Why is it important to prove that school libraries add value to the school program? The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 20 percent of U.S. public schools lack a full or part-time certified librarian (NCES 2013). In California the ratio of certified school librarians to students is 1:7,374 (California Department of Education…

Unlike the static, set-in-stone research project, the inquiry process is an interactive cycle used to teach research in any content area. The inquiry process engages students in a way that promotes critical thinking, higher-level processing, and the use of more varied and appropriate resources. This article introduces the inquiry process and…

Describes a high school library orientation program, based on research and writing, that is centered on the curriculum and integrates the subjects of science and English. Discusses class assignments, the library orientation manual and steps in the library instruction process, and writing as an effective learning tool across the curriculum. (AEF)

Coming up with interesting information literacy lessons can be challenging for the high school librarian. If school librarians have taught their upper class students well, most are prepared to navigate their way successfully through libraries and Internet resources. In this article, the author explores a unique high school project that resulted in…

Business students have little skill in using the academic library. The importance of information in today's business world make it imperitive that this handicap be overcome. In a recent survey 77 percent of post graduates polled favored a formal course in library use. (4 references) (Author/DH)

Illustrates how the "Big Six Skills" model of information problem solving (Task Definition, Information Seeking Strategies, Location and Access, Use of Information, Synthesis, and Evaluation) is a perfect match to the influx of technology in student research. Outlines two typical assignments that focus the Big Six perspective on the…

Describes an activity to encourage book talk in children of all ages by utilizing a single symbol or object to stimulate thinking about books. Notes the activity's goals: to encourage children to think about books, encourage further reading, discover the symbolism of literary works, and better understand the creative structure of literature. (SD)

The process from information to knowledge is discussed as part of the learning process students must go through to achieve a successful and effective outcome of the process. In a school situation models for the information-seeking process are too general, rational and linear to give indications for practice. Four didactic dilemmas are discussed in…

A survey of graduate students indicated that respondents have not retained information searching skills. Undergraduate research assignments are examined in order to identify what college students need to know. School library media programs should create opportunities for learners to go beyond the mechanics of searching and reporting to practice…

Discussion of multimedia technology focuses on a study of middle school students that explored ways in which students used a multimedia resource to complete a research task in art and compared results with use of a print-based resource. Topics addressed include information seeking activities and value-added characteristics. (Contains 19…

The materials included in this document supporting library instruction are divided into two chapters. The first chapter contains bibliographies of instructional materials, professional periodicals, general reference tools, and religious reference tools. Throughout the bibliographies, the approximate cost of the materials is indicated by dollar…

Describes the Question Box program, which consists of question cards designed to train children to use reference materials available in the library/media center. Highlights include the students, materials and facilities, skill development and student interest, development of questions, timing, and program administration for second grade and third…

Discusses the importance of students learning and practicing effective questions in a manner that leads to organizing how information is to be searched, retrieved and sorted. Outlines ways school library media specialists should engage students in question-generating and in learning to research answers to questions. (AEF)

Presents a lesson plan in which students use an encyclopedia to research a famous person. Identifies library media skills objectives, curriculum (subject area objectives), grade levels (4 and 5), resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation guidelines, and follow-up activities. Includes a sample worksheet.…

Research findings indicate improved high school library collections and instruction links to improved college library use and student success. Students with access to an online catalog cited a greater number of periodicals in their research; and those taught by a teacher-librarian about how to locate and use information scored better on high…