Probes current children's literature which can be used to help students understand the responsibilities which have been thrust upon them by the changing U.S. family. Reports a lack of worthwhile materials for teacher use in dealing with these sensitive issues. (KO)

Library research skills instruction aids the development of critical, evaluative faculties in teacher trainees. This article describes a problem-solving simulation method (guided design simulation method) for teaching library skills, and discusses gains accruing to teachers and pupils from such instruction. (IAH)

Discusses the mission of Catholic librarianship in the context of the Catholic school and the Catholic Church. Topics covered include challenges facing Catholic education, the moral dimensions of librarianship and professional ethics, and the role of the library in Catholic education. (34 notes/references) (Author/CLB)

This annotated bibliography includes 32 works of fiction, 43 works of nonfiction, and 10 audiovisuals and teacher resources for middle school Mexican American audiences. Discussion includes interest level and reading level for each work, publishing issues, and Mexican American stereotypes. A sidebar article provides brief biographies of 21 Mexican…

Discusses technical advances that affect the delivery of electronic versions of world literature to libraries. Topics include the creation and dissemination of electronic text and the use of extended character codes and markup language to preserve the form and structure of printed text. (13 references) (KRN)

For libraries to succeed, a clear understanding of what services are in demand is necessary. The SWOT analysis technique for evaluating an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is examined, and barriers to effective diagnosis are discussed. (AEF)

Because the publication of census data on CD-ROM has expanded the capabilities of users, librarians need to consider issues involved in providing census and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services, selecting GIS software, and providing user support. (JMV)

Discussion of multicultural workforces focuses on the need for reference librarians to increase their supervisory communication skills to effectively manage their departments. Topics addressed include cross-cultural communication; values of other cultures; listening skills; and speaking skills. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Describes a problem-solving exercise used to develop transferable skills through student exploration of university library materials. Maintains that the study was part of a research design course in human geography. Includes six tables and two figures illustrating and analyzing the approach. (CFR)

Considers the role of the library media specialist as information professional and educator as changes in the learning environment and curriculum take place. Topics include roles as information manager, curriculum consultant, teacher, and manager of an information center; leadership; change agent; staff development; and needed competencies. (LRW)

Presents a study of Archimedes as a HyperCard reference tool at the University of Michigan, and compares uses to similar projects. Results from studied points (i.e., system design and use statistics) support Archimedes: the system sees more use during reference hours when a librarian is unavailable, and user time is comparable to time spent with a…

Examines how electronic journals are increasing the demands on library collection development, access, and ownership of electronic information. Presents collection development scenarios that address the effects of technology on library processes, and raises some technical and social issues created by electronic information. Also discusses the…

Describes the "International Dictionary of Ballet" and provides an activity for grades 6-9 that can be used by the school library media specialist in cooperation with the music teacher. Resource materials are listed (including books and nonprint materials), and suggestions for adaptation to other curriculum areas are offered. (LRW)

Three articles on evaluation cover the use of the Internet as a reference resource and raise network policy issues: "The Internet as a Reference and Research Tool" (Edmund F. Santa Vicca); "NREN Update, 1993: Washington Policy" (Carolyn S. Elliot); and "Evaluating Physical Science Reference Sources on the Internet"…

Describes a publicly funded, five-day training program presented by the University of Michigan's School of Information Studies, which was designed to train school library media specialists to use and apply virtual library technology. The importance of the virtual library concept, the training rationale, and a day-by-day overview of activities are…