Relationships are all about connection. Teacher librarians are more effective at positively impacting learners when they have established relationships with them. There are a myriad of ways to build these bonds, and even small efforts can yield great results. In this article, the author presents the power of relationships when building bonds with…

Children's librarians are often required to be performers. The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to determine the degree to which the Masters of Library Science (MLS) programs accredited by the American Library Association currently incorporate theatrical and performance-based training. A quantitative content analysis was conducted…

This study surveyed current education majors (n=70) in two Kansas universities to gain a perspective on their understanding of Information Literacy (IL) concepts and skills, and to learn whether they anticipated teaching such concepts to their future K-12 students. School media specialists in the state were also surveyed (n=85) and asked to share…

In their requirements for Model and Master Classroom, Library, and School Certification, Renaissance Learning, the parent company of Accelerated Reader (AR), emphasizes the components for a successful reading program. Using Reading Renaissance requires emphasis on literacy throughout the entire school and makes the job of the school librarian a…

To address the presence or absence of school librarians in Kansas public schools, a study using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was designed to investigate staffing levels for library media specialists (LMSs), the label used for school librarians in licensed-personnel data in Kansas, and student achievement at the school level. Five subject areas…

In 2003 at the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 11th National Conference in Kansas City, the AASL Task Force on Recruitment for the Profession noted that 68 percent of school librarians will retire by the year 2015. They also reported extremely severe shortages of school librarians in ten states and severe shortages in 30 states…

Kansas libraries suffer from a shortage of professional librarians and information materials, restricted budgets and increased demands for services. Librarians are aware of the problems and have taken steps to reorganize, revitalize and refinance the structure of library services. State-wide planning is, however, hampered because the delegation of…

A state-wide library network was proposed for Kansas to improve library service throughout the state. A regional system of library service was established in 1965, but services and financial support have not been evenly applied to the total state population. In order to provide library and reference service to even the most isolated residents, a…

Reports on 1996 library programs, activities, and information policy: American Library Association's responses to President Clinton's "America Reads" program, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the Communications Decency Act; Family Friendly Libraries; certification for Kansas media specialists; federal funding of libraries; the…

Describes the library media center programs at Blue Valley High School (Kansas), the proactive stance it takes in the curriculum, and how it maintains an active role in the school community. Topics include developing a comfortable atmosphere for teachers and students, financial and moral administrative support, and the use of technology. (LRW)

Summarizes activities of state organizations and associations responsible for school library media programs from Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan, and New Jersey. (LRW)

Describes information technology projects in Kansas, including state library World Wide Web service; University of Kansas Medical Center's online information center; the Kansas Research and Education Network, comprised of elementary and secondary schools and higher education institutions; the state university's systemwide access to information…

This report describes a study undertaken to identify the salaries and related characteristics of school library administrative personnel in Kansas during 1978-1979. Information was gathered through a survey questionnaire sent to 24 persons who were designated as full-time school library media directors (SLMDs). Seventeen SLMDs responded, supplying…

First Class Education, an organization based in Washington D.C., is trying to persuade the voting public to pass a law that could eliminate school libraries and many other educational support services. First Class Education promotes the idea that sixty-five percent of instructional money should be spent in the classroom. At first blush, this…

This article presents the results from a survey that investigated the latest requirements and certification standards for school librarians in each state. In the survey, 42 report they require certification for K-12 library media specialists, meaning that school library candidates must have a bachelor's degree including coursework designed to…