Discusses the school library media specialist's responsibility to address students' cultural differences, including those related to religious practice and spiritual beliefs. Topics include the separation of church and state; resources that address spirituality and religion; and additional resources from ERIC. (LRW)

Discusses the importance of fostering learning communities in today's school reform movement and the potential role of the school library media specialist as a leader in building collaborative networks with classroom teachers. Highlights include a comparison of traditional and collaborative models; linking collaboration and leadership; and…

For two Arizona schools with widely diverse ethnic makeup and socioeconomic backgrounds, the arts became a medium for defusing the potential for conflict. During spring 1995, sixth graders from both schools participated in "New Beginnings," a collaborative poetry and visual arts project. Through their interactions, the children created a…

Presents a checklist for school librarians to use in evaluating World Wide Web pages. Highlights include content; authority; ease of navigation; the "experience"; use of graphics, sound, and video; treatment, including stereotyping and age appropriateness; speed and types of access; and costs and search engines. (LRW)

Describes the Star Schools program, a federally funded project designed to serve as a model for using technology to reach small or disadvantaged schools in isolated areas. The discussion covers the objectives of the project, the use of telecommunications technology and computer networks, and the current and future role of library media specialists…

Discusses "Information Power: Guidelines for School Media Programs" in terms of its ability to provide direction in establishing a needed commonality among school library media preparatory programs. The implications for a national framework for curriculum reconstruction, course revisions, and course content are explored. (five references) (CLB)

Reviews new guidelines for school library media centers which present an expanded definition of the role of the media specialist. The main points are discussed, including a mission statement and its challenges; developing increased proficiency in instructional technologies; and forging partnerships with principals, teachers, and students. The…

Suggests that library media specialists can shape their role as instructional consultants by using successful survival strategies, such as those presented in "Information Power." Strategies discussed include participation in curriculum development, cooperative collection development, and the integration of the media specialist's role as…

Describes methods used to successfully adapt to reductions in budget allocations in the University of Utah's Instructional Media Services Department. Three main areas of concern are addressed: morale and staff development; adapting to change in the areas of funding, control, media priorities, and technology; and planning for the future. (LRW)

Presents fully developed library media activities designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units, including music, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. For each activity, the objectives of the exercise, resources, instructional roles of librarians and teachers, procedures involved, evaluation, and follow-up…

Examines the underlying reasons for and the possible impact of the decision by the American Library Association (ALA) to become a member of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The ways in which media specialists prepared in NCATE programs will differ from those prepared in ALA programs are discussed. (four…

To be part of instructional development, library media specialists (LMS) must work with teachers using a variety of resources which teach viewing, listening, reading, and critical thinking skills. The following models for teacher/LMS integration are discussed: Loertcsher's taxonomy; the TIE (talking, involving, evaluating) model; and the Toor and…

A nationwide survey was conducted in 1992-1993 of 1,000 elementary and secondary public school counselors (57.1% return) to examine the degree of collaboration between counselors and media specialists. Over 70% felt they had an effective partnership. Ten needs and services are suggested which librarians can use to begin or strengthen the…

Examines benefits of multimedia presentation software for teachers, librarians, and elementary and secondary school students. Discusses an example of two school library media specialists working with an English class using the library's reference collection (print and CD-ROM) and HyperCard. Suggests presentation assignments for various subjects.…

Children learn in a variety of contexts and from a variety of teachers, including their peers. It can be stimulating for children to examine the learning process and identify their own learning milestones. Brief reviews of stories about family and outside lessons and an activities sampler are provided. (Author/AEF)