Discussion of historical events occurring worldwide within the general time frame of 1492 includes a bibliography of 95 books suitable for fourth to seventh graders. Techniques for teachers and librarians to use to present a more horizontal view of history are suggested. (LRW)

Because of the increasing importance of online databases, school library media specialists are encouraged to introduce students to online searching. Four books that would help media specialists gain a basic background are reviewed and it is noted that although they are very technical, they can be adapted to individual needs. (EM)

A study determined the perceptions of Indiana public school superintendents regarding their role in influencing the development of a community of readers in Indiana middle-grades schools. In 1993-94, subjects, 292 out of a total of 297 public school superintendents, completed surveys related to 10 selected reading issues, including students'…

Professional staff in school libraries and instructional media centers (IMCs) located in 229 Wisconsin middle and junior high schools were surveyed anonymously to collect information on censorship attempts in their schools during 1978-79 and 1979-80. A total of 212 surveys were returned. Survey participants were asked to respond to questions…

Suggests sources of information for African American History Month for library media specialists who work with students in grades four through eight. Gale Research's "African-American Reference Library," which includes "African-America Biography,""African-American Chronology," and "African-American Almanac,"…

Discusses how public relations can help make library media specialists and programs more visible and gives examples from a middle school library media center. Topics include monthly memos to school principals, including statistics; suggesting lesson plan ideas to teachers; attending department meetings; and helping out with routine school tasks.…

Describes the "International Dictionary of Ballet" and provides an activity for grades 6-9 that can be used by the school library media specialist in cooperation with the music teacher. Resource materials are listed (including books and nonprint materials), and suggestions for adaptation to other curriculum areas are offered. (LRW)

Describes activities and procedures that were developed to teach library research skills to grades five through eight using multimedia instruction, including the use of HyperStudio software. Highlights include library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, hardware and software requirements, evaluation, and…

Provides an instructional plan for integrating electronic media in the study of current events for grades six through eight through the collaboration of the classroom teacher and the library media specialist. Library-skills objectives, curriculum objectives, activities, evaluation, and follow-up are included. (Author/LRW)

Data from a computerized circulation system were used to analyze usage patterns of a middle school library (grades 6-8) and to suggest ways the available data may be interpreted and used to decide upon future collection management and acquisition policies. Tables show composition and use of the various ranges in the collection. (14 references)…

This paper considers the purposes, methods, findings, and significance of the British Library LESSEN (Learning Support for Special Education Needs) Project. The focus was on Year 7 students (students aged 11-12, in their first year of secondary education) in ten English secondary schools who were on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register…

Describes the structure of the graphical user interface for the digital resource library presently in use at three Baltimore middle schools. Focuses on video overview and preview mechanisms which are designed to facilitate users' exploration of the whole resource collection, support rapid browsing of object surrogates, and provide access to…

Students at Woodridge Middle School in Peninsula, Ohio, have access to a brand new library which houses more than 10,000 items. This study examined whether students take advantage of the school library and its resources when completing school assignments. A random sample of students in grades six through eight was given a questionnaire to fill out…

Emphasizing the role of the library media specialist, this book provides a framework for collaboration among media specialists, teachers and administrators to help middle school students master the skills necessary for continued academic success and lifelong learning. The book reviews middle school philosophy and goals in light of recent…

An annotated bibliography of reference books for school libraries from kindergarten through ninth grade is presented. Following brief sample lists of basic reference collections for primary, intermediate, and junior high school libraries are annotated bibliographies of encyclopedias, dictionaires, factbooks and yearbooks, indexes, atlases,…