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The author calls for changing the focus of the library science profession in the U.S. from school libraries to student learning and achievement. Student success is the business of schools. Student learning is at the core of meaningful advocacy messages. To be effective school library advocates, information professionals must advocate for students. INSET: AASL'S ADVOCACY TRAINING.

The article announces the release of the results of the first longitudinal survey, School Libraries Count!, by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) of the American Library Association (ALA). Conducted from January to March 2007, the survey gathered data in a number of areas, including library staff, collections, technology, class visits, and budgets. The data will be used to develop tools to help library media specialists advocate at the local, state, and national level.

Presents information about the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) as a division of the American Library Association (ALA). How quality library service to young adults is provided by a staff that understands and respects the needs of teenagers; Goals to advocate, promote, and strengthen service to young adults as a part of the total library service; Publications that the YALSA is responsible for annually; Budget and finance for the YALSA Board; Consideration of various task forces that pursue the growth of membership for YALSA.

Presents information about the divisions of the American Library Association (ALA). Role of the Board of Directors for the ALA; Focus of various divisions on types of libraries, services, or particular areas of interest; Development of summaries of research on the worth of school library media specialists and media programs; Goals of the Learning Through the Library Task Force; Consideration of various awards that are presented by the ALA to members of the American Association of School Libraries.

Presents information on the visit of a group of American school and youth services delegates to Beijing, China as part of a People to People program. How youth and library services have changed in China; The impact China's one child policy has on libraries for children; Details on the West District Juvenile and Children's Library and the Yucai Kindergarten in Guangzhou.

The article talks about the problems that are plaguing public and school libraries in Afghanistan. After the routing of the Taliban, libraries opened across the country like crocuses blooming after a long winter. In the northeastern province of Takhar in 2006, construction was completed for 26 public libraries. In Kabul, several major academic libraries have been overhauled. These are encouraging signs. Nevertheless, many libraries still lack the most basic resources both human and material.

Discusses the symposium 'Libraries and the Search for Academic Excellence,' co-sponsored by the Columbia University School of Library Service and the University of Colorado. Debate on how libraries can become a more integral part of the education process in the United States and 'close the gap' between the classroom and the library; Topics of the 12 papers presented during the symposium.

The article explores methods of linking students to libraries. Particular focus is given to the effort to link public school students' identification numbers to the public library system. Additional topics discussed include insights from Courtney Lewis of the Kansas City, Missouri, Public Library (KCPL), collaborative ventures between librarians and schools in Nashville, Tennessee, and librarians efforts to meet people where they are.

The article focuses on the role played by libraries in charter schools. If charter schools communicate with libraries about their curriculum, librarians can suggest appropriate electronic and print resources and perhaps offer training to teachers or students when needed. Here exists another wonderful opportunity for librarians to reach out to students, teachers, and parents in their communities.

This article reports that more than 1,500 schools and school libraries have been selected to receive "Picturing America" grants, a project of American Library Association's (ALA) Public Programs Office in collaboration with the National Endownment for the Humanities. The project is designed to promote the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture in K-12 schools through examples of the nation's most significant works or art and architecture.

This article reports on a period given by schools in the Milwaukee Public Schools system in Wisconsin to ensure that a licensed librarian oversees each of their libraries. This move was made after an investigation result was released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on a Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association complaint that the schools were violating rules that call for a certified librarian on staff.

Presents news briefs about many librarians for December 1, 2002. Appointment of Katherine C. Adams as assistant catalog librarian at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine; Appointment of Mary Alice Fields as the head of information service at the University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa; Resignation of Judith King, the director of program development for the American Association on School Libraries; Death of Chuck Bates, director of the Pueblo City-County, Colorado Library District.

Reports that the American Library Association (ALA) lawsuit, which challenges the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), will exclude school libraries. Belief of the ALA that CIPA is unconstitutional; Commitment of the ALA to supporting the school community; Reasons why the ALA can not include school libraries in its lawsuit; Details of the legislation.

Describes the purpose of the student chapters groups of the American Library Association (ALA). How ALA student members are eligible to form ALA Student Chapter groups at schools that offer programs accredited by the ALA; Sponsorship of programs such as library tours, career, information sharing, and newsletters; How each student chapter sends a representative to the annual conference.

Reports on the discovery of two previously unpublished poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe at the National University Library of Strasbourg, France, in November, 1999. Information on the poems; Their authenticity; How they were discovered.

States that the Craneville School library in Dalton, Massachusetts re-opened with a volunteer staff in October 1999. Why the initial decision to close the library was made by Principal Bruce R. Collina; District positions eliminated due to lack of funding; Concern about the loss of library resources.

Reports that County Commission Vice-Chair Burt Aaronson of Palm Beach County, Florida, has proposed building public library branches onto schools. Cost-cutting measure; The accessibility of children to libraries.

Discusses how restraints on children's library access have created controversy in Illinois and Massachusetts. Proposal by the Oak Lawn, Illinois, Public Library Board to restrict the access of children ages 13 and under from adult library material; Decision to rescind the proposal; Protest in Andover, Massachusetts by youngsters demanding freedom to use the entire library, not just the children's room.

Reports on developments in school library services in the U.S., as of May 1979. Award given to Richard C. Hunter, superintendent of the Richmond City Schools in Virginia for his contribution in the development of the library in elementary and/or secondary education; Information on the American Association of School Librarians' pre-conference in Dallas, Texas on June 22-23, 1979.

Provides tips on making academic administrators pay attention to the financial needs of school libraries. Factors that determine the kind of budget process that will be applied to school libraries; Ways of convincing faculty members to get involved in the budget-making process; Groups that review library budget requests.

Reports on activities in several libraries in the U.S. as of November 1976. Strategy of the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, Vermont in presenting its budget problems to the public; Vision detection program of the Chester County Library in Pennsylvania; Declaration of the Public Library/School Cooperation Month in Los Angeles, California.

The article discusses the efforts of U.S. school librarians to encourage students to take part in summer reading programs. Topics discussed include the reading habits of children living in poverty, the academic achievement that results from summer reading programs, and collaboration between schools and public libraries.

The article presents information on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) of the American Library Association. It promotes the improvement and extension of library media services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library media field.

The article highlights the first conference for librarians on afterschool programming which was held in New York City, New York, from October 19 to 20, 2006. The message of the conference was for libraries to step up their efforts to be part of the Out-of-School Time (OST) movement. Ginnie Cooper, the chief librarian of the District of Columbia Public Library, urged libraries to step up their OST efforts in collaboration with schools, staff training, and program evaluation. INSET: COMMUNITIES TOGETHER FOR KIDS.

This article explains that schools and libraries that rely on e-rate funding would be required to prohibit minors from using chat rooms and social-networking sites like MySpace under legislation passed July 26, 2006 by the U.S. House of Representatives. By a 410-15 vote, legislators passed the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA), H.R. 5319, despite skepticism from some Democrats that the measure was ineffective, the Internet News Bureau reported July 26. The intent of the bill is to protect children from sexual predators who use the sites to contact and solicit minors.

The article reports that the U.S. House of Representatives held hearings on July 11, 2006 on whether schools and libraries should he made ineligible for e-rate funding unless they bar minors from access to socialnetworking websites like MySpace and Facebook. The details of the hearings are highlighted. David W. Zellis, first assistant district attorney for Bucks County, Pennsylvania comments on the Internet and social networking sites.

The article reports on the strategic plan adopted by the American Association of School Librarians for achieving global recognition of school library media specialists. The association is committed to promoting the importance of school library media programs and information literacy standards for student learning.

Presents an interview with Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings about the 2001 No Child Left Behind initiative in the U.S. Role to be played by school libraries in reaching the goals of No Child Left Behind; Response to criticism that schools are teaching to the test rather than nurturing critical thinking skills; Views on the importance of books and computers in school libraries.

Reports that the Universal Service Administrative Co., which administers the program that funds discounted telecommunications services to libraries and schools, sent out an initial batch of 194 commitment letters, covering $24.2 million in response to applications from 2004 and earlier. Number of backlogs for e-rate funding; Information on the legislation on e-rate funds approved by the U.S. Congress; Schedule of the filing window for e-rate applications.

Reports that Emily Sheketoff, director of the Washington Office of the American Library Association, has testified on March 26, 2004 in support to the 2005 budget request proposal of U.S. President George W. Bush for library programs. Amount of fund requested by Sheketoff from the legislators for the Library Services and Technology Act; Increase in the funding for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program; Objectives for the budget request.

Discusses public attention paid to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). White House Conference on School Libraries that First Lady Laura Bush hosted; Plans of the AASL to showcase the school library media specialist to the U.S.; School Library Media Month in April; Schedule for the 11th AASL National Conference and Exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri.

Reports on the closing of the public elementary school libraries in Springfield, Illinois. Elimination of elementary-school librarians and library assistants as part of a budget cut made by the Springfield School Board; Schools that rely on parent volunteers; Schools that allow students in for reading but prohibit circulation of the collection; Schools that have designated the library as off limit to students, but allow teachers to check out books for classroom purposes; Opinions of teachers and principals.

Discusses a school library program, part of the education bill signed by United States President George W. Bush in January 2002. Provision for funds for local schools to purchase library resources and technology, and to provide training for librarians; Grants under the program; Background on the measure; How the bill addresses concerns over the privacy of school children; Government appropriation for library programs.

Reports on a bill passed by the United States Senate to provide library media resources and specialists for elementary and secondary schools. Objections of Republican leaders, who wanted to restrict spending on schools; Comments of Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office; Comparison to the House's version of the bill.

Argues that school libraries in the United States need to be updated to include multicultural titles and updated history. How attempts to weed out outdated books have been blocked; Suggestion that many of the books are sexist and racist; Opinion that schools should not settle for outdated books.

Reports on the announcement by United States Vice-President Al Gore on the amount in federal subsidies for Internet connections in libraries and schools. How the e-rate subsidies were created by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; Companies opposed to the subsidies; Designation by the Federal Communications Commission for the Universal Service Administrative Corporation to be the agency directing telecommunication discounts to libraries and schools.

States that libraries and schools probably will not begin receiving universal-service telecommunications discounts until the fall of 1998, according to the United States hearing testimony of Ira Fishman, chief executive officer of Schools and Libraries Corp. Mention of a report by the Associated Press; Reaction from United States Senate Commerce Committee Chair Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Discusses the legislation introduced July 23, 1998 by Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) and Republican Billy Tauzin (R-La.) for universal service telecommunications discounts for libraries and schools. What the proceeds of the tax would go towards; Reaction from both legislators.

States the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced at the 1998 American Library Annual Conference the development of standards designed to help students. The Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning to be introduced in schools in fall 1998; The guide for school library media specialists prepared by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology and the AASL; The areas covered by the standards.

Presents information for librarians considering the purchase of notebook computers for their libraries. Experience at Mansfield, Pennsylvania University; Details of considerations including quality vs. quantity, printers and training; Trade-offs.

Announces that the topic of discussion at the interactive videoconference will be how to make the most of telecommunications discounts for schools and libraries. Details about the conference and the discounts; Role of PBS and the American Library Association; Contact information.

Mentions how the American Library Association (ALA) will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Production by the ALA in cooperation with the American Bar Association's Commission on Public Understanding About the Law of a Bill of Rights Bicentennial resource kit for schools, libraries, and community organizations.

The article provides information on library-produced videos aimed at elementary through high school age groups in the U.S. Grande Prairie is a medium-sized public library serving three public school districts and several private schools in Illinois. To see if the library could alleviate some of its problems, the staff produced an instructional video that have been given to schools in the service area. The video is designed to help elementary and junior high school students use the library's resources effectively when they have been assigned a library project. The local company, Hazel Crest Cable, offered to tape the production free of charge in return for permission to put it on the air. In the script, it addressed the problems students encounter when they need to use the card catalog, the Reader's Guide, the microfiche/film readers and the copier. The 18-minute video will be released to schools in October 1991. The library of Edward H. White Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida, has recruited the school's advanced drama class to create a video for library orientation. Students masterminded a story where movie nightmare Freddy Krueger visits the library for the first time.

Reports that a federal appeals court in Chicago, Illinois has upheld a Wisconsin obscenity statute challenged by video store owners because it exempts libraries and schools. Claim that the statute could expose video stores to the risk of prosecution for distributing obscene materials; Statement that it is unfair to treat libraries and schools differently by exempting them from the statute.

Reflects on the panic felt by students and academic librarians over the ending of a semester. How everything that can go wrong will; Author's belief that every school library has a silly season two weeks before the end of the semester; Recommendation to alert staff before it starts; Suggestions to help the staff cope with the madness of students facing final exams, finishing papers and packing for home.

Reports on the status of the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Ashville, North Carolina after an arson attempt to burn the facility. Expectation of business normalcy by the end of March 1990; Library damage report; Continuation of services by library staff through an interlibrary loan and databases from alternative resources.

Discusses a project conceived by the Troy Public Library's Young People's Services Department featuring hitchhiking Trojan horses. Reasons for the project, such as promoting the library as a community service; Destinations of the horses to different schools or public libraries; Funding by the Troy Bicentennial Commission.

Presents news briefs concerning children's libraries in the United States as of May 1983. Inclusion of a fund raising activity for the Billerica Public Library in Massachusetts; Jerome Enterprises' marketing of its Little Thinker tapes to libraries for the first time; Children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak's launch of the Zena Sutherland Lectureship at the University of Chicago library school in Illinois.

Reports on the partnership between Seattle University's Institute of Public Service Community Resource Center and the Seattle Public Library to set up neighborhood resource centers throughout Seattle, Washington. Roles of each institution in the project; Materials and technical assistance from the institute provided to neighborhoods through the centers.