Outlines changes that have taken place in research methods that addressed the informal learning of science, particularly in the museum sector. Addresses perspective shifts, examines current issues, and suggests future directions for research. (Contains 63 references.) (SOE)

The Resource Center for Raza Planning (RCRP) at the University of New Mexico helps Mexican American college students use research to meet the needs of their communities. The formation and early development of RCRP are described, followed by its work on policy and planning related to community economic development. Implications for universities…

Answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to planning for renovating or building school library media centers (SLMCs). Topics include the role of the school library media specialist, advance planning, importance of a written long-range plan, library consultants, courses on planning, design compromises, planning resources, professional…

Addresses the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds' experiences working with school libraries and the lessons learned from the Library Power initiative, including: how school libraries can support national education goals, particularly in meeting the challenges outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; current threats to library reform; and how…

Seven articles provide ideas for the promotion of school libraries through the use of bulletin boards and displays. Topics covered include display ideas; design basics and hints; and a directory of sources for ideas and materials. Two materials describe activities and displays used in schools to celebrate National Library Week. (CLB)

Presents a compilation of school library media certification requirements taken from responses to a national survey. For each state, existing certificates or endorsements are listed, along with credit hours and/or experience required, whether it is an accredited or approved program, and required subject areas or competencies. A directory of…

Describes the use of two-way interactive television in Jackson County, Michigan, to permit previously unavailable courses, such as Latin and Advanced Economics, to be offered at remote high school sites. Advocates a leadership role for Jackson Community College's learning resources center in implementing two-way interactive television. (DMM)

Discusses the need to make the public aware of the role of the school library media center in order to gain their support. It is suggested that the dissemination of the contents of "Information Power," a document presenting guidelines for a strong media center, can foster this awareness. (four references) (CLB)

Briefly reviews practices and issues related to bibliographic instruction in community colleges and at Asnuntuck Community College (Connecticut) in particular. Proposes a minicourse on research skills to introduce students to the learning resource center's facilities and services, to the Library of Congress Classification System, and to the card…

Discusses reasons for establishing a school archive and provides guidelines for its organization and development. Topics covered include the writing and approval of a policy statement, material selection, the organization of records, and preservation of materials. Examples of a policy statement and an accessioning work sheet are provided. (5…

Describes a library media center activity for elementary and secondary grades where students use reference materials to find the answers to a travel game based on a "Where's Waldo" format. Clues for a worldwide version and a U.S. version are included. (LRW)

Discusses ways to interest students in reading and describes a variety of informal book competitions suitable for elementary and secondary school library media specialists as well as public librarians to use. A more formal structure is described for "Battle of the Books," suitable for older students. (seven references) (LRW)

Explains traditional notions of efficient behavior; applies them to libraries and information centers; discusses how we measure efficiency; describes data envelopment analysis, a mathematical model designed for use with nonprofit organizations to measure efficiency through a weighting scheme; and discusses its use in school media centers.…

Discusses two philosophical views of school library media specialists, one that emphasizes print materials and one that emphasizes technology. Topics include the deterioration of print collections, the increasing amount of information available, effects on students in technology-poor schools, the consulting role according to "Information…

Describes video distribution systems as a way of giving control of all monitors in a classroom to the teacher. Examples of their use are given, including distribution in language labs and distribution from a media lab to classrooms throughout a school building; and information about five vendors is included. (LRW)