Discusses the importance of professional development for library media specialists and presents suggestions for staying current in the field, including participation in conferences, taking advantage of continuing-education opportunities, reading professional journals, and using Internet resources. (MES)

Continues a discussion of how library media specialists can become more organized. Topics include reducing the time spent dealing with paperwork by having someone else sort the mail; organizing paperwork by the use of folders and files; and desk space and other appropriate furniture, including space for computers. (LRW)

Describes mentoring programs for new school library media specialists based on experiences in two urban school systems in Georgia. Discusses criteria for the selection of mentors; support meetings; funding to compensate mentors; the role of administrators; and evaluating mentoring programs. (LRW)

Describes an evaluation that provided data regarding the roles of school library media specialists and whether they align with guidelines in "Information Power". Reviewed job descriptions via a listserv; compiled a list of performance responsibilities to develop a model job description; and concluded that a leadership role needs to be…

Five articles on the evaluation of school librarians focus on the development of evaluation instruments, evaluation portfolios as evidence of effectiveness, evaluation from the student aide's point of view, and the use of planning and reporting to build program support. Sample evaluation criteria are included together with explanations. (LAE)

Includes two articles that discuss time management and mail management strategies for librarians. Highlights include identifying personal work styles; planning and prioritizing; using calendars and computers; reexamining traffic patterns; delegating; and sorting and handling mail. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Provides suggestions for media specialists to conduct effective and motivating professional development for teachers. Highlights include making examples that teachers can use in their classrooms, small- versus large-group instruction, providing a printed agenda and handouts, using an instructional assistant, sticking to a schedule while breaking…

Discusses the responsibilities and opportunities involved with supervising a school library media specialist's internship. Topics include criteria from the sponsoring university program; orienting the intern to the media center; providing them with experience in all of the library operations; and working with teachers, students, the principal,…

Recommends that school librarians and media specialists make known the importance of school libraries and media centers and the work they do. Suggests increasing librarian visibility in schools, writing articles, and attending and presenting at conferences and conventions for teachers and administrators. A sidebar contains suggestions for article…

Presents suggestions for library media center advocacy at the grass roots level. Discusses spring ordering and inclusion of staff, new materials, Internet resources, bookmarks, networking, establishing rapport with students, encouraging return of materials, media center as study area during final exams, graduation, attending Board of Education…

Describes a process for evaluating school media specialists that was developed by a high school principal and librarian working as a team. The discussion covers the criteria and methods used in the evaluation process, and how well the evaluation meets the needs of both the administration and the media specialist. (CLB)

Describes a study of high school library media specialists that was conducted to determine whether media specialists with automated circulation systems spent time differently than those without automated systems and in what areas the differences occurred. The differences found are discussed, and future research is suggested. (LRW)

Discusses the guidelines for school library media programs in "Information Power" and explains the new Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. Topics include independent learning, social responsibility, performance indicators, and the roles of the library media specialist. (LRW)

Discusses the role of paraprofessionals in secondary school libraries and suggests guidelines for the selection process. Highlights include a sample job description for a library media assistant that includes expectations and responsibilities; the need for adequate training; providing a variety of assignments; and establishing consistent policies.…

Seven articles discuss the importance of using evaluation forms and methods tailored to the library, rather than to teachers, for the evaluation of school librarians. Appropriate evaluation criteria are suggested and three evaluation forms are provided, including one intended to be completed by students. (CLB)