This paper presents a study on the effectiveness of an action research model from the perspectives of school educators as action researchers. The study design followed seven action researchers--inservice teachers and school library media specialists--as they completed research projects in their schools. Data came from three different sources:…

Argues that a strong program of professional development is essential to library media specialists' efforts to keep up with their evolving instructional role. The concepts and role definition originally used as a catalyst for developing this role in a new set of professional standards are examined, and major competencies required of media…

Addresses the need for and success of inservice education for media specialists and the role of media specialists as providers and consumers in this process. Six steps in planning and conducting inservice activities are discussed: (1) needs assessment; (2) objectives; (3) learner analysis; (4) material and activity selection; (5) implementation;…

Discusses the role of the American Library Association (ALA) in continuing education for media specialists. ALA objectives in this area are listed, the association's mechanisms for accomplishing these objectives are identified, and recommendations for individuals are offered. Four references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the value of professional development for media specialists, conditions which bring about a positive attitude toward professional development, and the role of college and university preparation programs. Obstacles to professional development are also discussed, and six recommendations for library media educators in the move toward…

Presents analysis of the American Association of School Librarians' needs assessment for continuing education. Data were gathered by questionnaire in three areas: (1) topics of importance to media specialists; (2) preferred formats for the delivery of continuing education; and (3) incentives to participation in educational activities. Sixteen data…

Focuses on the potential role of the media specialist in the delivery of professional development. The role of the school principal is described, and it is suggested that the media specialist can be a valuable source of assistance with instructional leadership responsibilities. The team concept and various approaches to instructional leadership…

Briefly discusses several studies that examine the manager's job from the perspective of what the manager actually does. Based on these observed behaviors, 13 separate managerial roles within the five major categories of status, informational, decisional, leadership, and operational roles are identified and discussed. (MBR)

Gives suggestions to media professionals for effectively providing for bilingual students, including a bilingual listening station, interest center, bulletin board display, and human resource file. Sources for the acquisition of foreign language materials are listed. (CMV)

Discusses the conflicts between school principals and library media specialists concerning the role of the specialist and presents suggestions for resolving those conflicts. (FL)

Provides a brief history and overview of current projects in distance education and describes potential roles for the library media specialist in this area as school coordinator or information consultant. Addresses of several distance education projects are listed. (12 references) (MES)

Presents a criterion-referenced instructional materials evaluation guide for media specialists and teachers. (CMV)

This paper discusses a number of factors that an editor should consider when publishing a state library/media journal, using examples from the production process of the Ohio Media Spectrum (OMS), the official journal of the Ohio Educational Library/Media Association. These examples have been selected to illustrate the various points: (1) selecting…

Comments that library media specialists have not been adequately utilized in schools, especially at the elementary level. Reasons why the library should be an integral part of the instructional program are discussed, and several ways in which the librarian, as a generalist, can aid students in academic achievement are listed. (MES)

Presents an eight-component weekly report form which media specialists may use for reporting library media center activities to the school administration. (CMV)