A regional library model policy statement on circulation of potentially controversial materials to school districts is presented. The procedure utilized to make service areas aware of these materials and to facilitate communication between principals and the regional library on how these materials will be dispensed to teachers is also presented.…

Describes how to use effective signage, or visual guidance, for more efficient use of CD-ROM technology in elementary and secondary school library media centers. Setting CD-ROM policies and procedures is considered; the use of posters, brochures, flowcharts, and other formats is discussed; and examples are included. (LRW)

Discusses the development of copyright policies for school districts and colleges and universities. Purposes of a copyright policy are explained; differing interpretations of the copyright law are considered; and topics which should be included in policies are listed, including copyright prohibitions, liability, copyright manual, and appropriate…

Points out some of the library media center policies that have changed because of technology. Highlights include the following: standards-based policies, legal issues, key American Library Association policies from the 1998 Information Power guidelines, suggestions for creating policies, and adoption of policies by the appropriate governing body.…

It has been observed that one historical role of the public library is serving the nation's youth. Current economic and social conditions have created the phenomenon of the "latchkey child"--the school-aged child who has no parent or guardian at home after school hours and has no alternative care arrangement. In light of this, this…

Presents the research finding that collection development based on sound principles can ensure both better quality materials and increased use by teachers and students. Findings suggesting that collection development should be a cooperative enterprise framed by board- and school-approved guidelines are listed. (seven references) (EA)

Presents a strategy for completing a library media center policy review, from evaluating existing policies through submitting policies to the school board for approval. Special attention is paid to issues related to the use of new technologies in middle and high school library media centers, including student/faculty technology use, circulation,…

Intended to be a practical guide to the issues that arise under the First Amendment for libraries that provide public access to the Internet, this book contains the following chapters: (1) "Questions and Answers about the First Amendment: Sex, Lies, and Cyberspace"; (2) "Basic First Amendment Principles and Their Application to…

Discusses Web sites operated by extremist groups and considers how school library media specialists can educate students about hate groups and teach strategies to recognize inappropriate sites. Topics include critical thinking; limiting access through filters; developing Web access policies; and creating computer use agreements. (LRW)

Discusses teenage pregnancy and sexuality and suggests ways in which librarians can help provide access to appropriate and needed information. Highlights include developing policies and procedures for dealing with sexual issues, collection development, organizing information and making it accessible, and a brief teen pregnancy bibliography. (LRW)

Focuses on the issue of ethical use of the Internet in schools, and suggests that by devising and implementing acceptable use policies, and providing students with a set of ethical guidelines, schools and libraries can deal with the situation before it becomes a problem. Discusses and the need for parents to be included in policy formation and to…

Designed to assist educators in developing or revising school/library copyright policy, this packet provides the following materials: (1) a viewer's guide for the film "Copyright Law: What Every School, College, and Public Library Should Know"; (2) a statement of the primary missions of the Association for Information Media and Equipment (AIME);…

This book is intended to guide library administrators--directors and departmental managers in public, school, and academic libraries--through the many complex decisions inherent in managing public Internet access. The handbook systematically deals with each possible element of an Internet policy. It identifies the options available at each…

Sample documents are provided to assist a school library media center in Oklahoma in preparing a policy handbook applicable to the library's particular situation. The operating policy defines the purpose of the library and the library media specialist, as well as the users, schedule, orientation and instruction practices, and circulation…

With increasing Internet access, library media specialists are implementing acceptable use policies to govern student conduct online. Policy components include definition and purpose; rights, responsibilities, and risks; penalties; and parental consent. Effective policies have input from all community members, are concise, and serve as guidelines…