The library, as we once knew it, may no longer be relevant. And, yet, this is undoubtedly the most exciting time in history to be a librarian. The future of the school library as a relevant and viable institution is largely dependent on librarians and how quickly they respond to change. They worry about their field and their practice. They worry…

Describes the development of K-12 computer networks in the United States and Canada. Discusses a project that used participatory design to introduce Internet classroom activities, and examines the role of school librarians. Findings suggest schools of information science must offer support to schools seeking Internet resources and applications.…

Discusses three school activities--electronic messaging, problem solving, and database searching--that make use of computer telecommunications. Multipurpose services, equipment and software, training and support, low-cost start-up ideas, and the role of the library media center are also covered. Two recommended publications on telecommunication…

Reports on a survey of middle and high schools in eastern North Carolina's Clinical Schools Network that examined the current status of computer networking and how the role of school media specialist is being affected. Results are reported related to perceived instructional needs and network problems, as well as proposed instructional and…

Describes a study that examined the professional information needs of rural secondary school teachers in New South Wales (Australia). Concludes that teacher librarians have a pivotal role in meeting information needs, and that computer networks provide a means of overcoming the teachers' professional and geographical isolation. (LRW)

Discusses use of the Internet by school library media specialists and its importance in the development of the library profession. Highlights include how to access the Internet and resources about the Internet, including information about networks as well as three sources that provide introductions to the general concepts of the Internet. (LRW)

Discusses problems confronting school library media centers, including a lack of telephones for computer network access, a lack of professional personnel, and a lack of flexible scheduling. It is suggested that leadership roles, as well as membership in local and national organizations, are necessary to address these issues. (LRW)

Addresses the issue of student access to inappropriate materials on the Internet. Topics discussed include school library policies; the role of parents; public library concerns; access to information; and a sample technical code of conduct for high schools. (seven 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)

Provides background on distance education via television and computer, and lists resources to develop information services for teachers and students. The resource list includes background and history, journals and periodicals, cable and satellite resources, centers and support services, and related resources on distance education, e-mail…

Five of the seven papers in this collection focus on the use of technology for information retrieval and resource sharing: (1) "Teaching Students How To Search Bibliographic Retrieval Systems: The Unit Record Approach" (George Bell); (2) "The Online Catalog and Bibliographic Databases as Shared Resources: The Impact and Issues of Networking a…

Defines the concept of the virtual library, reviews factors in its inception, indicates prerequisites for its success, and explores the implications of the concept for librarianship, with an emphasis on the school library media center. (49 references) (KRN)

Discusses the role of the library media center in preparing for emerging technology. An action agenda to connect the media center with new technology is proposed, including defining models of information processing and developing related curricula; adoption of models and curricula; staff development; and long-range planning and curriculum…

Considers the role of school media librarians in changing educational environments. Highlights include a future education scenario; educational improvement; electronic information networking; constructivist versus instructional models of schooling; school computer network development, including costs; and library media leadership, including…

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…