As the need to access information increases, school librarians must create virtual libraries. Linked to reliable reference resources, the virtual library extends the physical collection and library hours and lets students learn to use Web-based resources in a protected learning environment. The growing number of virtual schools increases the need…

Discusses the need for library science to examine users' search behaviors in the context of social cognition and creative problem solving. Topics covered include the psychology of search behavior, problem solving approaches to library instruction in online searching, and problem solving protocols. (29 references) (CLB)

Discusses teaching responsibilities and related activities of school library media specialists; considers the role of teachers and media specialists as researchers; discusses testing, reasons for testing, and alternatives to testing, including portfolio evaluation; mentions the integration of mathematics into the curriculum, including library…

This paper describes the rationale behind and the development and utilization of a bibliographic instruction course which incorporates formal abstract reasoning skills. The limitations of the search strategy technique of bibliographic instruction are discussed as well as the fact that many college students have not developed sophisticated…

This conference report contains 5 addresses and 29 reports on the general theme of the school library as a center for lifelong learning. Submitted by librarians throughout the world, the reports reflect theoretical as well as practical perspectives, and include the following topics: (1) establishing, developing, and evaluating library resource…

Presents the position of the American Association of School Librarians on the essential contribution of school library media programs to elementary education. Twelve principles that codify the role of school library media centers are given and 35 research studies supporting them are listed. (EM)

Describes the results of a survey of elementary education faculty at schools of education in Ohio designed to explore attitudes toward the elementary teacher's role in research skills instruction; library instruction in teacher training programs; and the relationship of critical thinking skills to the library research process. (CLB)

This book is a compilation of over 400 hints and ideas written by practicing school library media and technology specialists. Ideas are drawn from the "ShopTalk" column in "Library Talk: The Magazine for Elementary School Library Media and Technology Specialists." The book is organized in the following eight sections: (1) Putting Your Best Image…

Explains resource-based teaching and the necessary teamwork involving teachers and media specialists. Topics discussed include the librarian's role in curriculum planning; the role of school principals; implementation problems facing librarians; competencies needed by media specialists for curriculum planning; and how to gather support for…

Reviews current trends in instructional assessment and proposes a model for assessing information skills instruction in school library media centers using principles advocated in outcome-based education (OBE). Assessment techniques discussed include observation, journals, student projects, paper and pencil tests, self-evaluation, peer evaluation,…

Teaching critical thinking is a relatively new dimension of bibliographic instruction (BI) in the academic environment. It marks a departure from the teaching of "user skills" in which the primary concern is enabling library patrons to determine the appropriateness of reference tools and to use those tools effectively. This report assembles a…

Key elements of information literacy are identified, and a rationale is presented for the integration of information literacy in all aspects of the kindergarten through grade 12 and postsecondary curricula. Many aspects of the school restructuring movement and library media programs relate directly to information literacy and its impact on student…

Describes the Ohio State University Libraries' Gateway to Information project, which was developed to help users find, evaluate, and select materials in any format; access online catalogs and CD-ROM databases; and apply information seeking and critical thinking skills independently. Funding support is discussed and Gateway's impact on the future…

At the 1989 annual meeting of the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) used a think tank as a dynamic mechanism for exploring future directions both in the discipline of library user education and for the Bibliographic Instruction (BI) Section of ACRL. Discussion centered on the following…

Presents information on library services to children and youth that was prepared for the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Children's needs and library responses are suggested, including locating and using information, use of current technology, equal access to information, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.…