Discussion of portfolios as authentic assessment measures focuses on a review of schools requiring portfolios for Master of Library Science programs that identified commonalities among programs. Analyzed documents at Web sites to determine that at least 14 ALA-accredited programs use portfolio assessment for evaluation of student performance,…

Discusses principals' inaccurate perceptions of school library media programs and teacher-librarians. Topics include the invisibility of media specialists; isolation and scheduling; a low profile in professional literature read by principals; occupational socialization; principals' experiences as K-12 students; teacher training; administrator…

Describes a program instituted by a consortium of San Diego County (California) community colleges that provided distance learners with access to library reference services. States that the program included telephone, e-mail, and real time chat service and used an off-site, contract librarian. Reports on variable results. (Contains 8 references.)…

Describes the blend of traditional and progressive themes reflected in the design of the new library at the New Hampshire Technical Institute, which is located in the state's capital, Concord. Details how the 26,000 square foot requirement and the $3 million dollar budget were analyzed in order to get the most library for the money. (NB)

Describes the partnership between the state of Colorado, represented by Front Range Community College (FRCC), and the City of Westminster, Colorado, represented by the Westminster Public Library, which led to the creation of a joint-use library. Reports that College Hill Library occupies 76,000 square feet and serves about 500,000 patrons a year.…

Discusses three school activities--electronic messaging, problem solving, and database searching--that make use of computer telecommunications. Multipurpose services, equipment and software, training and support, low-cost start-up ideas, and the role of the library media center are also covered. Two recommended publications on telecommunication…

Uses measures drawn from the "Information Power" guidelines for school library media programs and data from a national survey to compare the performance of the states in providing library collections and services in public schools. Tables present data on sample size, collection effort scores, and service scale scores. Raw data on collections and…

Based on a literature review and content analysis of written collection development policies for school libraries in Indiana, a Delphi survey of district-level school media directors in 28 states identified important issues to be addressed in future school library collection development policies. Respondents found copyright guidelines to be an…

Describes the Macintosh CD-ROM edition of "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" and discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the electronic dictionary in library media skills instruction. Use in large group instruction is discussed and advantages are highlighted, including the large print feature, sound feature, and ability…

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)

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians which indicates that most collective bargaining agreements do not address issues specifically related to the library. Strategies for expanding the rights of librarians are described, including collective bargaining, modification of district policy and/or administrative practices, and revision…

Discusses how libraries can help children and teenagers meet their needs for the future together with the current status of the nation's library service to youth. A checklist for assessing library service at the state and local levels is provided, and national proposals recommended for action at the Second White House Conference on Library and…

Discusses "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs," which focuses on the library media specialist's role in planning the delivery of resources and services. Implementation of the guidelines on national, state, regional, district, building, and personal levels is discussed, and political cultures that influence…

Discusses possible responses to the situation that arises when online searches by high school students result in references to materials that do not meet selection criteria for the school library. Responses to the article from six readers are also presented. (CLB)

Describes the method used by Firelands College (Ohio) to evaluate its book, periodical, and government document collections. The study investigated whether 30 percent of the references cited in students' texts could be found in the campus library and whether 70 percent could be found there or in the main campus library. (DMM)