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)

Describes activities and resources for elementary and junior high school students that highlight the contributions of African-Americans in the United States. Materials reviewed include games, workbooks, teacher's guides, and books for students. A list of distributors who can provide additional print and nonprint materials is included. (two…

Considers several topics related to children and reading, including the author's childhood reading experiences, her experiences writing about and teaching children's literature, the effects of television on reading, types of literature-based reading programs, and requirements for a successful reading program. (23 references) (MES)

Addresses issues pertaining to collection development in school library media programs. Trends regarding teacher effectiveness, financial support, and ethnic diversity that are based on relevant demographic statistics are described; issues discussed in "Information Power" are identified; pertinent literature is reviewed; and implications…

Discusses books and films that have themes relating to water that are suitable for elementary school children and suggests activities that can be used to complement them, including writing and designing exhibits. Materials from various cultural backgrounds are suggested, and a list of 62 books and 5 films is provided. (LRW)

Reviews 1993 activities of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), including conferences, training programs, and position papers and lists current concerns, including school restructuring, literacy, certification competencies, outcomes-based education, cultural diversity, students at risk, and technology. (KRN)

Discusses the role of school principals and their relationship with the school library media specialist. Topics addressed include budgeting; decision making; individual management styles; expectations of education; site-based management; and the media specialist's role in school reform. (LRW)

Discusses the necessity for providing access to microcomputers in elementary education and recommends 48 software titles that would be appropriate for public or school libraries. Considerations for librarians establishing a microcomputer software collection are discussed, and suggestions for choosing preschool programs as well as programs in…

Reviews the literature for studies conducted in the United States and in Canada on the use of magazines in elementary school libraries, and describes a study of Oklahoma schools that investigated titles most frequently used by children. Results are reported that indicate most use is for pleasure reading. (six references) (LRW)

Describes research that advocates flexible grouping patterns, based upon student needs, to increase instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Appropriate grouping in the classroom and in elementary school library resource centers is stressed, and benefits of cooperative learning as compared to competitive learning and individual…

Presents results of the second annual survey of the Canadian microcomputer-based school library system marketplace. Highlights include use of the MARC standard for cataloging; integrated, modular systems; problems with the questionnaire used; geographic distribution; union catalogues; bilingual capabilities; Canadian installations and sales…

Describes the planning and introduction of model activities that integrate subject-specific critical thinking skills through library media skills instruction. Activities for the English curriculum are described for grades 9-12 and include the roles of the library media specialist, teachers, and students. Student reactions are also described.…

Suggests ways that the school library media specialist can help students become more successful as users of online information. Four types of barriers to becoming informed are described: (1) indicative access barriers (indexing systems and relevance); (2) physical access to documents identified in a search; (3) linguistic barriers; and (4)…

Discusses authentic assessment and its possible uses in school libraries. Highlights include restructuring and authentic schools; authentic assessment techniques; motivation; increasing thinking skills; creative research products; roles of the library media specialist in authentic assessment; and an appendix with seven annotated curriculum…

Provides an instructional plan for integrating electronic media in the study of current events for grades six through eight through the collaboration of the classroom teacher and the library media specialist. Library-skills objectives, curriculum objectives, activities, evaluation, and follow-up are included. (Author/LRW)