Pathfinder Repository



Resources for the School Librarian

General Information and Where to Start

This pathfinder is intended for school librarians, to help them find material on the Web specific to the professional

practice of K-12 school librarianship. It provides a starting point for locating Internet and print resources on school

media organizations, professional networking, using and teaching the Internet, developing school library Web sites, and

current practice.

 

School Libraries and Librarians on the Web |

Associations |

Listservs |

Electronic and Print Periodicals |

Resources for Teaching Information Skills |

Teaching the Web |

Learning and Using the Web |

Curriculum Connections |

General Resources |

Professional Reading


School Libraries and Librarians on the Web

Many school librarians from around the world have created Websites. Search these sites

for the great resources other school librarians recommend. If you are developing your own Website,

these are great places to browse for ideas.

School Libraries on the Web: A Directory

http://www.sldirectory.com/index.html

Linda Bertland, librarian at Stetson Middle School, Philadelphia, PA, maintains this listing of

school library Web pages from the United States and around the world. When you are finished creating your

Website, you can add it to the list.

Peter Milbury’s School Librarian Web Pages

http://www.school-libraries.net/

Besides containing a list of school library Web pages from around the world, this site also includes

information on the school librarians who maintain these sites.

Canadian Teacher-Librarians’ Resource Pages

 

Includes a directory of Canadian school library Web pages.

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Associations

Joining a local, national, or international school media association can be a great way to gain support for your profession.

Associations can provide you access to resources, inform you of current events, and introduce you to other professionals

with your interests.

K-12 School Librarian Professional Association Pages

http://www.cusd.chico.k12.ca.us/~pmilbury/pro.html

A list of K-12 school librarian professional association pages created by Peter Milbury. Includes specific U.S. state and country associations.

International Association of School Librarianship (IASL)

http://www.iasl-slo.org/

The International Association of School Librarianship provides an international forum for people interested in school media.

It provides resources and guidance for the school library profession and for the development of school library programs. For further information,

contact:

International Association of School Librarianship (IASL)

Suite 300, Box 34069

1400 – 12 Ave. S.W.

Seattle, WA 98124-1069, USA

Fax: 604-925-0566

E-mail: iasl@rockland.com

American Association of School Libraries (AASL)

http://www.ala.org/aasl/

The American Association of School Librarians supports the planning and development of library programs in elementary and secondary schools.

For further information, contact:

American Association of School Libraries (AASL)

50 East Huron Street

Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Toll-free telephone: 800-545-2433

AASL direct dial: 312-280-4386

Fax: 312-664-7459

E-mail: AASL@ala.org

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

http://www.ala.org/yalsa/

The Young Adult Library Services Association promotes quality library service for teenagers in all libraries. It provides resources and guidance

on developing programs for young adults. For further information, contact:

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

50 East Huron Street

Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Toll-free telephone: 800-545-2433 ext 4390

Fax: 312-664-7459

E-mail: YALSA@ala.org

Canadian School Library Association (CSLA)

http://www.cla.ca/divisions/csla/index.htm

One of the main goals of the Canadian School Library Association is to promote school library media service throughout Canada.

For further information, contact:

Canadian School Library Association (CSLA)

A Division of the Canadian Library Association (CLA)

200 Elgin Street, Suite 602

Ottawa, Ontario

CANADA K2P 1L5

Telephone: 613-232-9625

Fax: 613-563-9895

E-mail: hgunn@accesscable.net

CLA Web site

http://www.cla.ca/

Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada (ATLC)

http://www.atlc.ca/

The Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada (ATLC) promotes teacher-librarianship and provides a voice for those working in school libraries.

For further information, contact:

Association for Teacher-Librarianship in Canada (ATLC)

P.O. Box 9

Pouch Cove, NF A0A 3L0

Fax: 709-335-2978

E-mail: olgate@ultranet.ca

Australian School Library Association (ASLA)

http://www.asla.org.au/

The Australian School Library Association (ASLA) provides school library resources and services to educators in Australia.

For further information, contact:

Australian School Library Association (ASLA)

PO Box 450

Belconnen ACT 2616

E-mail: asladaw@atrax.net.au

School Library Association (United Kingdom)

http://www.sla.org.uk/

The School Library Association has supported school libraries for over 60 years. For further information, contact:

School Library Association

Liden Library

Barrington Close

Liden, Swindon

Wiltshire SN3 6HF

United Kingdom

Phone: 44 (0) 1793

617838

Fax: 44 (0) 1793 537374

E-mail: info@SLA.org.uk

Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT)

http://www.aect.org/

The Association for Educational Communications and Technology provides leadership by linking professionals with a common interest

in educational technology and learning. For further information, contact:

Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT)

1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 820

Washington, DC 20005-3516, USA

Phone: 202-347-7834

FAX: 202-347-7839

E-mail: stanz@aect.org

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Listservs

You may want to check out the following school librarian listservs to share experiences and view other practioner

perspectives on school librarianship:

LM_Net

http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/

LM_NET is a discussion group open to school library media specialists worldwide.

IASL-Link

http://www.iasl-slo.org/iasl-link.html

IASL-LINK is the International Association of School Librarians’ Internet listserv. It is a closed listserv for

members of the Association.

AASLFORUM

 

The members only electronic discussion list of the American Association of School Librarians.

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Electronic and Print Periodicals

The periodicals listed below are available electronically, in print, or in both formats, as noted in the individual

annotations. Most have Web sites with information about the print publication, sample material, and information on how

to subscribe.

Professional Practice Magazines

School Library Journal Online

http://www.slj.com/

An online companion to the monthly print magazine, School Library Journal.

Knowledge Quest

 

The official journal of the American Association of School Librarians, published five times a year. Knowledge Quest is

devoted to offering substantive information to assist building-level library media specialists, supervisors, library

educators, and other decision-makers concerned with the development of school library media programs and services.

Full content available in print format only.

Teacher Librarian

http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/

Teacher Librarian explores current issues in the practice of school librarianship including professional materials in

education, strategies for better management, and information technologies. Full content available in print format only.

VOYA

http://www.voya.com/

VOYA, for Voice of Youth Advocates, is a bi-monthly magazine serving those who serve young adults. It combines articles w

ith practical advice and reviews of YA materials. Full content available in print format only.

School Library Media Research

 

The AASL’s refereed research journal assists school library media practitioners in integrating theory and

practice and encourages scholarship and research in the school library media field. Available in electronic format.

JOYS: The Journal of Youth Services in Libraries

 

A periodical published jointly by the ALSC and YALSA divisions of ALA.

Instructional Technology Periodicals

Media &Methods

http://www.media-methods.com/

A bimonthly publication of the American Society of Educators, this magazine discusses the use of technology in the

classroom and provides reviews of multi-media materials and equipment. Full content available in print format only.

TechTrends for Leaders in Education and Training

http://www.aect.org/Intranet/Publications/techtrends/4604.asp

A bimonthly publication of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology with articles on how the latest developments in technology affect education and training. Full content available in print format only.

e School News online

http://www.eschoolnews.com/

A monthly newsletter published during the school year discussing K-12 educational technology, available in both print

and electronic formats.

Electronic School

http://www.electronic-school.com/

Electronic School is a technology magazine for K-12 school leaders published quarterly as a print and online supplement to

The American School Board Journal, in cooperation with the Institute for the Transfer of Technology to

Education (ITTE).

MultiMedia Schools

http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/default.htm

A bimonthly journal, written by and for K-12 educators, with practical articles on using multi-media materials and

equipment in the classroom. Full content available in print format only.

Review Journals

Book Links

http://www.ala.org/BookLinks/

This attractive bimonthly magazine for teachers, librarians, and parents presents bibliographies of books and other

materials organized around themes. It discusses preschool through middle school level materials. Full content available in print format only.

Book List

http://www.ala.org/booklist/index.html

Published 22 times a year, this is the ALA’s review of adult books, children’s books, reference books, electronic reference

tools, and other audiovisual materials. Full content available in print format only.

Canadian Review of Materials

http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/

The Canadian Review of Materials is a reviewing journal for books, video and audiotapes, and CD-ROMS produced for young

people. It is published biweekly by the Manitoba Library Association in electronic format only.

Horn Book

http://www.hbook.com/mag.shtml

An independently published, bimonthly review of children’s literature. Full content available in print format only.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/puboff/bccb/

Monthly children’s book review journal for school and public librarians. Full content available in print format only.

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Resources for Teaching Information Skills

One of the school librarian’s most important responsibilities is to teach students research and information skills.

The following Web sites provide information and resources to assist the school librarian in teaching these skills.

Curricular Resources in Media Literacy/Studies

http://www.cln.org/subjects/media_cur.html

Many of the links at this site contain relevant information for the information instructor.

Information Literacy

 

Maintained by the Washington Library Media Association, this site provides a comprehensive study of information literacy

including research, state and national standards, lessons and activities, and relevant Web sites.

Lesson Plans &Teaching Activities for School Librarians

http://www.libertynet.org/lion/lessons.html

LION presents a complete packet on information skills including lessons and activities, links to curriculum

documents, and related books and periodicals. You can also add you own information skills lesson.

ICONnect: Connecting Learners to Information

 

A technology initiative of the American Assoication of School Librarians, ICONnect is developed especially for school

librarians. It is devoted to Internet training in the classroom. Special features include online instruction for the

librarian, curriculum connections, and publications on information training.

The Big6 Skills Information Problem-Solving Approach

http://www.Big6.com/

Includes instruction in the six skill areas necessary for information problem solving.

This provides a great framework for an information skills curriculum.

The Big Six Information and Problem-Solving Strategy

http://www.redlands.qld.edu.au/library/bigsix.html

A modified version of the Big Six strategy created by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz of the University of Syracuse.

This site will provide information that will help you adapt the Big6 approach to your own teaching style.

Wanniassa Hills Information Skills Project

 

An information instruction program that developed from the concerns of teachers at Wanniassa Hills Primary School.

It provides excellent resources including an overview and rationale for the project, a teachers guide, and student tutorials and activities.

NUEVA Library Research

http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/~debbie/library/research/research.html

A flexible program for teaching students the research process.

A Measure of Student Success: Assessing Information Problem-Solving Skills

http://fromnowon.org/oakharbor.html

After examining many standards and rubrics involved in information instruction programs, the authors of this site

created their own rubrics to match a seven step research cycle. A good tool for adapting a research instruction unit or

program.

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Teaching the Web

The following are resources school librarians can use to teach students (and themselves) how to navigate the Web.

Searching the Net and

Integrating the Internet in Your Curriculum

http://wms.luminet.net/staffdev/handouts/Beyond_Surfing.html

Included in this site are practical ideas from media specialists and

teachers on using the Internet as an educational tool. Great general instruction and curriculum guidance.

Technology Coordinator’s Home Page

http://rowlf.cc.wwu.edu:8080/~kenr/TCsite/home.html

A thorough catalog of resources that will help the school librarian and educator integrate technology into

their programs.

Learn to Use the Internet as a Curriculum

Resource

onlineco.html

Designed specifically for school librarians, teachers, and students, ICONnect online courses provide basic and

advanced instruction on using the Internet.

 

Choose the Best Engine for Your Purpose

http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/~debbie/library/research/adviceengine.html

A guide for choosing a search engine that will best fulfill your specific needs.

Provides some great information for students on the different ways to use search engines.

 

Sink or Swim: Internet Search Tools &Techniques

 

A complete overview on how to use search tools on the Web. Though not a specific school librarian resource,

this can give you some great ideas for instruction.

 

Evaluation Rubrics for Websites

http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/online/eval.htm

Provided are great evaluation tools for students. You can choose the rubric for the age level you are working with,

and it will guide students in their evaluation of Web sites.

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Learning and Using the Web

Many school librarians need assistance on how to use the Internet for their own purposes. These resources provide

a starting point for learning to use the Internet for educational programs.

 

BCK2SKOL Lessons: A Class on the Net for Librarians with Little or No Net Experience

 

Online classes (including exams) for the school librarian with little or no experience using the Web–a great place to get

started.

 

LION Internet Forum for School Librarians

http://www.libertynet.org/lion/forum-inter.html

LION’s comprehensive site for the school librarian including tutorials on how to compose using HTML and how to develop

a school library Web site–an excellent collection of resources!

 

Resources for Creating an HTML Document

http://www.tiac.net/users/eberne/jantools.htm

Created by a school librarian, this site includes everything you will need to know about composing for the Web.

 

Adventures of Cyberbee

http://www.cyberbee.com/

You will find a wealth of resources for the school librarian including especially helpful resources for creating a

school Web site, evaluating Web resources, and enhancing the curriculum with the Internet.

 

Online Web Projects

http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/sites/online.htm

Instruction on how to create an online Website. Once you have some basic skills, join an online project to use your

skills and gain more experience.

 

Internet Basics by GFC Global

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/what-is-the-internet/1/

This site is dedicated to teaching students of all ages about using the Internet. Specifically helpful to the school

librarian is instruction on Web development and the CGI process.

 

The School Library as Information Provider: The Home Page

http://www.hi.is/~anne/slhomepage.html

A paper that provides a rationale for why your school library needs a Web page.

 

Thinking Critically about WWW Resources

http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/instruct/web/critical.htm

The World Wide Web has a lot to offer, but not all sources are equally valuable or reliable. Here are some points to

consider. For additional points regarding Websites for subject disciplines, see the section on discipline-based

resources.

 

Ten C’s for Evaluating Internet Sources

http://www.uwec.edu/Admin/Library/Guides/tencs.html

Provides ten criteria for evaluating Web sites.

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Curriculum Connections

These resources will help the school librarian assist educators with instructional design and use of the Internet

to enhance the curriculum.

 

David Levin’s Learning @Web.sites

http://www.ecnet.net/users/gdlevin/home.html

An award-winning guide intended to help secondary educators use the Internet to enhance their teaching.

A wealth of information on all subject areas including the school library.

 

The Global Schoolhouse

http://www.gsn.org/

Offers programs that help teachers integrate use of the Internet into their teaching. Intended for all levels

of Internet use, and includes activities for students at all age levels.

 

Web66: A K12 World Wide Web Project

http://web66.umn.edu/

This project is designed to help educators integrate the Internet into their curriculum. Goals include providing assistance

with setting up and using the technology, along with helping educators find resources on the Web.

 

Educational Hotlists

http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/hotlists/hotlists.html

Lists are organized by subject and have already been screened for their “educational appropriateness.” To make a list,

a site should stimulate creative thinking. A good resource on science and social studies subject areas.

 

Ask ERIC

http://ericir.syr.edu/

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) provides educational information, assistance, and services through

their sixteen subject-specific clearninghouses.

 

Blue Web’n

http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/

A database of the most useful, educational Internet resources categorized by subject, audience, and type of resource.

 

Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators

http://discoveryschool.com/schrockguide/

A categorized list of Internet resources that are useful for enhancing the curriculum and professional development.

 

ProTeacher

http://www.proteacher.com/

A Web directory of lesson plans and activities organized into thematic and subject areas for elementary

school teachers and parents.

 

The Amazing Picture Machine: An NCRTEC Index to Graphical Resources on the Internet

http://www.ncrtec.org/picture.htm

Provides ideas on how to use available Internet resources to obtain pictures and graphics that enhance lesson

plans.

 

Computer Pals Across the World

http://reach.ucf.edu/~cpaw/

CPAW provides a variety of project opportunities for students and teachers from around the world to communicate about

their own experiences.

 

The U.S. Department of Education

http://www.ed.gov/

Stay up to date on the U.S. Department of Education’s initiatives and plans for K-12 education.

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General Resources

These comprehensive sites cover broad areas of school librarianship and provide links to many other valuable

resources.

Librarian’s Information Online Network

http://www.libertynet.org/lion/lion.html

Created by the Library Services of the School District of Philadelphia as a comprehensive information resource for K-12 school librarians.

School Library Hotspots

http://home.mbnet.mb.ca/~mstimson/text/hotspots.html

This comprehensive site includes sections on instruction, materials sources and reviews, literature, and Web awareness, among others.

Digital Librarian

http://www.digital-librarian.com/

A librarian’s list of links for over 30 topics.

Best Information on the Net – Librarianship

http://library.sau.edu/bestinfo/Library/libindex.htm

A myriad of sites for librarians sorted by topic.

TLA Resources for School Librarians

http://toltec.lib.utk.edu/~tla/school.html

The Tennessee Library Association’s list of resources for school librarians.

Internet School Library Media Center

http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/index.html

A directory of sites for librarians and teachers in digital libraries. Sections include copyright, professional

networking, professional publications, and many sections specific to subject or grade level.

LibrarySpot

http://www.libraryspot.com

Another excellent, well organized, comprehensive site. Includes a directory of “Ask an Expert” sites.

IASL Links to School Library Resources

http://www.hi.is/~anne/linksiasl.html

The International Association of School Librarians maintains an impressive list of links for school librarians.

Teacher-Librarian Links

 

This site created by a Canadian Teacher-Librarian is divided into useful sections like Cataloguing, Lesson Plans and Activities, Associations, and Website Design and Clipart.

Also, feel free to explore Yahoo!‘s directory by clicking on:

Reference – Libraries –

School Libraries.

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Professional Reading

There is a whole body of professional literature for the school librarian. In an academic library, you can find material

using the Library of Congress subject heading: School Libraries and class number Z675.S3. In a public library

using the Dewey Decimal classification system, look under the call number 027.8.

Here are some of the newest releases in professional reading.

American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Information power: Building partnerships for learning. ALA, 1998.

AASL and AAECT’s latest edition of the standards for school media programs in K-12 education.

Everhart, Nancy. Evaluating the school library media center: Analysis techniques and research practices.

Libraries Unlimited, 1998.

Includes techniques, guidelines, and ready-to-use forms for evaluating the school library media center.

Flowers, Helen F. Public relations for school library media programs: 500 ways to influence people and win

friends for your school library media center. Neal Schuman, 1998.

Learn how to help parents, teachers, administrators, and students recognize the value of the school library media center.

Gorman, Michael. Our singular strengths: Meditations for librarians. ALA, 1998.

A good source of ideas for thought and discussion, Gorman presents 150 mediations with insights into librarianship today.

He discusses a number of issues including cataloging, e-mail in the library, ALA

conferences, and the image of the librarian.

Johnson, Doug. The indispensable librarian; Surviving (and thriving) in school media centers in the information

age. Linworth Publishing, 1997.

Discusses the changing role of the school librarian.

Kuhlthau, Carol C. The virtual school library: Gateway to the information superhighway. Libraries

Unlimited, 1996.

A collection of articles providing an overview of the technologies used in the virtual library. Discusses how to provide

access to information resources and enable students to learn in an information-rich environment. Recommends new

directions in the role of the school library media specialist.

Loertscher, David V. Re-invent your school’s library in the age of technology: a guide for superintendents and

principals. Hi Willow Research and Publishing, 1998.

Aimed at school decision makers, this new book argues for a new and stronger role for the school media program in this

age of technology.

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This pathfinder created by Jennifer Retka-Wallace and Eileen Thomas