The first part of a two-part review of research related to school library media collections summarizes studies with implications for budgets and collection size, the selection process, collection policies, and the librarian as censor. A table compares data on holdings and expenditures for schools providing high-level library service with national…

Discussion of role of school library media centers (SLMCs) in multitype library networks notes five basic factors that contribute to their exclusion from library networks: psychological, political and legal, funding, communication, and planning. Examples of programs attempting to reduce barriers to school participation in library networks are…

Overview of the new guidelines for school library media programs developed cooperatively by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology reviews issues such as information studies curriculum, planning, media specialist roles, personnel, and information resources. (MES)

Discusses imperatives for implementation of Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act, including provision and prioritization of information about library services for youth, support from educational and community groups, improved library media education, cooperation among different types of libraries, leadership by state…

Focuses on role of school library media programs in the fostering of lifelong learning and development of information skills. Highlights include information use and users, access, instruction, consulting, attitude problems, personnel and economic issues, planning and evaluating programs, education of library media specialists, and information…

Focuses on the planning process described in "Information Power," recently published guidelines for school library media programs. Topics addressed include: (1) the rationale for program planning; (2) benefits and risks of planning; and (3) the steps in planning a curriculum-integrated program. An instrument for assessing preliminary conditions…

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)…

Describes the needs assessment, planning, implementation, and outcomes of a staff development program for the Nassau (New York) School Library System, which included three components: (1) area clusters for support and shared expertise; (2) training of cluster leaders; and (3) four full-day staff development sessions. (12 references) (MES)

Discusses the results of two national studies of high school literature programs that examined the relationship between school library media programs and successful literature programs. Topics addressed include collection size; accessibility, including networks; title availability, including those by women and minority authors; and teachers' uses…

Discusses the role of the school librarian in East African countries and the information needs of a school community. The extent to which the role of a school librarian in East Africa is realized in the areas of financial support, library programs and policies, and staffing is discussed. (11 references) (MES)

A history of school libraries in England and Wales shows progress to be inconsistent, with centers of excellence the exception rather than the rule. Only when high-quality school libraries are clearly linked to effective learning will the teaching profession become firmly committed to the resource center's role in the school. (EM)

Summarizes the results of a study that identified researchable issues related to the role of libraries in the information society. Specific research questions are presented within the categories of access to information; information needs and users; libraries and education; library models; the role of public services librarians; and education and…

Describes a study that investigated the competencies or skills in six major professional areas that library media specialists should have as perceived by Arizona library media specialists and school principals. Areas highlighted include professional matters, library materials, management, human behavior, planning and evaluation, and learning.…

Discusses traditional library approaches to access to information and the possible impact of information technologies, library automation, and artificial intelligence. Access issues raised by these technologies are identified and a research agenda to explore these issues is outlined. (31 references) (CLB)

This essay on means by which the profession of teacher-librarianship might be strengthened, and even enhanced, highlights the mission statement and resource center programs, role of the teacher-librarian, cooperative program planning and teaching, research and study skill development, education for school librarianship, and program advocacy. (EJS)