This article presents the results of the latest "SLJ" survey of school expenditures and collections for 2009-2010. The survey reveals that librarians have used a variety of coping techniques to weather this economic storm, whether it is servicing more than one school, using additional volunteers, taking on more tasks, or seeking outside funding.…

This year's "School Library Journal's" spending survey showed that, despite the recession, the vast majority of media centers around the country have retained their credentialed media specialists. For example, almost 85% of elementary schools and more than 95% of middle and high schools have a full-time certified librarian. In addition, salaries…

Focusing on issues raised in secondary schools, this report itemizes book protests gleaned from both the American Library Association's "Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom" and the newspapers and compares results with six published censorship surveys. Interpreting the survey, most frequently and least frequently protested books, and…

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Describes a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education which identified 62 outstanding library programs and lists 22 model school library programs and 16 programs serving school systems. Topics discussed include the search process, selection criteria, school library programs, cooperation, innovations, technology, and the catalog that…

Presents a compilation of school library media certification requirements taken from responses to a national survey. For each state, existing certificates or endorsements are listed, along with credit hours and/or experience required, whether it is an accredited or approved program, and required subject areas or competencies. A directory of…

Reports the results of a survey which examined the availability and use of comic books in school libraries and the attitudes of librarians, teachers, and administrators toward such materials. A selected bibliography of articles that discuss the use of comic books as instructional materials is provided. (CLB)

An elementary school librarian initiated a survey of school librarians in Arizona to discover how they dealt with problems in scheduling classes in their media centers and developing curriculum to teach library skills. Results were used to support proposed changes to provide more flexible scheduling and increase teacher/librarian cooperation. (EM)

Discusses the popularity of prebound paperback books in secondary school libraries based on a survey of librarians in four states. Highlights include cost considerations, appeal, durability, selection, services, catalogs, and premiums. (EM)

Reports on questionnaire survey sent to 170 Arizonan elementary school librarians to determine if students are being used as aides and the extent of their involvement in library media programs. Highlights include organization of aides, selection requirements, scheduling practices, training, assigned tasks, program support, and future implications.…

Analysis of New England information science personnel needs focuses on job vacancies by specialization (1980-1983); priority personnel needs; overall personnel priorities; average of advertised salaries and job by type of employer; and demand for information, processing, and youth service workers. A substantial need for children's and school…

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians which indicates that most collective bargaining agreements do not address issues specifically related to the library. Strategies for expanding the rights of librarians are described, including collective bargaining, modification of district policy and/or administrative practices, and revision…

Discusses research on censorship attempts that occurred in schools and school libraries over the last decade, including studies that considered types of materials targeted, by whom, and with what results. The increase in school censorship and the problem of the often unclear use of the term censorship are discussed. (EM)

Second survey report (first was published October 1983) presents information on expenditures in library media centers for resources and audiovisual equipment, condition of collections and patterns in collection development, staffing and educational background of head library media specialist, and patterns of use of microcomputers by students and…

Discusses one school district's expanded use of video and cable communications to meet needs identified by a survey of students and their parents in the areas of instruction, staff development, public information, and user support. Topics discussed include user-based planning; overall goals; implementation; evaluation methods; problems; and…