Discussion of information skills and library skills instruction focuses on a study of the information retrieval process used by grade six children in New Zealand. Selection of keywords, use of the card catalog, and location of books using the Dewey Decimal system are investigated, and the role of cognitive skills is discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

Three papers on library budget priorities for the 1990s discuss (1) reallocating the budget to spend less on staff and more on collections and access; (2) budget concerns of public libraries, emphasizing the future role of libraries; and (3) the academic library perspective, including assumptions, evaluation, and new paradigms related to library…

Discusses the role of interactive multimedia in museums; describes the development and design at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History of a multimedia program on water conservation; analyzes the effect of the presence of audio on the users' completion of the program; and discusses evaluation of the program. (10 references) (LRW)

Klasing discusses the inability of school library facilities to meet current challenges for the delivery of programs and information. Callison then provides an overview of this issue on planning learning environments for school media centers, which contains four articles covering space requirements, ergonomic design, legislation on equal access,…

Summarizes federal legislation regarding equal access for students with disabilities and discusses environmental barriers to accessibility in the library media center. Solutions to these design problems are suggested in the following areas: material formats and space requirements; the physical setting, including furniture, floor coverings,…

Describes a project at the Harrand Creek Elementary School (Enterprise, Alabama) that used a library automation program to improve curriculum access to the easy reading collection in the school library media center. Curriculum surveys are described, and the selection of appropriate subject headings for a computerized catalog is discussed. (15…

Describes a study that examined the perceptions of middle school principals and media coordinators in North Carolina about the role of the school library media program in the school's instructional program. National media program standards are discussed, recommendations for practice are offered, and further studies are suggested. (five references)…

Proposes a model of an integrated, problem-solving approach for conducting assessments of children with academic skills problems in regular classroom settings. Presents a case study that illustrates the implementation of the model for a fourth grader with a learning disability. (GLR)

Contends that public monuments and memorials provide excellent opportunities to teach historical geography and community studies. Illustrates this view with examples of monuments and memorials in the United States and other nations. Provides teaching strategies and a four-step process to use memorials and monuments in the classroom. (CFR)

Recent changes in the New Zealand government's research funding system are discussed, and the resulting system is detailed. Remaining structural problems, some of which are seen as constraining progress toward government priorities, are identified and likely solutions and trends indicated. (Author/MSE)

Educators at all levels should participate in the process of making public policy concerning access to and quality of information technology, particularly in the following areas: strategic planning, telecommunications, regulation, resource allocation and training, technology development, and market determination and standards. (MSE)

Reports on a study that provides evidence of the positive impact of library media centers on academic achievement in 221 Colorado public schools during the 1988-89 school year. The importance of library media expenditures in making staff and collections available and the library media specialist's instructional role are verified. (two references)…

Compares the primary existing documents about the competencies needed for school librarians at the international level and from four different countries. Official documents and statements available in each country are described and compared. The wider context in which school librarians are working is presented, and data about education for school…

Maintains that, although museums are visited by children and adults for their unique learning experiences, few people understand how museums and their exhibits are created. Discusses the Museum-in-Progress program. Describes four examples of elementary class projects in two states and includes a list of teacher resources. (CFR)

The assistant secretary for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education presents a brief review of approaches to school finance issues. Cites the Clinton administration's goal to target the bulk of Title I (formerly Chapter 1) funds to the neediest schools in the neediest districts. (MLF)