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…

A sample of 30 principals were interviewed regarding their understanding of terms describing the functions of media specialists as stated in the 1983 North Carolina evaluation instrument, and their sources of knowledge for making judgments about media specialist performance. Responses revealed substantial reliance on media specialists for…

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure stress levels and to determine the occurrence of stress in a statewide sample of library media specialists in North Carolina. Data analysis revealed three factors related to sources of stress and three related to stress manifestations. (10 references) (MES)

Presents responses to questions addressed to candidates for the office of president-elect of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Topics discussed include major challenges facing school library media specialists; AASL's role in helping to meet these challenges; and member participation in AASL. (LRW)

Describes a project at Florida State University that is designed to study competencies and develop test specifications for library media specialists. The 24 sources that form the basis for the Library Media Specialists' Test study guide are included. (MES)

Describes a collegial assistance network that has been established in Hawaii for professional development for school library media specialists. Focuses on a research-based analysis of the key principles and processes involved in its successful planning and implementation. (Author/AEF)

Presents the results of a survey of program directors of the 210 school media preparation programs in the United States and a sampling of school system personnel directors. This study was conducted to assess the national employment situation for school media specialists in 1986 and project employment trends into the near future. (MES)

Develops a model for an Electronic Distance Education System (EDES) that will enable the school library media specialist to utilize distance learning technology for professional education. Topics discussed include the components of an educational process, EDES elements (course delivery, student response/interaction, human interaction, and…

This simulated interaction between a human and a microcomputer is presented as an example of one way in which a computer could be used to report data and results from research studies on particular topics in school librarianship. A brief discussion of the example is included. (JL)

Discusses the nature of locally based research, demonstrates its relevance to the concerns of school library media specialists, and outlines the phases and steps involved in conducting locally based research. Resources for, and benefits of, locally based research are also discussed. A 15-item reference list is included. (JL)