Reports on an assessment that examined the role of school and public libraries in educational reform. Results for school libraries are reported related to student use, staffing, collections, equipment/technology, Internet access/use, needs, and involvement in educational reform efforts. Cooperation between schools and public libraries is also…

In 1993, the Colorado State Library published "The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement." This follow-up study focuses attention on the library media specialist and the services she or he provides throughout the building, rather than just the library media center as a specific place, and emphasizes the fact that…

While much progress has been made since the creation of the Utah State Library Commission more than two decades ago, much more remains to be done to improve library and information services in the state. There is a critical need in school media centers for professionally trained library personnel where non-professionals may now be substituting,…

The feasibility of combining school and public libraries in Fairfax, Virginia was studied. Case studies were made of attempts by 23 localities in 12 states to combine school and public libraries. Several surveys were conducted to compile applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Four statistical tables were prepared which display information…

Describes the Barkestorp Project that investigated the teaching and learning process for Swedish elementary school children after libraries had been introduced into the curriculum. Highlights include planning by principals, teachers, and librarians; the librarian's role; cooperation between teachers and librarians; student behavior; library…

Discusses the role of school library media specialists as instructional consultants and the gap between theory and practice in the roles of curriculum support and instructional design. A study of school media specialists in DeKalb County (Georgia) Public Schools is described that investigated the theory-practice gap. (23 references) (LRW)

Reports the results of a survey which examined the status of library media centers in public schools given exemplary status by the U.S. Department of Education and makes recommendations in the areas of staffing, the role of the library, and funding which would have a significant impact on elementary education. (CLB)

Describes a study that investigated the competencies or skills in six major professional areas that library media specialists should have as perceived by Arizona library media specialists and school principals. Areas highlighted include professional matters, library materials, management, human behavior, planning and evaluation, and learning.…

Since the future role played by the school library media center is important to library planners, a Delphi survey questioned school librarians, leaders in the profession, and faculty members in schools with media. Four factors were seen to affect the future of the media center: (1) trends within the next 25 years, (2) innovations needing to be…

This first part of a study focusing on the consultation and teaching roles of elementary school library media specialists examines relationships between the methods of scheduling students into the library media center and the curriculum consultation activity and information skills instruction performed by library media specialists. (five…

This third and final part of a study focusing on the consultation and teaching roles of elementary school library media specialists examines relationships among scheduling methods, consultation activity, information skills instruction, and the planning process, culminating in a model for collaboration between media specialists and classroom…

Describes a study that attempted to determine the effects of fixed versus flexible scheduling on the curriculum involvement of elementary school library media specialists and on the curricular integration of library skills. Teachers' planning styles are discussed, and recommendations for further studies are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

The many changes in the world's social structure require corresponding changes in education. One across-the-system change that needs to be given emphasis is the development of school libraries. The current state of the world's school libraries is generally unsatisfactory. This view is based on the results of an international comparative study of…

Reports on a study that provides evidence of the positive impact of library media centers on academic achievement in 221 Colorado public schools during the 1988-89 school year. The importance of library media expenditures in making staff and collections available and the library media specialist's instructional role are verified. (two references)…

The 1990-91 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), provided estimates of library/media center resources and helps to put into perspective the question of the role of libraries/media centers in school reform. Education reform has prompted increased attention to the role school…