Reviews misrepresentations of Native Americans that have stemmed from history books and the entertainment media so that school library-media specialists can select books that are free of bias, stereotypes, and inaccuracies. Topics include characterizations, culture, religion, language, the role of women, and quality of the writing and…

Describes Infoquest, a game of research questions that can be answered in a school library media center that was developed to increase student use of the media center. Discusses increased use by teachers, parent participation, and includes a master list of questions and answers as well as print and Internet sources. (LRW)

Provides a synopsis of classes developed by the Winona (Minnesota) Middle School media center to provide staff with current Internet skills. Includes navigation techniques using browsers; e-mail; search engines; selecting and evaluating Web sites; Internet ethics and Netiquette; critical evaluation of Web sources; graphics; interactive video…

Focuses on effective data gathering in school libraries. Discusses the connection between program goals and statistical information; budget data; using spreadsheets to track and compare costs; circulation data and trends; copyright assessment of materials; material-quality evaluation; lab usage data; computer information; data on services and…

Describes an award-winning multidisciplinary, multimedia unit on Native Americans that was developed through participation in the Earthwatch Institute programs. Explains the Earthwatch program; collaboration between library media specialists and classroom teachers; and use of The Big6 process for information problem solving and the development of…

Discusses ways to introduce student teachers and field experience students to the library media center. Suggestions include contacting the university's student program coordinator; creating an information sheet on the library media center; and using the information sheet for new and substitute teachers. (LRW)

Discusses the need for improved teacher training in the use of technology and considers the role of school media specialists. Topics include providing focused workshops on technology integration; promoting peer mentoring; partnerships with universities; using online staff development resources; and promoting technology in curriculum development…

Describes how the Illinois School Library Media Program (ISLMP) used "Information Power" to help translate theory into practice that would impact student achievement. Discusses planning, implementation strategies, and a framework to assess the school library media program's role in meeting user needs. (LRW)

Presents suggestions and examples which show teachers how using the library media center for block scheduling can enhance their work in the classroom and give library media specialists ideas for expanding services. Discusses individual research, activities in the classroom, learning stations, media skills-based activities, team teaching, state…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Describes library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up for each activity. (LRW)

Provides elementary and middle school library media specialists with criteria for evaluating poetry collections, including balancing contemporary and traditional poetry and responding to children's preferences; discusses ways to promote poetry with both students and teachers; and includes a selected bibliography of 60 recommended poetry books.…

Suggests activities for library media specialists or teachers that use food to encourage students to interact with literature. Includes researching recipes or food items that appear in the book, incorporating Internet searching skills if desired; planning meals, either real or imaginary; edible art projects, including fortune cookies; and creating…

Discusses the importance of nonfiction as part of children's and young adults' reading. Topics include library collection development practices to keep nonfiction collections up-to-date; electronic formats that allow interaction; nonfiction picture books; booktalks; results of research on reading and skill development related to nonfiction; and…

Discusses the results of four statewide studies on the impact of school library media programs on the academic achievement of public school students. Topics include roles of media specialists; teaching; information access and delivery; program administration; staff activities; media center use; and the availability of technology. (LRW)

Since the advent of the Internet and particularly the ability to search pages on the World Wide Web, the role of the library in this information age has been changing rapidly; no longer is it possible to only be an expert on collections, subject categorization and call number organization, the librarian must also be a technologist and a diviner of…