Reports on the certification requirements for school library media specialists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Testing and educational requirements are given, competencies and skills needed in various subject areas are listed, and the role of the American Library Association is explained. A directory of credentialing agencies is…

Discusses use of federal funds for school libraries provided by Chapter II Block Grants created by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Increased spending for such items as library materials, instructional equipment, and microcomputers is enumerated. Five ways for librarians to obtain and monitor funds are outlined. (EJS)

Describes the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services and assesses its impact on youth services in school and public libraries. It is concluded that the conference had little influence on youth services and ways in which youth librarians can take a more active role in the upcoming second conference are discussed. (two…

Describes the censure of the Racine Unified School District by the Wisconsin Library Association for its internal censorship of library materials. Highlights include a chronology of events in the case, the district's history of censorship, its selection policy, and the importance of the case as a model. (EM)

Discusses recent changes in Supreme Court interpretation of the First Amendment with regard to public school students, and reviews a 1988 case, Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which decided in favor of the principals' right to censor written or spoken student communication. (MES)

Outlines competencies needed by librarians working with young adults in any type of information agency. Developed by the Education Committee of the Young Adult Services Division, competencies are listed in seven areas: leadership and professionalism, knowledge of client group, communication, administration, knowledge of materials, access to…

This discussion of movie censorship outlines federal court cases involving controversial films which led to the development of the Motion Picture Association of America Code and Rating System. The Age-Classification System and the President's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography established in 1968 are described. (EJS)