Evidence suggests the value of a pupil services practitioner in a school, and indicates that although such practitioners were prepared informally and relatively briefly, their effects are the same as those who engage in full, formal preparation programs. (Author)

Technological advances in microelectronics-photonics, brain research, and genetic manipulation are discussed, along with their implications for school media programs. Three possible futures for the year 2001 are proffered. Media specialists are urged to adopt only those technologies which truly contribute to efficient management, information…

Describes use of role playing technique in a course surveying current trends in young adult literature, which is offered in a continuing inservice education program for media specialists. Examples of possible encounters between parent and media specialist concerning challenged books are discussed. (EJS)

As professors of higher education become consultants, they must consider how consulting relationships develop, and the kinds and nature of the relationships. Six types of relationships are described and eight guidelines for creating and maintaining a professional relationship are presented. (MSE)

Reviews validation studies on ten procedures for diagnosing learning disabilities. Evaluates special knowledge claims of learning-disabilities specialists. Author finds procedures often lack sound empirical base, yet diagnosis/labeling of children as learning disabled continues. Concludes that specialists resort to bilogical explanations for…

Reviews the history of sales of nonprint media to schools, speculates about reasons for declining sales, and discusses implications for the future of nonprint media. (Author)

Describes the training and functions of the media resources officer (MRO) in the Inner London (England) Education Authority. The MRO is a new professional school and college staff member with specialized media skills who organizes, develops, and teaches the use of audiovisual technology and materials to students and teachers. (MF)

Children quickly become bored with repetition requiring the library media specialists to vary their booktalk formats to sustain children's attention and promote recreational reading. This article discusses the four basic booktalk formats: plot summary, anecdote, character description, creation of mood, and a fifth to promote books with a common…

The author argues that school library media specialists are professional educators first interested in the child and his or her success in school and in life and not in educational fads. Includes an annotated bibliography of print and nonprint resources to put into perspective the debate over technology in the classrooms. (PEN)

Discusses 10 challenges media specialists must overcome to effectively use technology in education. Highlights include people opposed to technology; teacher training to help develop collaborative relationships; establishing and using a comprehensive technology plan; assuming more professional responsibility; and empowerment. (LRW)

Considers whether the role of the school library media specialist is that of teacher or administrator and discusses how media specialists can be proactive leaders. Topics include collaborating with teachers, serving on committees, communicating with the principal, attending professional conferences, volunteering in professional organizations, and…

To promote recreational reading among high school students, a group of teachers created the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award where students read and vote on their favorite 5 out of 12 nominated titles. Describes how media specialists promote the program and how educators integrate nominated books into classroom subject curricula.…

Discusses educational benefits, logistical considerations, and inexpensive techniques for creating and facilitating a student-run multimedia publishing operation in the school media center. Checklists are provided for overall equipment needs and for grouping technologies with related functions into smaller "minicenters." A sample student…

Provides examples of how one public elementary school library media specialist integrates the use of computers into literature lessons. Describes activities for grades K-5 as well as project suggestions for any grade. (AEF)