Summarizes a survey of developments during 1993 through 94 in public and private school library media programs in the United States. Highlights include: expenditures for all types of nonbook resources compared to books, reading motivation programs, staff development programs, and the use of Internet and e-mail. Seventeen tables display survey…

Describes a social studies unit for elementary students that is based on historical fiction and integrates the use of skills in library media, language arts, reading, and critical thinking. The roles of the teacher and of the library media specialist are discussed. (LRW)

Presents a case study of the development of a statewide distance learning system in North Dakota for elementary and secondary education as well as higher education. Initial planning and goal setting is described; computer, video, and data networks are explained; implementation plans are discussed; and organizational design is considered. (LRW)

Discussion of problems presented by the introduction of preschool children into an elementary school setting focuses on implications for school librarians. Topics discussed include educational backgrounds of preschool teachers and school librarians; cooperation between teachers, librarians, and parents; characteristics of preschool children; and…

This theme issue presents nine articles that describe the availability of various types of computer software for use by patrons in academic, public, school, and special libraries. Topics discussed include selection and evaluation, cataloging and classification, physical access including circulation, copyright and other legal considerations,…

Community involvement is conceptualized as a typology of the following processes of social change: (1) conversion; (2) mobilization; (3) allocation of resources; and (4) instruction. The effects of these forms of involvement are considered in a review of 13 evaluations of programs for disadvantaged youth involving the community. (SLD)

Critiques the Bush Administration's "America 2000" education initiative, in particular the call for national testing as a major tool for student assessment and education reform. Discusses the difficulty of designing accurate instruments, the drain on resources for other needs, and the ineffectiveness of testing as an agent for reform.…

Describes the Hendersonville Accelerated Reading Program (H.A.R.P.), in which students in two schools were motivated to read and write through cooperative development of a database of book reviews and the opportunity to read aloud to elementary school students. Student and teacher reactions and program outcomes are discussed. (NRP)

An interview with the federal secretary of education, Richard W. Riley, covers the new administrator's policy goals, strategies for educational reform, perceptions of the federal role in education, approaches that differ from previous administrations', solutions for disadvantagement, and attitudes about free speech. (MSE)

Discusses child morbidity, suggesting solutions can be found at the community level. Argues the federal government's role is essential in articulating policy and providing resources. Generates a new morbidity model emphasizing poverty and social factors as crucial influences. Lists priorities for effective, preventive, intervention planning. (NL)

Discussion of access to information in academic libraries focuses on the effects information technology is having and will continue to have on libraries and on users. Topics discussed include electronic publishing; CD-ROM; cooperative collection development and resource sharing; library networks; internal bibliographic and processing systems;…

Provides an analysis of selected research articles that address issues affecting school library media centers. Highlights include environmental psychology; circulation and collections; effects of automated circulation systems; female students' self-esteem and selection of women's biographies; instruction, information literacy skills, and…

Provides suggestions for academic libraries to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Topics addressed are planning, including patron surveys; physical access to buildings; signage; library security systems; furniture; library services; staff development; telephone access; library acquisitions; and equipment and software. A sidebar lists…

Argues that a virtual field trip can complement and enhance a real one. Discusses the benefits and pitfalls of both types of field trips. Outlines a series of student and teacher activities combining an actual field trip and a virtual one to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. (MJP)

Five articles about library cooperation discuss: statewide tiered reference services in California; sharing costs and increasing access through the Washington State Library's database licensing project; the Washington State Cooperative Library Project; FIND-IT! Washington, a World Wide Web site for locating government information; and the impact…