When dealing with First Amendment free speech issues in the context of public libraries, courts have merely cited the supposition that constitutional public forum analysis leads to the conclusion that the public library is a limited public forum for the purposes of First Amendment analysis. By focusing narrowly on the issue of whether Internet…

In this article, the author talks about the changing role of the elementary library media specialist. Unfortunately, library media specialists (LMSs) are too often left out of the literacy loop. Traditionally, their roles in literacy were to be the support team, the purveyors of books, the sometimes nearly invisible element in literacy, but this…

In the most effective schools, the potential for positive impact of the school library media center and the library media specialist is recognized, and teachers and media specialists work together routinely to support teaching and learning. This "Informed Educator" examines both the elements of an effective school library media center and the…

During the summer, thousands of soon-to-be college students will read books as part of campus-wide "shared reading" programs (also referred as to common reader programs, one book programs, etc.). Such programs are designed to provide incoming students with a common experience and invite exploration of particular themes (e.g., diversity, etc.),…

Professionally, school librarians are faced with an explosion of choices--search engines, online catalogs, media types, subscription databases, and Web tools--all requiring scrutiny, evaluation, and selection. In turn, this support "stuff" forms a basis for making additional choices about how and what they teach and what they assess. Whereas once…

"When you start your new job as a school librarian, one of the first steps you must take is to ask to see the district's book selection policy. If there isn't one, write one. Right away. It protects you, the teachers, and the district." That advice was part of the author's school library administration course at the School of Library and…

One of the most important things parents can do is to help their children to develop a love of reading and a love of the library. Parents can: take their children to the library; give books rather than other types of gifts; work with librarians to acquaint children with the library. Teachers can help children by assigning simple projects which…

A variety of articles about family literacy efforts in Illinois is provided in this special report prepared by the Illinois State Library, intended for librarians, adult educators, teachers, and family literacy practitioners. Articles contained in the report are: "Family Literacy: A Definition" (Cyndy Colletti); "Why We Need Family…

The history of the Coshocton Public Library (Ohio) is traced from 1872 through 1992, highlighting its connection with the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum. In response to a newspaper editorial, citizens of Coshocton formed the Coshocton Library Association in 1872. The library evolved through the years as a free school library, a municipal library, a…

This pamphlet summarizes the results of a national survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education which asked Americans how they perceived the role of the public library in their lives. Those surveyed included a cross section of the national population, minority groups, and community opinion leaders. Most of those surveyed regard public…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a meeting which was convened to build a network of contact people to discuss current models of library-based literacy programs, and to focus on resolutions to be taken back to the states for the upcoming White House Conference in 1991. The almost 100 participants in the forum included state library staff…

A 3-year project to generate awareness and utilization of the nontraditional services offered by the Florida public libraries is described. The presentation is divided into two sections: an overview of the program to date and examples from the media campaign. Within section 1, three distinct phases of the project are identified and described:…

Abraham Kaplan has produced the clearest philosophical insights in all of library literature into the real nature of library education by providing an outsider's view of librarianship that (1) explains the "mess" librarians are in; (2) identifies humanism as the firm foundation of their profession; and (3) correlates librarianship with…

Discusses student-centered schools and the role of librarians and libraries. (PF)

Documents and journal articles featured in this nine-item annotated bibliography concern the role of library and information services in developing and expanding literacy at all levels in an increasingly information-oriented society. Citations were selected through a computer search of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database.…