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)

Circulation increased and student attitudes toward paperback books in a junior high school library media center collection improved when chain bookstore marketing techniques were used, i.e., topical arrangement; high visibility; clear, colorful labels; books shelved face out; and moveable display racks. These techniques are recommended with some…

Discusses the changing role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include the impact of an increase in job complexity and decreases in library funding; strategies for delegating; circulation; equipment operation; and empowering teachers. A sidebar lists 11 different perspectives of the media specialist's role. (11 references) (KRN)

This guide is designed to help school library media specialists in establishing a media center or to provide new ideas for existing centers. The first section presents media selection information, including sources for ordering; selection guidelines; suggestions for analyzing children's materials for sexism and racism; evaluation criteria (for…

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 results of a 1990 survey of the progress Minnesota school library media centers made toward meeting Information Power guidelines for automating circulation, reference services, and the catalog. Order of automation, relationship between school size and automation, media specialists' satisfaction with new systems, and reasons for not…

This study sought to determine the extent of restrictive access to books in Georgia school library media centers and to discover by whose authority and for what reason these books might be placed on restrictive shelves. Questionnaires were completed and received from a stratified random sampling of 119 media specialists in high schools, middle or…

Discusses results of a national survey of state education agencies and elementary and middle school library media specialists that was conducted to determine what library media center and circulation statistics were being collected. The importance and usefulness of statistics for the funding of library media programs is also discussed. (10…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the proportions of time high school library media specialists with and without automated circulation systems spent in various work activity categories. Use of the work sampling technique to calculate percentages of time is explained, and results are discussed in relation to "Information…

The standards for school library programs in the state of Pennsylvania call for a model library stocked with a variety of media and staffed by a teacher who is a qualified librarian or media specialist. The library should complement the school instructional program and its educational philosophy; the librarian and classroom teacher should schedule…

Discusses the results of a national survey of elementary school library media specialists that was conducted to examine services offered to prekindergarten children. Topics addressed include media specialists' qualifications; age-appropriate materials in the collection; collection size; selection tools; circulation policies; and communication…

Describes a study of high school library media specialists that compared time spent on various work activities in libraries with and without automated circulation systems to examine automation vendors' claims that implementation of their systems will save time. Implications for library media educators are suggested. (Contains 19 references.) (LRW)

Describes a study that explored the possible relationship between the use of school library materials, participation in paperback books clubs, and the reading achievement of rural sixth graders. Results suggest the importance of the elementary school library media specialist in encouraging reading and assisting with student selection of books.…

Analyzes selected research articles published in 1993 that address issues affecting school library media centers. Highlights include collection of circulation statistics, staffing patterns, challenges to library materials, technology utilization, library automation, access to children's literature by Spanish-speaking children, library networks,…

School media programs in a variety of settings within the state of Georgia that have proven to be successful are described in this publication from the Georgia Department of Education. For each entry, the school, media center, and specific program component of interest are described. The components include: (1) modernization of a media center…