Welcome to the 21st century, where many students turn to Google as their main source of information. In fact, some kids wouldn't look anywhere else but the Internet. So what does that mean for nonfiction books? Five years ago, everybody warned that fresh, interactive digital content would eventually replace old-fashioned books. However, last…

The school library should be the primary place for teaching the skill of critical thinking. (Author)

Recommends a program of effective course-related library instruction in such areas as specialized encyclopedias, explaining research, locating sources, and use of indexes for students in secondary schools. (CMV)

This project designed to teach library and thinking skills to grade 7 students emphasized the importance of metacognition. Students were asked to choose a research topic and to prepare and evaluate daily research strategies. Allotment of time for planning and reflecting on strategies was considered crucial to the project. (MES)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Describes visual aids that can be used to help hearing impaired children participate in library story hours as well as programs for library instruction and encouraging reading. Factors to be considered in selecting appropriate library materials for this group are discussed, and book selection aids and information sources are indicated. (CMV)

Describes a method for teaching junior high school students doing library research a presearch process that helps them to relate research to prior knowledge of a topic and to develop questions about it. Criteria for judging students' presearches are included. (MES)

Describes the implementation of flexible scheduling in an elementary school library media program. Topics addressed include integration of library skills into the curriculum, cross-curriculum teaching, integration of the library media program into the school's total program, making certain all students are involved, managing library resources, and…

Discusses the benefits of flexible scheduling in school media centers and emphasizes the importance of cooperation among media specialists, teachers, administrators, and volunteers in successfully implementing flexible scheduling. The experiences of a school media specialist who introduced flexible scheduling in the media center at Whiskey Bottom…

Discusses how to help students apply thinking skills to library research and provides examples of techniques for teaching comparing and contrasting, sequencing, classifying, cause and effect, problem solving, and decision making. Examples were effective with middle schoolers but could also be adapted for high school or older elementary school…

Provides the following seven guidelines to help librarians better serve mentally disabled students: (1) consult with teachers; (2) select appropriate materials; (3) identify essential library skills; (4) create illustrated signs; (5) be creative about funding; (6) take regular field trips; and (7) don't limit the materials. A list of resources and…

Discusses the rise in circulation in the Douglas Public Library District (Colorado) due to expanding educational options. Highlights include the Charter Schools Act, library skills instruction, home-schoolers' use of the library, materials availability, year-round reading programs, Internet benefits, and staffing increases and changes. (AEF)

Discusses the results of the California "Tax Revolt," specifically Proposition 13, on public services. Examines the relationship between declining literacy levels and a lack of library skills; and proposes a program where libraries and schools can work together to restore library funding, adapt library instruction, and promote literacy.…

This 5-article section provides an annotated bibliography of 39 books about computer technology; describes peripheral equipment essential for building computer systems; suggests an approach to software evaluation and selection; describes the implementation of a computer program for elementary/secondary students and teachers; and reviews 34…

Discussion of the integration of library skills into the curriculum focuses on a program in which fifth grade students researched historical figures, learned about historical connections, created bibliographies, and wrote reports. Program implementation is described, and the positive results are reported. (four references) (NRP)