Discusses the use of cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis in school library media centers and gives an example that compares three alternative methods for processing books in an elementary school library media collection. Cost accountability factors, effects on personnel and users, and library goals and objectives are also discussed. (three…

Describes four peer networking projects initiated by school library media specialists in Georgia that promoted curriculum development, collection development and library services, cooperation between school and public libraries to share online resources, and cooperation between public and school libraries to share magazine articles. (LRW)

Much is expected of today's school library media specialists with the many technological advances found in schools and library media centers. Oftentimes school library media specialists are spread thin in order to serve their patrons, and yet the public's demands for fast and quick access to information never stop. It pays for the school library…

Discusses the use of digital cameras in school library media centers and offers suggestions for teachers and students in elementary schools. Describes appropriate image-editing software; explains how to create panoramas, screen savers, and coloring books; and includes useful tips for digital photographers. (LRW)

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)

Presents issues about school networking: how network administrators differ from technology directors; what administrators, technology directors, teachers, and students need to know; whether school library media specialists should serve as network administrators; why basic networking knowledge is advantageous; causes of problems affecting networks;…

Describes and compares features of six camcorder formats. Identifies VHS and eight-millimeter camcorder formats as the most popular formats used in schools and reports advantages and disadvantages of these two formats as described by school library media specialists. Presents camcorder tips and offers hints for videotape cassette care. (JMV)

Presents information on government publications for school library media specialists, notes problems, and identifies selection aids. Topics include: the "Monthly Catalog" on CD-ROM, the Superintendent of Documents Classification System, GPO bookstores and depository libraries, how to purchase and promote the use of government…

This survey of 200 school media specialists in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina examined media production time and skills. Issues addressed included percentage of time spent in production, the importance of various skills, types of materials produced, and the adequacy of formal preparation for production. (Seven references)…

Discusses use of reciprocation in library operations. Library media specialists explain how reciprocation can enhance cooperation of teachers, students, and others. Suggestions include thank you cards or gifts to speakers; rewarding students for reading and good behavior; providing refreshments for repairmen; hosting parties; and relieving…

Presents tips for creating a successful schoolwide newsletter by using desktop publishing software applications. Provides examples of information to include in a library media center newsletter. Discusses readers' needs, layout and format, graphics, news leads and headlines, and visual images, as well as various newswriting and editing techniques.…

Describes projects and learning activities on photography that are useful for elementary and secondary school teachers. Highlights include Web sites; workshops; two specific projects; lesson plan sites on the Internet; photography contests; and trends relating to photography. (LRW)

Describes a variety of Internet threats to computers and networks used in schools. Discusses electronic trashing; clearing hard drives; cyber spying on Web sites visited; protection against cyber spying, including disposable email accounts; password sniffers; privacy policies; email snooping; email attachments that carry viruses; and hoaxes. (LRW)

Discusses ways to select and evaluate CD-ROM programs. Various evaluation and review sources are described, results of recent evaluations are related, curriculum ideas for using interactive electronic books in elementary school classes are suggested, sources for CD-ROM classroom activities are provided, and an example of a network CD-ROM exercise…

Describes the use of interactive whiteboards, a new type of instructional presentation technology that allows users to control computer applications from the board. Highlights include vendors; multimedia online instruction; rear-projection models; examples of classroom uses; contests and opportunities for schools to obtain interactive whiteboards;…