Readability formulas applied to materials for hearing-impaired students do not account for important factors in reader-writer-text interaction. Factors include the reader's purpose, cultural background, and extent of background knowledge; writers' assumptions about readers; the text's structure, content, and cohesion; and the role of…

Discusses the use of barcoding as a method for measuring the frequency-of-use patterns of the bound journal collection at Northern Illinois University. Highlights include a team approach to planning; collection development; collection maintenance; hardware and software; and technological, economic, organizational, and political implications. (27…

High school students (n=322) participating in a year-long study of the college selection decision-making process showed greater certainty and readiness to make a decision over the year, but rated the stressfulness of the decision high throughout. Students evidently saw this decision as a life-framing one. (SLD)

This discussion of personnel supply/demand issues in special education notes the interlocking of personnel quality with personnel quantity, suggests that many complications in personnel supply/demand are of recent origin, and recommends that supply/demand imbalances be studied and cooperatively addressed at the local level. (Author/DB)

Discusses the genre of teen paperback series. Topics addressed include the necessity for different evaluation criteria than those applied to monographs regarding setting, characters, and continuity; value judgments regarding quality and enjoyment; collection development; and improved circulation. (LRW)

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

This case study describes a low-budget interactive videodisc project that was developed for the Small Business Administration. Highlights include users' needs for easy access to information; system characteristics, including a touch screen; hardware; authoring system; and transfer of a slide show to videotape. (LRW)

Discusses the benefits of establishing computer centers in early childhood classrooms to enhance cognitive learning, develop self-esteem, and stimulate divergent thinking. Outlines steps necessary for setting up a classroom computer center, such as defining procedures and rules and choosing appropriate activities and software. Suggests ways to…

Discussion of recruiting and hiring minorities in academic libraries focuses on steps needed for the retention of these minorities. Highlights include literature search strategies; mentoring systems; networking within and outside the organization; and supervision, including immediate feedback. (Contains 20 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of the role and use of consultants in libraries focuses on a case study of the National Library of Switzerland. Topics addressed include selection criteria for hiring a consultant; the importance of trust; and the consultant's power to influence decision making, from the client's and the consultant's perspectives. (Contains four…

Describes one teacher's attempt to use storybooks to help her students accept a special needs student in her classroom. Notes that some children's books, however, give the message that diversity makes children different and they must be treated differently. Suggests teachers carefully assess themes in children's literature, as well as their own…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 88 videos released between 1990 and 1994 designed to help children and young adults become more knowledgeable about the transmission and prevention of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Order information and grade levels are given to help school library selectors…

Examines reading habits of Estonians with studies dating back to the 1960s and discusses the impact of the printed word on culture. Focuses on changes since the Estonian's transition to the market economy: (1) reading has become casual and less frequent; (2) literary preferences have shifted; and (3) smaller home libraries have increased the need…

Discusses the opportunity to unite readers of all ages by encouraging reading and discussing books on a given topic. Outlines possible topics and gives book-starter suggestions that are likely to spark broad interest such as the 1940s, World War II, or Growing Up. Suggests preparations that may be made for those who are unaccustomed to book…

A survey examined the reading interests and availability of relevant reading materials for 25 bilingual fifth-grade students in a rural southwestern school. Area residents were primarily descendants of early Hispanic settlers. Discusses the importance of targeting student reading interests and making materials of interest available in classrooms…