In 2003 Delia Neuman wrote "Research in School Library Media for the Next Decade: Polishing the Diamond." One of the most influential pieces on school library research written in the last twenty years, the article provided a map for school library research by defining areas of concern and importance. Neuman developed questions grounded…

During the 1890s, the library media specialty was established through "a School Library Section as an integral part of the National Education Association" (Cole 90). In the ensuing decades, this role has expanded and changed; it demands a balancing act between the more traditional roles surrounding books and reading, and the newer expectations and…

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;…

This report on the need for compulsory, standardized procedures for the certification of librarians (1) provides an historical overview of the subject; (2) identifies three types of certification: compulsory, permissive, and voluntary; (3) outlines current certification practices, requirements, and standards for school librarians; (4) reviews the…

Presents a research finding that elementary school principals generally have a broader conception of the role of the teacher-librarian than teacher-librarians themselves, together with seven comments on various facets of the finding. Bibliographic information is provided for the eight doctoral dissertations on which the overall finding and…

Provides an overview of expert systems for teacher librarians. Highlights include artificial intelligence and expert systems; the development of the MYCIN medical expert system; rule-based expert systems; the use of expert system shells to develop a specific system; and how to select an appropriate application for an expert system. (11 references)…

This review of the literature on graphic organizers includes discussion of background readings, the research base, applications, books, journal articles, and ERIC documents. Resources on creating and managing the literate classroom and on language arts activities are also described. (MES)

Examines conditions in the school district and national concerns affecting the implementation of school library media programs. The importance of these programs to education is discussed in terms of classroom teaching practices, and changes necessary to meet expectations of teacher-librarians are described. (16 references) (MES)

Professional organizations, such as the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, have established guidelines and standards for certification of school media specialists and have identified necessary professional competencies. Issues and problems concerning state certification and…

Surveys five media center directors for promotional tips. Finds that the media specialists keep their clients aware of their programs and services in a variety of ways. (FL)

This discussion of various ways of looking at information argues that it is important for media specialists to think about the concepts and ethics of information in order to assist students to become effective information users. Ten references are listed. (MES)

A study was undertaken to determine what type of curriculum leadership roles school librarians were exerting in the nation's nineteenth largest school district, the Clark County Public Schools of Nevada. A 15-item questionnaire was mailed to 75 Clark County School District librarians; responses were received from 59 libraries (79%). Following a…

This examination of the emerging theoretical base of library instruction in schools combines learning theory with research on information-seeking behavior and a broader view of library and information skills. Thirty-five references are listed. (MES)

Recommends that more study be given to the supervision of school library media programs to begin to establish better communication and support within the programs. (CMV)

Discussion of the instructional consultant role of the school library media specialist argues that the term "instructional partner" more accurately defines this concept. Professional and educational literature on this subject is reviewed, and a business consultant's personal recommendations to other consultants are applied to the school…