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 |
Electronic and Print Periodicals |
Resources for Teaching Information Skills |
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.
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
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
Listservs
You may want to check out the following school librarian listservs to share experiences and view other practioner
perspectives on school librarianship:
http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
LM_NET is a discussion group open to school library media specialists worldwide.
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.
The members only electronic discussion list of the American Association of School Librarians.
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
http://www.slj.com/
An online companion to the monthly print magazine, School Library Journal.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/
A monthly newsletter published during the school year discussing K-12 educational technology, available in both print
and electronic formats.
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teaching the Web
The following are resources school librarians can use to teach students (and themselves) how to navigate the Web.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This pathfinder created by Jennifer Retka-Wallace and Eileen Thomas