Briefly defines the concepts of "data,""information," and "knowledge" for the work of school library media specialists. Examines the development of the profession from passive organizers and disseminators of information to active information integrators. Discusses knowledge management and suggests that the profession…

Discusses a brief history of the role of women in developing school library media programs; and includes the relationship of the American Library Association and the National Education Association. (AEF)

Reviews the history of school libraries and librarians and changes that have occurred; discusses present conditions, including the need for collaboration, leadership, and greater visibility; and considers future possibilities, including strategies for successful change. (LRW)

Collaboration by several school and library associations has resulted in a decision to adopt new job titles, job descriptions, and facility names. Reasons for this change are discussed and some insight into the process is provided by commentary from interviews. (JKP)

Presents the second part of a discussion on "Information Power," a new guide for program development that demonstrates the evolution of the library profession. Describes resources for leadership and development in libraries and education. Highlights include cooperative planning, leadership qualities, flexibility in educational reform,…

Discusses the "axemaker" school librarian, drawing the concept of innovators for survival and growth of the human species, from Burke and Ornstein's "The Axemaker's Gift: A Double-Edged History of Human Culture." Examines contributions of library science to society and suggests that "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning" is the…

Discusses issues of censorship and intellectual freedom that affect library media specialists and librarians. An annotated list of relevant resource materials is included, and suggestions for further action are given, including examining the library's material selection policy statement and involving students and teachers. (LRW)

Discusses problems confronting school library media centers, including a lack of telephones for computer network access, a lack of professional personnel, and a lack of flexible scheduling. It is suggested that leadership roles, as well as membership in local and national organizations, are necessary to address these issues. (LRW)

Discusses the effects of technology on elementary and secondary education, and focuses on the interrelationship of technologies, teaching techniques, school librarians, and computer service professionals. Examines technological trends, the roles of these professionals, and reviews a report on teachers and technology issued by the Office of…

Discusses the role of school principals and their relationship with the school library media specialist. Topics addressed include budgeting; decision making; individual management styles; expectations of education; site-based management; and the media specialist's role in school reform. (LRW)

Discusses teaching responsibilities and related activities of school library media specialists; considers the role of teachers and media specialists as researchers; discusses testing, reasons for testing, and alternatives to testing, including portfolio evaluation; mentions the integration of mathematics into the curriculum, including library…

Discusses challenges facing the school library media profession during the next decade and the response needed to ensure that the profession continues to exist. The lack of attention to the role of media specialists in the aftermath of "A Nation at Risk" and the role articulated in "Information Power" are described. (KRN)

Reviews the Fall 1996 issue of "Daedalus," entitled "Books, Bricks, & Bytes," which explores social, economic, and technological demands on libraries; and "Buildings, Books, and Bytes: Libraries and Communities in the Digital Age" (1996) which describes the perceptions of library leaders and the general public concerning the future of libraries.…

Discusses the need for growth and leadership in the school media profession. Qualities of a good leader are considered and several books, articles, and an institute dealing with leadership are described. (MES)

Discusses information literacy, independent learning, and social responsibility standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), focusing on independent learning: general techniques and methods for encouraging independent learning, independent reading,…