Describes library media specialists' efforts to implement technology in schools in Alaska, Minnesota and Florida. Discusses obstacles and challenges to implementation in other schools, including budget cuts; time pressures and responsibility overload; and friction between technology coordinators and instructional specialists, and teachers and…

Examines the role of the online catalog in school libraries. Addresses the evolution of the online catalog, discussing connectivity, integration of technical and public services, networked hardware and software, user interface, and searching the catalog. Discusses the dual role of the library media specialist, of managing the catalog and offering…

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Reports the results of three statewide studies in Alaska, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, which show that a school library media program with a full-time library media specialist, support staff, and a strong computer network leads to higher student achievement as evidenced on standardized achievement tests. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the media specialist as a consultant in the area of instructional design and the importance of understanding and support from school principals to effectively carry out this role. The implications for flexible media center scheduling, team teaching approaches, library personnel selection, and the use of information…

Based on a content analysis of professional journals, conference proceedings, ERIC documents, annuals, and dissertations in library and information science, the following current trends in the field are discussed: (1) there are important emerging roles and responsibilities for information professionals; (2) the status and image of librarians…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 36 books of interest to school library media specialists in the categories of cataloging and technical services, issues and perspectives, management, resources, teaching role, and technology. Selection criteria included timeliness, perceived interest in the topic, and a 1992 or 1993 publication date. (KRN)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 46 books of interest to school library media specialists in the categories of cataloging and technical services, issues and perspectives, management, resources, the teaching role, and technology. (LRW)

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the development of school library media programs in the United States and the emerging roles of school library media specialists from a historical perspective and to make inferences about the future of the profession at the edge of the 21st century. The study was divided into six historical…

Discusses results of a survey of state-level school library officials conducted via fax to determine statewide school enrollments, funding, media center staffing, state-mandated minimum levels of staffing for school libraries, the ratio of students per school library media specialists, staffing standards, staff shortages, and technology and…

School library media specialists in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia were surveyed in April 1990 to determine their perceptions of their training needs as they are being called upon to use the latest information technologies to access, transfer, and store information. The 2,202 responses received represented a response rate of…

Reviews research from the ERIC database that addresses the status of school library media programs and the role of the media specialist. Highlights include impact of media programs on children's self-concepts, library and information skills instruction, information seeking, use of technology, censorship, media availability, children's literature,…

This book describes some of the challenges facing school library media specialists as they work with teachers and administrators in making appropriate use of computers in schools. Five chapters address the following topics: (1) the school in the context of the emerging information society; (2) the roles of school library media specialists in the…

This report presents some of the more significant results of a 1988 survey of all Wisconsin public schools which received responses from 1,790 schools (90%). Designed to determine the status of library media programs in the state's schools, the 12-page survey asked for over 450 pieces of information about the library media center, its staffing,…

Discusses critical issues in school library media programs, including problems in the profession; building the collection to support the curriculum; resource-based education; literature-based reading programs; conceptual frameworks for new technologies, new kinds of textbooks, and differentiated staffing; professional leadership by administrators…