Discusses the use of instructional television and video materials in the classroom and suggests what the role of the library/media specialist should be in increasing the use of these materials. Topics discussed include matching video materials with current curriculum needs; computer database programs; needs assessment forms; promotional…

Discussion of the role of the school library media specialist focuses on how to diagnose information needs. Highlights include diagnostic processes for individuals and for groups; the reference interview; needs assessment; neutral questions; determining user preferences; client limitations; and evaluation. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes two studies conducted in the DeKalb County (GA) School System's secondary school libraries, one on DIALOG, the other on the use of the Internet and media specialists' perceptions of that tool. Discussion includes the application of experience from the DeKalb library to other new school library Internet projects. (16 references) (KRN)

Describes steps for improving preservice teacher education, including the training of school library media specialists. Highlights include behavioral aspects, including imitation, isolation, transfer, and technique; technological aspects; and the evolution of library and information literacy skills of the school media specialist. (LRW)

Explains the concept of diagnosing information needs as part of the role of the school library media specialist. Topics discussed include the diagnostic process, i.e., the reference interview; information psychology; theories of information transfer; a model for diagnosing information needs; and implications for practitioners and for research. (19…

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)

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)

This monograph presents seven chapters on the Teacher Effectiveness in Children's Physical Education Project (TECPEP). The chapters provide an overview and deal with subjects, sources of data, and data analysis; motor skill testing; children's physical fitness; cognitive and affective assessment; implications from the results; and reflections on…

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…

Explains how media specialists can use departmental meetings to develop and promote better public relations within the school community. Topics include changes in the media center; new programs or services being offered, including new software and Internet resources; teacher requests for materials to support their curriculum; and interlibrary-loan…

Describes a survey of Kentucky high school library media specialists that was conducted to determine what kind of electronic resources were available for research needs and what instruction they were provided with regarding the retrieval of electronic information. Discusses implications for academic librarians who may be instructing college…

Explains how media specialists can play an active role in providing staff development that helps teachers use technology to teach in a changing learning environment and integrate technology in the curriculum. Highlights include key research about staff development, the changing role of the media specialist, and examples of successful staff…

Considers the effects of an electronic environment on students and the role of the school library media specialist in student achievement. Topics include how students learn differently as a result of computer access; interactivity in mass media; political aspects of educational technology; and whether technological changes are good or bad. (LRW)