Describes library media specialists' efforts to implement technology in schools in Alaska, Minnesota and Florida. Discusses obstacles and challenges to implementation in other schools, including budget cuts; time pressures and responsibility overload; and friction between technology coordinators and instructional specialists, and teachers and…

Discusses the importance of Boolean searching as a skill that students will need in the future. Methods for teaching Boolean searching are described, and the value of truncation as an online searching aid is considered. (MES)

This paper provides a framework for a plan for the utilization of technology in a school district. An example of a set of proficiencies for the use of computers by students at various grade levels is offered as a model for the computer literacy component of a district master plan. Other components discussed are the supervision and management of…

Discusses the role of the school media center and the use of technology to promote collaboration with teachers. Highlights include technological changes in the media center; changing standards in education; and linking media center technology with the curriculum to bring teachers in. (LRW)

The use of microforms in academic environments has become a general source of concern to all those involved with it. To some extent, the issues underlying the concerns of these groups can be summarized as a question: How can an academic library achieve full benefit from microform media? To develop information and to probe the difficulties of…

Explores the possible uses of microcomputers in school libraries, including library administration and technical processing, communications, curriculum related databases, and online bibliographic services. The impact on students is discussed in terms of computer literacy and the acquisition of information skills. (CLB)

Discusses challenges to the library media specialist, particularly the collection developer, in developing a global perspective, analyzing the impact of new technologies on the collection, and promoting understanding of the connectedness of information within the collection. Strategies for promoting global education are suggested. (31 references)…

Examines the role of the online catalog in school libraries. Addresses the evolution of the online catalog, discussing connectivity, integration of technical and public services, networked hardware and software, user interface, and searching the catalog. Discusses the dual role of the library media specialist, of managing the catalog and offering…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of the various roles of state libraries and discusses several issues of concern to all state libraries: the role of the library within state government; resources sharing; school library development; public library development; automation consulting; continuing education for library professionals; and the leadership role of…

Reports the results of three statewide studies in Alaska, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, which show that a school library media program with a full-time library media specialist, support staff, and a strong computer network leads to higher student achievement as evidenced on standardized achievement tests. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the media specialist as a consultant in the area of instructional design and the importance of understanding and support from school principals to effectively carry out this role. The implications for flexible media center scheduling, team teaching approaches, library personnel selection, and the use of information…

Discusses the changing role of school librarians based on a historical account in North Dakota. The role of automation is emphasized, i.e., how it has changed librarians' tasks, attitudes toward librarians, and how time is spent; and needed skills, teacher collaboration, wider access to materials, and future possibilities are discussed. (LRW)

A library has the capacity to deliver much more than just its locally stored and owned resources. By using telecommunications, information can be sought from online databases and from other pupils in schools across the world. This paper includes: (1) an explanation of the link between "virtual reality" and the "virtual…