Describes the experience of a middle school library which instituted a no-fines policy, and summarizes the benefits of such a policy with regard to book losses and public relations. (FM)

Discussion of the use of teleconferencing by teacher-librarians focuses on teleconferences between middle school students and authors as part of reading motivation programs. Topics addressed include costs, how to contact authors, how to prepare students, procedures during and after the teleconference, benefits to students, and limitations of…

Discusses reasons for including sports books in school library reference collections, explains why they should not be found only in public library collections, and provides six annotated bibliographies of sports books suitable for intermediate or middle school library collections. (LRW)

Investigates reading preferences of an ethnically and economically diverse group of sixth-grade students from three middle schools. Shows that light materials (scary series books, comics, and magazines) top the list for every sub-group of students. Finds very limited availability of preferred materials in school; and shows that most students…

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'…

Describes the development of a reading incentive program at a school library for grades four through nine. Discusses a reading list provided by the librarian that students choose from; writing a summary of the book read in student journals; teacher participation that improves relationships with students; and motivation. (LRW)

Topics selected for this workshop reflect the growing concern for the role of the library media specialist as an integral member of the school's instructional team, working cooperatively with administrators, teachers, students, and members of the community in the evaluation, selection, and use of resources which support and enrich learning…

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.…

Discusses results of a national survey of state education agencies and elementary and middle school library media specialists that was conducted to determine what library media center and circulation statistics were being collected. The importance and usefulness of statistics for the funding of library media programs is also discussed. (10…

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)

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)…

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…