Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

Includes nine articles that suggest ways to improve communication in junior and senior high school libraries. Highlights include how to communicate effectively with principals and other administrators, students, teachers and other staff members, and the community; types of information that administrators need; annual reports; newsletters; and…

Includes entries arranged by state for colleges and universities that offer licensure or certification programs for entry-level professional positions in school library media programs, including bachelor's, postbachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Institutions in Puerto Rico and Canada are also included. (LRW)

Describes how to use storytelling in elementary education to teach the Big6 research process. Strategies for implementation are presented, including modifying a story, writing a story based on the curriculum connection, and using puppets. (LRW)

Discusses the need for graduate principal-preparation programs to include information about school libraries based on a survey of programs, as well as telephone interviews. A three-step plan for change is outlined, including a curriculum for principal-preparation programs, suggestions for practicing principals, and steps library media specialists…

Discusses the value of having a good library media-center newsletter that ensures consistent positive visibility and suggests topics to consider, including requesting teacher input on collection development, explaining computer software, book talks, copyright issues, current Web sites, biographies of new teachers, and media-center projects. (LRW)

Discussion of free speech on the Internet focuses on three basic options open to schools trying to resolve the dilemma of protecting children while preserving intellectual freedom: commercial censorware, blocking, and filtering. Concludes that adult supervision is still the most effective means of regulating access to the Internet. (LRW)

Discusses the guidelines for school library media programs in "Information Power" and explains the new Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. Topics include independent learning, social responsibility, performance indicators, and the roles of the library media specialist. (LRW)

Presents questions for evaluating a media center's reference section, focused on types of resources; reference-material evaluation criteria and items that belong in or are misplaced in the reference section; relocating materials and ensuring use of newly classified materials; and how to collect data on usage of resources. (AEF)

Discusses how to schedule library use in conjunction with block scheduling. Highlights include the need for flexible scheduling, collaborating with teachers for long-range planning for library use, and a model schedule for library use coordinated with class activities. (LRW)

Discusses items that need to be considered when remodeling a school media center. Highlights include space and location for various functions, including projections of print versus electronic media; electrical and data wiring needs; lighting; security and supervision; and reuse of existing furniture and equipment. (LRW)

Discusses booktalks as a method of promoting reading among middle school students and suggests titles in the areas of fantasies, mysteries, contemporary fiction, outdoor/adventure fiction, historical fiction, and humorous fiction. A Web site is given that includes complete bibliographic information and additional titles. (LRW)

Presents a history of MARC records; provides an overview of MARC records structure; discusses format integration; and explains benefits of understanding MARC records to school library media specialists, including assessing the quality of bibliographic records, creating original MARC records, and maintaining online catalogs. (LRW)

Describes how libraries can use statistics to make useful comparisons with similar types of libraries. Discusses public libraries, academic libraries, and school library media centers; considers print and electronic sources; and lists acronyms and applicable Web sites where statistics can be found. (LRW)

Discussion of how media specialists can help students deal with change and learn to collaborate focuses on Standard Nine from "Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" from "Information Power". Highlights include modeling; change management; making change personal; and culture and community. (LRW)