Discusses the concept of "Blur" (described in "Blur: The Speed of Change in the Connected Economy") and what the technology-based, expanded connectivity means for K-12 educators and information specialists. Reviews online and print resources that deal with the rapid development of technology and its effects on society. (AEF)

Discusses the changing shift in education, including learning resources centers, from a production to a consumer mind-set, focusing on the activity of learning rather than teaching. Highlights include learning communities; personal mastery; developing a vision; the interconnectedness of organizations; harmony and balance, similar to feng shui; and…

Describes the process of writing grant proposals to obtain money for school library media programs. Responding to a Request for Proposals (RFP) is explained; identifying possible funding groups is discussed; elements of a proposal are described, including goals, evaluation, and budget needs; and six additional resources are suggested. (LRW)

Reviews four articles from the "Phi Delta Kappan" that describe the educational context impacting the school library media profession. Topics covered include the educational system from the viewpoint of the National Commission on Excellence in Education report "A Nation at Risk"; strengths and weaknesses of American education;…

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)

Discusses the "axemaker" school librarian, drawing the concept of innovators for survival and growth of the human species, from Burke and Ornstein's "The Axemaker's Gift: A Double-Edged History of Human Culture." Examines contributions of library science to society and suggests that "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning" is the…

Discusses the growing problem of violence in schools and communities. Emphasizes the need for school library media programs to provide information related to concerns about violence. Provides an annotated bibliography of solution-oriented print and web-related resources, programs to increase mutual respect among students and school staff, and…

Provides an introduction to a series of articles that will review nine information literacy models for library media specialists. Topics will include integrating information literacy into the K-12 curriculum; whether the model has been tested in a controlled research environment and in the actual schools; developmental levels; and advice to media…

Discusses issues of censorship and intellectual freedom that affect library media specialists and librarians. An annotated list of relevant resource materials is included, and suggestions for further action are given, including examining the library's material selection policy statement and involving students and teachers. (LRW)

Reviews 19 recent publications from professional associations and the federal government that address areas impacting directly on school library media programs and media specialists. Suggestions for obtaining and using the publications are offered. (CLB)

Discusses site-based management in schools and suggests implications for school library media specialists. Topics addressed include historical background, including total quality management; current changes in education, including school restructuring; and a review of recent research and literature from 1990-93. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of the media specialist and offers ideas for library orientation. The concept of invitational education (i.e., education aimed at creating a total school environment that summons teachers and students to realize their potential and to make classrooms inviting) is considered and several related resources are suggested. (MES)

Discusses ways that school media specialists can address the needs of latchkey children and at-risk students. A total of 21 resources providing background information and suggestions for dealing with the issues involved are listed. (MES)

Discussion of ways to improve student focuses on the simple concept of letting students read whatever they choose, including comic books or so-called trashy books. Barriers to this approach are discussed, including the difficulty in breaking away from past practices and academic research that is unhelpful to practitioners. (LRW)

Discussion of legal aspects of using intellectual property appropriately by school library media specialists focuses on copyright and fair use, based on "Information Power II". Highlights include keeping faculty and staff well-informed about the laws; and helpful resources, including background reading, books, and online resources. (LRW)