School librarians have a vital role in improving the curriculum and assisting students to be happy, contented, and achieving individuals. Continuous progress of each librarian is a must through inservice education. Means of assisting librarians to attain well include: (1) a professional library with time set aside for reading and discussing ideas…

An elementary school librarian initiated a survey of school librarians in Arizona to discover how they dealt with problems in scheduling classes in their media centers and developing curriculum to teach library skills. Results were used to support proposed changes to provide more flexible scheduling and increase teacher/librarian cooperation. (EM)

Examines the evolution of the Whole Language curriculum, its current theory and practices, and its effect on the school library media center. The similarity between Whole Language and the Montessori approach to literacy is discussed, and the role of the media specialist in a Whole Language library media center is described. (31 references) (LRW)

Examples of school library media activities that illustrate instructional involvement currently taking place in various parts of the nation are classified according to David Loertscher's taxonomy. (CHC)

Describes the library media center programs at Blue Valley High School (Kansas), the proactive stance it takes in the curriculum, and how it maintains an active role in the school community. Topics include developing a comfortable atmosphere for teachers and students, financial and moral administrative support, and the use of technology. (LRW)

A survey was developed in 1984 by the Pennsylvania School Library Media Service Division to evaluate the status of state mandated school library media programs. The survey instrument was mailed to 1,923 (out of a possible 3,487) schools to the attention of the 1,963 school librarians; the response rate was approximately 67% (1,336). This report on…

Suggests activities for use by school library media specialists who wish to foster the development of thinking skills by elementary students. Areas covered include analysis and evaluation in choosing books, differentiation between fact and fiction, understanding story structure, contests, categories, analogies, self-generated questions,…

This discussion of the political implications of implementing programs that develop students' critical thinking skills uses the proposals developed by Mancall, Aaron, and Walker as a model. Highlights include marketing the model, extending it to include library instruction in literature, implementing it in teaching reference and research skills,…

In the age of ever-growing technological advancements library media centers have become places of enormous discovery and adventure. But are teachers and administrators aware of all the resources available through the school library media centers? Do they know the importance that library media specialists play in the school curriculum planning?…

Although the need for adequate exploitation of limited resources is a recurring theme in discussions on school based curriculum development, surprisingly little attention in the education literature has focused on the possible role of the school librarian as school resources coordinator and contact point for resources outside the school. The…

Offers ten suggestions for developing the role of library media centers and media specialists within schools that center around improved communication with teachers, administrators and the public, involvement with curriculum decisions, familiarity with library materials, increased promotion of the media center, and professional development. (CLB)

This article highlights the importance of librarians joining the secondary school instructional planning process at the curriculum development stage and demonstrates how librarians and teachers can jointly plan instructional programs. Discussion covers implementation of guidelines, curriculum involvement, and six challenges. Fifty-eight references…

This 11-item annotated bibliography deals with two issues that are inextricably bound: idea that school librarians/media specialists are curriculum consultants and that the school library/media center is the support center for the curriculum. Peripheral issues include the professional preparation of school librarians and library skills that…

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)

Describes the school library media program in New Trier Township High School (Illinois) that uses collaboration to respond to the needs of students, staff, school, and the community. Highlights include collaboration to meet curricular needs; staff development for teachers and support staff; supporting school values; and community programs. (LRW)