Few subjects spark more disagreement and confusion than copyright. The authors of the 2007 report "The Cost of Copyright Confusion for Media Literacy" coined the term "hyper-comply" to describe how many information professionals respond to copyright. According to the study by American University's Center for Social Media, educators often…

To stay fit, one needs to exercise. It might be a 30-minute cardio workout one day, some weight training the next, or just forgetting about the car and walking. In a similar way, one needs to invest in professional health. What exercise regime do teacher-librarians need to grow their skills and be able to lead? Just like at any upscale health…

In this article, the author talks about the net generation (NG) of learners and how the net generation media specialist could help students in their needs. The NG media specialist creates a program that serves students who are diverse economically, culturally, and academically. Thus, if the NG media specialist provides resources, facilities, and…

By and large, educators are honest and ethical. Yet, copyright violations such as those described in the following scenarios are all too common in many, if not most, schools: Teacher Gray shows Disney's The Little Mermaid to reward her students for scoring exceptionally well on a recent test. Teacher Black adds images taken from various Internet…

The strategies to be followed by a Library Media Specialist when his or her position is reduced due to budget reductions or reorganizations in the school district are discussed. The strategies include, learning the timeline for district budget adjustment project, distribution and discussion of library advocacy information with building…

In this article, the author provides 10 suggestions for a successful workshop, including advice and examples: (1) Know your role; (2) Limit your topic; (3) Be organized and communicate that organization; (4) Set out a problem or possibility; then offer a solution or opportunity; (5) Be conversational and have fun; (6) Good handouts and good slides…

Doug Johnson considers himself to be a secretly subversive library media specialist as he promoted measures for remodeling the library with new carpeting and air conditioning for making the library more enjoyable rather than protecting the books and computers. Some things that library media specialists often do to gain acceptance in their…

The concepts of intellectual freedom as expressed in these two quotations are as relevant to information in electronic formats as they are in print. As a proponent of intellectual freedom, the author of this article advocated and received administrative support for unfiltered Internet access in the Mankato Area (Minnesota) Public Schools from 1994…

The role of web hate sites on the tragedy that occurred in Red Lake School and its community on 21 March 2005 is discussed. Library media specialists and technologists should make sure that students find communities with values that are life-affirming and socially responsible, as even a small thing can make a huge difference in a student's life.

Describes the ideal environment in school libraries for retaining professionals who combine the best tasks and skills from library science and technology. Institutions should have: a desire for change; ample support staff; staff development opportunities; high priority on people skills; and high expectations of staff and leaders. (AEF)

Discusses how to write assessment instruments for student performance skills with computers that cannot be evaluated by standard paper and pencil tests and considers the library media specialist's role. Highlights include assessing content and the container, or format; using examples of high quality work; giving criteria; revisions; and using…

Describes the development of an information-literacy curriculum that incorporates media and technology by media specialists in the Mankato Area Public Schools (Minnesota). Topics include identifying current skills; the Big Six information-processing model; grouping skills within the model; curriculum integration; projects to replace traditional…

This book defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technology enhanced school, and provides relevant examples and advice on such topics as budgeting, facilities design, planning, and public relations and staff development. Each chapter includes anecdotes, examples, and quotations from various sources. The book…