The development, publication, and distribution of the "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" once again demonstrate the vision of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in pointing the way with new literacies (textual, media, digital, technology) for students. These standards include critical self-assessment strategies that will…

In attempt to answer the question of how to measure or evaluate the quality of reference service to youth, this essay examines the literature; defines the terms (reference services and tools, parental concern, library instruction); discusses move toward quality evaluation; and provides options and approaches to such measurement. (EJS)

Discusses program evaluation concepts and methods and how they can be applied to children's library services. What program evaluation is not is explained, as well as three levels of evaluation, including a variety of "threats" to the possible effectiveness of a program. Examples of program evaluation instruments are appended. (EM)

Presents a guide to assessing optical data disks based on descriptive evaluation (facts about the product), comparative evaluation (whether the content is available in another form) and use evaluation (who will use it, why, and how). A checklist of evaluation criteria is provided. (CLB)

This article describes a qualitative upward evaluation of the leadership performance of library managers. Follow-up studies were conducted, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of the qualitative approach to upward appraisal. The authors discuss pros and cons to guide others who might use this methodology for upward appraisals in the…

Reviews the role of a public school media specialist and suggests resources for further reading in various areas. Highlights include the instructional role; levels of instructional involvement; the role of school libraries; teaching information skills; and the evaluation process, including evaluation of instructional systems, student performance,…

Communication with the entire educational team and school community about the benefits to expect if a school library media specialist has the opportunity to fulfill his or her professional responsibility is critical. The school library media specialist can then develop objectives based on school needs and be evaluated on the outcomes. (EM)

Discusses elements that are characteristic of good books: (1) impacts society; (2) changes our personal lives; (3) stretches the reader's mind; (4) handles ideas with skill; (5) is reread; (6) refines our sensibilities and intellect; (7) serves as a standard; and (8) adds to our knowledge of the human condition. (24 references) (MES)

A series of articles explores the role and activities of school librarians, especially focusing on evaluation procedures. The topics discussed include librarians' and evaluators' perceptions of important evaluative criteria and a description of a performance based evaluation model. The last article describes working in an international school…

Compares test formats that may be used to measure student achievement levels in library media skills, including strengths and weaknesses of test items, ability levels required to answer items, and possible modifications to items. Different testing methods are also discussed. (CLB)

Describes the implementation of a telefacsimile plan used for interlibrary loan messaging and document delivery, and evaluates the system in terms of volume and quality of transmissions, turnaround time, costs and human resources, and equipment operation. The benefits and potential of telefacsimile for interlibrary loans are summarized.…

This essay is based on a close examination of 10 books published by Jack Gourman since 1967 that rank colleges, universities, and individual departments. A comparison of each with the others, an interview with Gourman, and reliable reference materials for accurate ranking information are included. Thirty-seven references are cited. (EJS)

Provides detailed outline of a process for establishing a merit pay plan for public libraries, including guidelines for developing a job classification scheme and salary schedule, evaluating personnel performance, and making merit pay decisions. (CLB)

The development, field testing, and evaluation of a checklist approach to selecting an integrated library automation system are described, and recommendations for using this approach are outlined. The checklist, which is divided into five main sections of catalog features and functions, is appended. (Author/CLB)

Proposes five measurable indicators to assess effectiveness of young adult library services program: proportion of eligible young adults served; success rate in using library; appropriateness of collection; proportion of young adults participating in library programs; and proportion of cross-age programs held involving adolescents. Twenty-seven…