Status Of Public And Private School Library Media Centers In The United States

This statistical analysis report from the National Center for Education Statistics examines the current state of school libraries in the United States and how they have changed. The primary source of data in this report is the 1993-94 Library Survey, the first federally sponsored survey of library media centers and head librarians in elementary and secondary schools. The data taken from the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) are compared with historical data from previous surveys. Results, in tables and charts, are divided into two sections. The first section gives a background on school library media centers and results are presented in terms of growth in school library media centers, library media center staffing, expenditures, collections and resource evaluation, technology and equipment, and scheduling and transactions. The second section focuses on school head librarians, and provides results in current status, background and experience, training, collaborative activities, perception and attitude toward work, compensation, and number of FTE positions. Appendices include detailed tables, and technical notes focusing on survey content, target populations and estimates, sample design and implementation, data collection procedures, response rates, edit procedures, imputation, weighting, and definitions. (AEF)

The first book published about independent school libraries since 1985, this work offers both the independent school library community and the broader school library community a wealth of insights into excellence in library practice. Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence offers readers insights into best practices in library services for school communities, using examples drawn from independent schools of various sizes, descriptions, and locations across the United States. Two overview essays introduce a statistical analysis of independent schools. Each of the remaining essays provides perspective on a different aspect of library practice, including staffing, advocacy, assessment, technology, collaboration, programs beyond the curriculum, intellectual freedom and privacy, budgeting, accreditation, disaster planning, and more. Because independent school librarians work across divisions and without a mandate to adhere to state or national standards, they have the freedom to explore and refine best practice in a school library setting. Fortunately, the ideas and methods they have developed, many of which are on display here, can be applied in any school library.