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)

Describes the three roles of the school library media specialist delineated in new guidelines for school library media programs developed cooperatively by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology: (1) information specialist; (2) teacher; and (3) instructional consultant. (MES)

A study of 296 American Library Association members found that although library media specialists (LMS) support the instructional consultant role as stated in the guidelines of Information Power, they lagged in its practice; and LMSs who used flexible scheduling practiced the instructional consultant role more than LMSs who used fixed scheduling.…

This discussion of the responsibility of school media specialists is based on the concepts that the mission of the library media center is one of leadership and support and that, to be effective leaders, media specialists must recognize and support basic beliefs about the goals and objectives of the profession. (CLB)

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…

Outlines steps school media specialists can follow to establish direction for library media program and offers methods of documentation and justification. Reasons for documentation, the implementation process (documentation of what is happening, what is needed, how needs will be met), and documentation product presentation are highlighted. Six…

Discusses the need for the library profession to learn not only how to identify information needs, but also to create new services and delivery patterns around them. The existing literature on information needs and information seeking behavior is briefly reviewed, and a research agenda for the 1990s is summarized. (51 references) (Author/CLB)

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 concept of the school library media specialist as a teacher and the notion that the school library media center supports curriculum. Textbooks and curriculum, purpose of the school library, and self-concept of library users are highlighted. An 18-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

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)

Argues that current technologies offer unique possibilities for instructional improvement and identifies probable obstacles to exploitation of these opportunities for all students, including female, handicapped, inner-city and rural, minority, disadvantaged, and average learners. A 2-tiered model is presented for the media specialist addressing…

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)

Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

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)

Discussion of current and future trends in American education and their implications for school library media programs highlights 10 trends in John Naisbitt's "Megatrends." Gives 12 emerging influences perceived by the author, fads in education, the connection between school libraries and the curriculum, and the role of the school library. (EJS)