Identifies four common variables in picture preferences of elementary school-aged children: (1) relationship between text and picture; (2) degree of realism; (3) use of color; and (4) amount of complexity. Selection of picture books based on these preferences is discussed, and criteria to help develop standards for selection are suggested. (12…

Describes a study of female elementary school library media specialists that investigated the effects of field dependence/independence on cooperation between library media specialists and classroom teachers. Perceived levels of cooperation in planning and teaching library media skills are discussed, and implications are suggested for both…

Summarizes research findings that suggest that school superintendents support the need for professional teacher-librarians (TLs). Highlights include the influence of the TL and the resource center on teaching; teaching background and experience of the TL; expectations for media centers; superintendents' and TLs' perceptions of library practices;…

This section includes reports from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Division of School Media Specialists (AECT), International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), and Society of School Librarians International (SSLI); an overview of state association and…

Discusses recommendations concerning library services to children and youth that were presented at the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services, including grants for school library media programs; grants for public libraries for both children and young adult services; and partnerships between school and public libraries.…

Examines issues for school libraries related to increasing resource sharing among libraries. The importance of development of a school district curriculum guide and curriculum development policy and the purchase of library materials to support the curriculum is emphasized. Fair use procedures, cost considerations, timeliness, and system…

Describes how to combine psychomotor skills with memory and other cognitive learning skills to reinforce skills related to the location of information using the Dewey Decimal system. Movements and music for use with six topics are suggested. Exercises are most appropriate for use with kindergarten through second-grade students. (KRN)

Offers suggestions for library activities based on a football theme. Six examples of activity forms are provided, and addresses of football organizations are given. Eighty-two books on football suitable for grades 4-8 are listed, including fiction and nonfiction, bibliographies, reference, picture books, poetry/riddles, audiovisual materials, and…

Reports on the Division of School Media Specialists of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Highlights include description of the membership; the mission statement; publications; professional growth opportunities; awards; board members and committee chairs; and activities at the AECT conferences. (KRN)

Includes four articles that provide the following: (1) a list of state associations connected with school library media programs with their national affiliations; (2) a review of the activities of 13 state associations; (3) a review of state agency activities in 6 states; (4) a directory of state agencies that consult with school library media…

Many schools are looking at ways to centralize the distribution and retrieval of video, voice, and data transmissions in an integrate information system (IIS). A centralized system offers greater control of hardware and software. Describes media network planning to retrofit an Illinois' high school with a fiber optic-based IIS. (MLF)

Describes a study of high school library media specialists that was conducted to determine whether media specialists with automated circulation systems spent time differently than those without automated systems and in what areas the differences occurred. The differences found are discussed, and future research is suggested. (LRW)

Reviews four articles from the "Phi Delta Kappan" that describe the educational context impacting the school library media profession. Topics covered include the educational system from the viewpoint of the National Commission on Excellence in Education report "A Nation at Risk"; strengths and weaknesses of American education;…

Discusses ways in which media specialists and media center administrators structure their tasks and responsibilities in the areas of equipment purchasing; collection building, especially content-relevant videotapes and videodiscs; copyright considerations; and the repair of equipment. (LRW)

Provides an overview of current issues related to student assessment. Focuses on the ability of library instruction and library research skills to help students develop critical thinking skills. Presents selected comments from respondents to a survey regarding the current status of libraries in student assessment. (DMM)