This second edition provides key information, updated program ideas, and practical tips that will help library workers feel more prepared to serve members of this prevalent population. Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more…

Stemming from an American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Chapters concern, the 2018 American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders team was charged with creating a guide for AASL to support school librarians in addressing challenges related to censorship and patron privacy issues, particularly with LGBTQ+ materials. "Defending…

Literacy and access to quality literacy instruction and resources is an issue of equity and an issue of social justice. Being literate represents the difference between inclusion in and exclusion from society. Examining how literacy experiences are being provided to children is critical to fulfilling this basic human right. This guide--written…

School librarians should consistently build relationships to foster collaborative work. For the school librarian, collaboration begins with both the business side of the library and personal interactions. True collaborations involve varied partnerships with shared planning and responsibilities. A co-teacher is expected to share in all aspects of…

Librarianship places an ethical demand on practitioners to put patrons or library users' interests before self-interest, and indeed, this is the hallmark of any service profession. But what obligation do school librarians have to their peer librarians and educators? The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association offers this principle, "We…

When school librarians are hired, most of them will find positions as the only librarian in the school. Their training, their ideals, and what was once a clear vision of the profession can become murky when removed from their classrooms, their professors, and their peers. New school librarians can look for help in the district policies and…

To assume the role of technology leaders and information literacy specialists in their schools, librarians need access to the most current information. And, they do this by helping each other. There are many definitions, but professional learning networks (PLNs) involve sharing work-related ideas with a network of colleagues via various digital…

A healthy volunteer program can be a great asset to any school library. Volunteers do much of the routine work that then frees the librarian to work with students individually or in groups, providing instruction and reading guidance. In addition to the physical work volunteers provide, they become strong advocates for a school library program…

This practical, hands-on guide is designed to assist school library media specialists in planning, funding, implementing, and promoting special events programs. The text contains program ideas, planning documents, and tips for successful programs. Guidelines are provided on how to incorporate special events programs into a yearly curriculum plan,…

Designed to provide insight into both the philosophical and emotional dimensions of community conflicts over students' exposure to ideas, this report summarizes 4 current court cases and 16 previous decisions in cases involving the banning of books, magazines, and films from public schools. Some details of two recent cases are provided to…

Suggests utilizing community resources for school library programming as a technique for influencing student use of the library. Establishing resource files, preparation and objectives of the program, coordinating announcements and/or invitations to participate, documentation of the program, evaluation of the program, and indirect benefits are…

Updates a directory of national youth-serving and youth advocacy organizations which appeared in the spring 1985 issue of "Top of the News." The directory has been compiled to share information about new projects and publications among children's librarians. (EM)

Many students who enroll in a community college "Information Research" course come from three local school districts. Of those three districts, only one has librarians. Through examining grade rosters, this study demonstrates that student achievement is substantially higher for students who come from high schools that have librarians and…

This article focuses upon ways in which school librarians can influence education that values cultural pluralism and offers hints for locating various community resources that can enhance school programs (library material selection, community resource files, questionnaires, ethnic festivals, public and university libraries, planned cultural…

In 1985, the American Association of School Libraries declared April as School Library Media Month. The New Hampshire Educational Media Association (NHEMA) Board chose April 17th as the day for all New Hampshire school library media centers to focus on the role that they play in the total school program. This booklet suggests a wide variety of…