As libraries adjust to the needs of the 21st century, there needs to be a different way of thinking in regards to its design. School libraries have traditionally been designed as large rooms for the storage of materials for research and pleasure reading. As more and more districts focus their attention on digital acquisitions, the need for storage…

Six years ago Jessica Gilcreast accepted the position as the school librarian in a diverse urban elementary school (80 percent low-income student population). The library had a bare-bones automation system, block scheduling, and no library assistant. None of this, however, was her biggest challenge. Inheriting an institutional, cold,…

When designing a school library space and deciding how to arrange resources, it is important to consider multiple components of adolescent development, including social, emotional, and behavioral aspects. Acknowledging these developmental facets and their importance can provide additional justification for some of the more controversial aspects of…

This book explains how teachers can set up and run a successful school library. In it you will find advice and information on how to: (1) set up a small library and build bookshelves; (2) select books for your library; (3) make a written record of your school's books, pamphlets and other library stock such as newspapers, magazines, audio tapes and…

Designing curricula around the standards, with clearly delineated strategies, expectations, and evaluative procedures, is thought to assure that growth in student achievement may be tracked. While this process can sometimes be nebulous, one thing is certain: clearly understanding what is involved in reaching a degree of excellence and determining…

The most critical factor in creating a successful school library is the development of a clear vision of the mission and functionality of this integral learning space. However, the process of bringing a vision to realization involves harsh realities and sensible planning. The budget will determine many purchasing decisions and therefore it is…

This book is a guide to running a school library media center for both new and experienced library media specialists. Chapter 1 offers survival strategies, including goal setting, time management, and stress management. Chapter 2 examines the major administrative aspects of running a school library, such as writing policies and procedures,…

Some of the professional impressions gained from a month in the United States by a British librarian are summarized in this report. Six library school libraries and the Library of the American Library Association were visited. The greater emphasis on bibliographic and reference material allows students in the United States more frequent access to…

This primer for Mississippi school librarians is designed for use as a planning guide by teachers, librarians, administrators, and supervisors involved in developing school library programs. The ten chapters of the bulletin cover: philosophy of the school library; standards; school library facilities; library collection development, including…

Managing technology has become a significant task in today's school library. The library media specialist must control the inventory and optimize its use so that the school community can access and use the information it needs. Presents the following tips: documentation; processing; preventative maintenance; facilities issues; access; security;…

Includes 10 articles that discuss issues relating to school library management. Highlights include the one-person operation; an annotated bibliography of popular how-to books that are useful for librarians; strategies for negotiating in bargaining sessions; budget management; designing or redesigning a library; recycling; managing computers; and…

This study presents brief digests, with some explanations of the school library standards which were in effect at the beginning of 1954. It includes digests of school library standards used by four regional associations which accredit secondary schools, and by State departments of education. In addition, the study contains a summary of…

The school library exists to support the educational work of a school in three main ways: by providing the opportunity for children to be taught and learn for themselves research and independent learning skills; by exposing children to a broad range of literature in order to promote reading for pleasure and to produce children who want to read;…

Supporting the opinion that "Media Programs: District and School" (1975) is in need of major revision, this paper identifies factors involved in standards for school media programs--terminology, principles, teaching, career development, role of unions, facilities, collection design and management, services, and planning. Twenty-five…

Presents an interview with two librarians who are participating in joint-use projects, one between a public library and a school library, and one between a public library and an academic library. Personnel, commingling collections, changing library roles, and governance boards are considered. (LRW)