Describes a formalized library media specialist mentoring program in the Iowa City Community School District. Discussion includes characteristics for successful mentoring; the role of mentors; benefits for mentors, proteges, and library media programs; and the evolution of the mentoring relationship. (AEF)

Suggests procedures for modifying and expanding activities to make them individually appropriate for children with disabilities, focusing on ways to customize curriculum activities. Provides a checklist for modifying activities and discusses points to be considered: desired outcomes, arrangements to be made, and assessment. Recommends a team…

Twenty-three gerontology graduates specializing in policy were surveyed, and 13 attended focus groups, with the following findings: exposure to policy and aging influenced their specialization; they obtained relevant positions and wanted to continue in the field; and internships were the program's greatest strength, but more emphasis on…

A survey of 77 Missouri high school principals revealed a traditional view of the school librarian as one who purchases, processes, and circulates books and provides occasional reference services. Skills indicating involvement with the instructional process rated average in importance. Principals did not view library media specialists as teachers.…

Outlines nine research findings that led to the conclusion that teacher-librarians can markedly improve the school's teaching environment. This study of the educational impact of the appointment of full-time trained teacher-librarians was conducted for the New Zealand Council for Educational Research/Ministry of Education by Geoff Lealand. (EA)

A survey of 343 administrators, county agents, specialists, and secretaries in Mississippi Cooperative Extension received 295 responses showing that 43 percent of agents and secretaries felt that administrators were responsible for keeping them current with computer technology by providing training opportunities and released time; and most…

This bibliographic essay lists 51 journal articles and ERIC documents under the headings of Student Motivation, Teacher Motivation, Reading Motivation, and Teacher Reading. Some observations based on the literature are included. (MES)

Provides an overview of expert systems for teacher librarians. Highlights include artificial intelligence and expert systems; the development of the MYCIN medical expert system; rule-based expert systems; the use of expert system shells to develop a specific system; and how to select an appropriate application for an expert system. (11 references)…

Reviews four books that address educational reform from the perspective of the school library media specialist. The media specialist's partnership role with teachers and administrators as described in "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs" provides the context for the reviews, and the implications of reform for…

Students in a library media center were shown how to use graphic organizers to guide them in gathering raw data. Graphic organizers provided consistency by forcing a pattern, structure, and order on seemingly disordered events and overwhelming amounts of data. It is argued that the graphic organizer provides the first step toward full…

This review of the literature on graphic organizers includes discussion of background readings, the research base, applications, books, journal articles, and ERIC documents. Resources on creating and managing the literate classroom and on language arts activities are also described. (MES)

Provides an overview of standards development, accreditation, and credentialing with particular attention to specialties. Considers a number of unresolved issues, and presents the pros and cons of specialties in the professionalization of counseling. (JPS)

Discusses how media educators can improve instruction in the college classroom by being aware of differences in students' learning styles. Addresses two major learning-style elements, hemisphericity and perceptual preferences, and suggests a structure with corresponding methodology for addressing various learning-style needs in a media classroom.…

School library media specialists from all grade levels have embarked on the path toward certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Discusses some background to the NBPTS and who the current candidates are. A sidebar presents a brief explanation of each of 13 dimensions of teaching expertise. (AEF)

Presents tips for media specialists attending conferences, with a focus on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Ninth National Conference and Exhibition. Highlights include listing vendors and products, arriving at author signing booths early, taking a methodical tour of the exhibit hall after visiting the "must-see"…