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…

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)

Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

Discusses the need for graduate principal-preparation programs to include information about school libraries based on a survey of programs, as well as telephone interviews. A three-step plan for change is outlined, including a curriculum for principal-preparation programs, suggestions for practicing principals, and steps library media specialists…

Examines what occurred when the mental models of library media specialists teaching electronic information literacy database access interconnected in the complex changing environment of a lesson. Discusses changes to the mental models the library media specialists held with respect to the electronic database, role of the library media specialist,…

Examines motivational strategies used by library media specialists (LMSs) in library and information skills instruction, and the resulting on- and off-task behaviors of students. Results indicate that LMSs use mostly attention-focusing strategies, middle school LMSs utilize more strategies than elementary LMSs, and extrinsic motivators are more…

Discusses the guidelines for school library media programs in "Information Power" and explains the new Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. Topics include independent learning, social responsibility, performance indicators, and the roles of the library media specialist. (LRW)

Outlines some tools and tactics for the knowledge-elicitation process in multimedia design by facilitating communication between the designer and subject matter expert (SME). Defines multimedia SME and exploratory multimedia, and discusses the role of the SME, stages of SME consultation, as well as problems and tips to optimize SME consultations.…

Presents a history of MARC records; provides an overview of MARC records structure; discusses format integration; and explains benefits of understanding MARC records to school library media specialists, including assessing the quality of bibliographic records, creating original MARC records, and maintaining online catalogs. (LRW)

Discussion of how media specialists can help students deal with change and learn to collaborate focuses on Standard Nine from "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" from "Information Power". Highlights include modeling; change management; making change personal; and culture and community. (LRW)

Examines quality in school library media programs in relation to the quality of education offered in the schools. School reform efforts that have evolved to a focus on learning are discussed; roles of the school library media specialist are described; and implications of centering the library on learning are considered. (LRW)

Discusses the personal and subjective nature of humor and considers ways that children respond to humor in literature and films. Suggests activities for school library media specialists to use with specific books that are humorous, including group discussions, individualized writings, and examining illustrations. (LRW)

Discussion of the expanded role of teacher for library media specialists focuses on characteristics of teaching excellence based on a story about the life of Nathaniel Bowditch. Highlights include lifelong learning; caring about learners; believing everyone can learn; reflecting on teaching methods; understanding human nature; and contributing to…