Reflection and evaluation are key to improving the effectiveness of the school library resource center (LRC). The idea of measuring success may seem initially daunting, or even threatening, and be seen as yet another call on already limited time, but we should not be put off: much of the information required is already there, either explicit or…

The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) for quality programs has seven categories against which organizations are evaluated (leadership, information and analysis, strategic/operational quality planning, human resources, process management, quality/performance results, customer/student satisfaction). A preliminary quality-assessment…

This comprehensive handbook offers detailed instructions for accessing the current performance of--and setting objectives for--school library media programs. Useful for both practicing school library media teachers and those in training, this manual shows how to identify problems and potentials, set goals and objectives, structure evaluation…

Discusses the planning process for migrating to a new library media center automation system, including identification of the need to migrate, solicitation of stakeholder support, enumeration of required attributes of a new system, writing the Request for Proposal (RFP), and maximizing vendor demonstrations. (MES)

This purpose of this guide is to provide qualitative criteria for assessing school library media programs and to furnish a resource for developing and/or improving school library media programs. The intent is to meet the needs of diverse school systems and give direction for implementing library media programs while offering a viable evaluation…

Explains a collection analysis process that was developed for the Taipei American School secondary school library. Evaluation criteria included the quality of records in the catalog database; age of the collection; number of titles per pupil; and how well the collection supports the curriculum. (LRW)

Reviews factors that should affect the decision to automate a school media center and offers suggestions for the automation process. Topics discussed include getting the library collection ready for automation, deciding what automated functions are needed, evaluating software vendors, selecting software, and budgeting. (CLB)

Describes the challenges of evaluating information faced by school library media specialists. Discusses the basic process of evaluation. Describes components of the evaluation process and several factors inherent in evaluation contexts. Presents recommendations for practice based on the summarized research. (AEF)

Focuses on evaluating the school library media collection. Discusses how to figure the age of the collection; comparing the collection to a professional selection source; and how to estimate the cost of upgrading the collection. Includes a sample letter to principal and supporting fact sheet. (AEF)

Discusses the need for ongoing evaluation within high school libraries to ensure adequate library services, which, in turn, enhance the total educational program. The evaluation of library facilities, collections, and staff is discussed, and an annotated bibliography of evaluation tools is provided. (6 references) (CLB)

This book focuses on the selection of books in an elementary school and on the resources designed to help in that process. Resources that support other aspects of collection development are identified, along with a number of established surveys of children's literature that discuss specific titles. The following chapters are included: (1)…

Explains how Baltimore County secondary school libraries increased their funding and staffing levels. Discusses a partnership with Towson University for staffing needs; the role of technology; the development of online learning modules; marketing efforts; state standards for library collections; and collection analysis criteria. (LRW)

Designed to aid elementary, middle, junior high, and high school library media staff in developing a quality collection, "Analysis of Client Groups" poses questions about students, faculty and administration, and parents and community. Brief discussions also consider methods for collecting data; review of student records; conversations…

Provides elementary and middle school library media specialists with criteria for evaluating poetry collections, including balancing contemporary and traditional poetry and responding to children's preferences; discusses ways to promote poetry with both students and teachers; and includes a selected bibliography of 60 recommended poetry books.…

Urges librarians to weed their nonfiction collections, particularly in the areas of science and technology, geography, and political science, and argues that it is better to send students from the library empty handed than to supply them with obsolete books. Guidelines for evaluating and weeding the reference and circulating collections are…