In the author's decade-long journey as a school library media specialist, they have witnessed an evolution in the role of education. In today's increasingly interconnected world, going beyond traditional literacy and nurturing informed, empathetic global citizens is becoming a fundamental aspect of our teaching and learning. The United Nations'…

Using technology in the classroom for learning is no longer new and innovative; it is expected and even demanded. K-12 teachers have a responsibility to employ technology tools in multiple ways to teach and foster students' development of 21st-century skills and enhance researching, learning, and creating. School librarians can be instrumental in…

Synergy may be defined as the collaboration between two or more parties to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate parts. That is exactly what happened in Denton, Texas, when all types of librarians collaborated on a community reading initiative. In 2007 Denton Reads--a One Book, One Community organization--was formed with…

This report explains the key role that school librarians and libraries should play in state- and district-wide efforts to transition to digital learning, or the effective use of technology to improve teaching and learning. The report calls for district and school leaders, policymakers, and boards of education to support, encourage, and fund the…

Explains how the library professional staff in a Colorado Springs school district has changed the focus of their job role from technology implementation and support to increasing student achievement. Discusses reasons for the change, the library technology educator model, standards of performance, and collaboration with classroom teachers. (LRW)

One of the most important things parents can do is to help their children to develop a love of reading and a love of the library. Parents can: take their children to the library; give books rather than other types of gifts; work with librarians to acquaint children with the library. Teachers can help children by assigning simple projects which…

This paper presented at the 1987 convention of the Catholic Library Association explores the role of the librarian as a teacher in school and public libraries and among clienteles ranging from school-age children to older adults. (EM)

Provides suggestions for teaching library skills to mainstreamed special education students for each of the four components of the instructional model: (1) determining skill level; (2) setting objectives; (3) instructing with modification (methods, materials, and motivation); and (4) monitoring progress. (seven references) (MES)

Contains eight citations from the ERIC database that offer suggestions about ways teachers and librarians can use the library to help students learn and ways to motivate children to use the library and read. (MG)

A statewide survey of Nevada school librarians was conducted in the spring of 1988 to determine their perceptions of their roles as curriculum leaders in their schools. Their responses showed that Nevada school librarians see themselves as instructional leaders, and to a lesser extent perceive that their principals, teaching colleagues, and…

The editors of School Library Media Activities Monthly discuss the debate between advocates of a strong instructional development or design role for library media specialists and advocates of strong library media skills programs. They suggest that well-planned and interesting lessons can incorporate both library media and classroom objectives. (EM)

Discusses the special needs of gifted children and the role that public libraries may serve in supporting these children. The areas discussed include personal contact and assistance, access to adult level research materials and reference tools, library use instruction, reading guidance, and specialized library activities. (46 references) (CLB)

Discusses the role of the media specialist and offers ideas for library orientation. The concept of invitational education (i.e., education aimed at creating a total school environment that summons teachers and students to realize their potential and to make classrooms inviting) is considered and several related resources are suggested. (MES)

Responds to an earlier article regarding school librarians. Topics include professionalization through education and certification programs; the mission statement for library media programs; instruction and training roles; service versus instruction; and the value of information skills. (LRW)

This volume contains descriptions of 62 library programs that have been identified as being exemplary in one of the following program topic areas: (1) services to populations without library or media centers; (2) services to populations with inadequate library/media centers; (3) services to special populations, including the disadvantaged,…