This discussion of library software packages includes guidelines for library automation with microcomputers; criteria to aid in software selection; comparison of some features of available acquisitions, circulation and overdues software; references for software reviews; additional information on microsoftware; and a directory of producers and…

Communication with the entire educational team and school community about the benefits to expect if a school library media specialist has the opportunity to fulfill his or her professional responsibility is critical. The school library media specialist can then develop objectives based on school needs and be evaluated on the outcomes. (EM)

Offers evaluation principles to be used in school library selection of film and video materials on foreign cultures, especially materials related to Asia. Role of The Asia Society, textbooks, inaccuracies and distortions, television coverage, and evaluation criteria are highlighted. Lists of Asian films and videos, publications, and organizations…

Outlines the stages in the decision-making process for libraries acquiring optical data disk systems, including the establishment of a project manager or task force, feasibility studies, creating a planning document, hardware and software evaluation, devising processes and policies, and analyzing contracts. (CLB)

Reviews the top periodical databases for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools based on the opinions of library media specialists and teachers. Explains the evaluation criteria which include searchability; navigability; help available; appearance, including consistency of page design; reading level; speed; document printing and…

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 common problems with signs used in school libraries and offers suggestions for improving their effectiveness. Techniques to be considered in designing legible signs are discussed, as well as developing a system of signs by evaluating their function in terms of instructional objectives. A list of suggested readings is provided. (CLB)

Discussion of the provision and management of technology by school library media specialists focuses on CD-ROMs in high schools. Highlights include needs assessment planning; funding options; management strategies; long-range planning; and sidebars which include a bibliography of materials that discuss CD-ROM, recommended conferences, and CD-ROM…

Discusses how librarians can evaluate information obtained from the World Wide Web. Sources of reviews are described, explanations for 22 evaluation criteria along with an example are included, and the future of Web evaluation is considered. (LRW)

Urges librarians to weed their nonfiction collections, particularly in the areas of science and technology, geography, and political science, and argues that it is better to send students from the library empty handed than to supply them with obsolete books. Guidelines for evaluating and weeding the reference and circulating collections are…

Discusses areas to be considered in planning for an automated system for a school library including standards; networking; hardware; cost; order of conversion; retrospective conversion; non-print bibliographic records; vendor reputation; integration with school management software; and subject access. Microcomputer integrated systems,…

Discusses 10 criteria for evaluating books for children: attractiveness; accuracy; authority; appropriateness; rhetoric; stereotypes; tone; cautions; format; and book design. (MES)

Comments on the genre of interactive fiction, noting the wide range of quality among these books. Quality is attributed to factors such as subject matter, writing style, ethical content, and the presence of stimulating motivations for readers' choices of plot branches. Several interactive books are used as examples. (MES)

Discusses the positive qualities of teen paperback romances that may be perceived by adolescents but not by adult readers. Guidelines to aid school librarians in evaluating teen romances and suggesting books to young readers are presented. A bibliography of seven teen romances is also provided. (CLB)

Argues for the importance of authenticity in children's picture-book folktales. The need for source notes, authors' and publishers' responsibility to provide them, and librarians' responsibility to consider them when selecting, using, and reviewing folktales are stressed. Source acknowledgment practices are explained, and examples with…