Research studies reveal that many administrators, classroom teachers, students, and parents have misconceptions about the role of library media specialists (LMSs) and how they impact student learning. Conversely, there is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates a strong correlation between quality school library media programs staffed by…

Describes a study of 39 Texas public elementary schools that investigated the effect of school climate and teacher characteristics on the cooperation between teachers and school library media specialists. The involvement of school librarians in instruction is discussed, and suggestions are offered for increasing their involvement. (33 references)…

Describes a study of the characteristics of Texas elementary school teachers that was conducted to examine possible relationships between the number of times teachers voluntarily chose the library media specialist to cooperate with them on instructional problems and other teacher-related factors, including teacher competence, gender, and grade…

If strong school library media centers (SLMCs) positively impact middle school student reading achievement, as measured on standardized tests, are they also beneficial for middle school science achievement? To answer this question, the researcher built upon the statistical analyses used in previous school library impact studies with qualitative…

To determine on which levels of cooperation most media specialists and public librarians function, and whether or not the cooperation is satisfactory, a survey was conducted of libraries and school media specialists in the Atlanta-Fulton County and Gwinnett County (Georgia) areas. Questionnaires (152) were mailed to 115 school library and media…

Describes the development of an instrument for evaluating building-level school library media programs based on "Information Power," the American Association of School Libraries' guidelines for such programs. Data collection at an Oklahoma teleconference is described, the use of factor analysis is explained, construct validity is…

Discusses the major findings of the 1988-89 study that investigated the impact of school library media centers on academic achievement in Colorado public schools. Highlights include research methodology; the effects of staff size, collection variety, funding, and library media specialists' instructional role; and suggestions for further research.…

This report summarizes an investigation of the relationship between public elementary school students' achievement in reading and study skills and several aspects of the library media program. Data were collected from a statewide survey of library media programs and personnel, district summaries of reading achievement scores for fourth and seventh…