The author's school had just been labeled a failing school by No Child Left Behind when its new principal arrived in the fall of 2007. In this demoralizing climate, teachers can get frustrated and choose to give up, or they can rise to the challenge, create a plan for improvement, and plunge into uncharted waters. This article discusses how the…

Summarizes the recommendations of the Computer Network Study Planning Group formed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy under the provisions of PL99-383 to study the networking needs of the nation's academic and federal research computer programs. The benefits and importance of the recommended National Research Network are discussed.…

This brief history of equal employment opportunity cases from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to 1986 Supreme Court cases summarizes the viewpoints of those who don't support it. Librarians are urged to accept the premise that equal employment opportunity is the law and that compliance is in everyone's best interests. (EM)

Addresses several differences between computer software and books that affect copyright-related issues. Discussion covers durability of the physical medium, dilemma of backup copies, software licensing agreements, integrity of honest customers, and policy suggestions for libraries that have or are considering microcomputer labs and are concerned…

Discusses the responsibility of the school library media specialist with respect to microcomputer software acquisition and usage. Copyright and the library media center, copyright infringement, remedies, and protection, strategies that can be used in obtaining and disseminating quality software, and policy development are noted. Thirteen…

This paper briefly reviews the development and current problems of school libraries in Quebec with emphasis on trends since 1960. The provisions of the 1960 "Code Scolaire" for school libraries are outlined (in French). Also listed (in French) are recommendations concerned with school libraries from "Le Rapport Parent," a…

Cites the importance of having a state law, knowing what it says, and having a library policy statement regarding the confidentiality of patron records. Discussion covers writing and implementing a policy, the role of automation, existing laws, library records defined, exceptions to confidentiality, and legal liability. Thirty-seven references are…

Discusses the content of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and how it will affect libraries, particularly public libraries, in the areas of employment and public accommodations. Weaknesses of the ADA are addressed, and librarians' roles in providing equal access use are emphasized. (14 references) (LRW)

Published in response to requests for a permanent record of California's CALTAC (California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners) WILL (Workshops in Library Leadership) program, an ongoing program funded by an LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act) grant from the California State Library, this report is a compilation of the…

The Copyright Act's restrictions on educational use of videotape recorders need clarification either by Congress or by the courts. Administrators and media specialist practitioners should become familiar with licensing agreements and copyright restrictions that accompany audiovisual and technological materials. The use of commercially produced…

Prepared by an intellectual freedom committee, this issue is intended to aid librarians in thinking about intellectual freedom when confronted with the current creationism controversy. A manual containing documents and resources on intellectual freedom, a bibliography of pro- and anti-creationism materials, and results of a censorship survey are…

Noting that a deep concern about the suppression of ideas in the public schools of the United States is very much a part of the collective consciousness of the school library profession, the implications of intellectual freedom for school library personnel and for library collection development are explored. The position of the school library in…

The third in a four-lesson continuing education course, this article discusses the legal responsibilities of libraries involving the hiring, training, evaluation, and dismissal of employees. The effects of collective bargaining are discussed, and strategies for effective employer employee relationships are suggested. (9 references) (CLB)

This paper, which was presented to National Aeronautics and Space Administration librarians as part of a telecommunications conference, describes features of the proposed National Research and Education Network (NREN). First, NREN's predecessor, the National Science Foundation network (the current NSFnet/Internet system), is discussed and the…

Traces history of pilot projects (including state aid) and describes new projects, both pilot projects that were continued and new projects mandated by 1984 legislation. New projects are compared to permanent systems in terms of interlibrary loans, union catalogs, delivery systems, collection standards, and other areas. (CLB)