less than 10 years of history, YouTube's extensive reach and integration in mainstream society as well as lifelong learning habits of online users cannot be understated. This article examines how the YouTube collection at the University of British Columbia Library's Irving K. Barber Learning Centre…

The fact that people now live in a world of abundant portable electronic devices is important to any organization that maintains a web presence, including libraries. No longer tied to a desktop, the patrons' netbooks, tablets, ebook readers, and, of course, cellphones all become potential tools for remote access to library content. About a year…

This year's "School Library Journal's" spending survey showed that, despite the recession, the vast majority of media centers around the country have retained their credentialed media specialists. For example, almost 85% of elementary schools and more than 95% of middle and high schools have a full-time certified librarian. In addition, salaries…

The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of South Carolina secondary school library media specialists to prepare students to meet the "AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner" (American Association of School Librarians, 2009b) by investigating the availability of 21st century technology tools, the confidence level of…

Change and technology seem to be synonymous with the library media center. The Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, RSS, podcasts, and social tagging change the dynamic from a passive collection of resources to an interactive relationship with learners. The authors propose a trajectory to describe the relationship of libraries to the interactive…

Considers ways to use electronic books (E-books) to involve students in literature. Highlights include E-book technology; costs; digital content; acquiring versus accessing information in libraries; title availability; storage capacity; sources of E-book content, especially Web sites; downloading software and E-books; sources for current,…

Describes strategies used by one school library media specialist to meet challenges of the standards-based reform movement, which often leads to less collaboration between classroom teachers and media specialists due to time constraints. Topics include working with the curriculum coordinator; providing resources that meet curriculum needs,…

Discusses Web sites operated by extremist groups and considers how school library media specialists can educate students about hate groups and teach strategies to recognize inappropriate sites. Topics include critical thinking; limiting access through filters; developing Web access policies; and creating computer use agreements. (LRW)

"Inquiry is an investigative process that engages students in answering questions, solving real world problems, confronting issues, or exploring personal interests" (Pappas and Tepe 2002, 27). Students who engage in inquiry learning need tools and resources that enable them to independently gather and use information. Scaffolding is important for…

Discusses the role of school library media specialists (SLMS), the trend toward constructivism, "Information Power" and SLMS, and helping science teachers meet the National Science Education Standards. Includes relevant Web links and a bibliography of works concerning SLMS and science teachers. (LRW)

Describes services of the New Media Information Center to media specialists in Oakland Schools, the intermediate school district (ISD) for Oakland County (Michigan). Highlights include database training videos; online database tutorials; full-text periodical articles; district database sheets; face-to-face workshops for media specialists and…

Discusses Newspapers in Education (NIE) Week and how it can relate to school library media specialists. Highlights include the convergence of news media, including news on the Web; ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) resources, including lesson plans; relevant books; Web sites; and Web journalism. (LRW)

Discusses results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in U.S. History and what may have influenced them, including use of computers and use of primary source materials. Includes an annotated bibliography of Web sites regarding the concept of peace as an alternative to perpetuating the historical realities of war. (LRW)