Date Approved

5-31-1996

Embargo Period

9-4-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School and Public Librarianship

Department

Special Educational Services/Instruction

College

College of Education

Advisor

Pauly, Regina

Subject(s)

CD-ROMs; Computer-assisted instruction; Instructional materials centers--Collection development

Disciplines

Library and Information Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how CD-ROM technology is utilized in school library media centers in Cape May County, New Jersey and in other locations throughout the United States. A survey has been conducted to supply information about many aspects of CD-ROM use, including the types of hardware and software used, the extent of use of different types of programs, the responsibilities of library media specialists in utilizing and managing CD-ROM resources, and the amount of use by teachers, students, and others. Library media specialists from Cape May County and other locations in New Jersey have responded in person or by mail. School librarians from 23 other states have responded via electronic mail through the Jupiter e-mail system at Rowan College and through LM_NET, an Internet listserv for school library media specialists.

An overview of the author's experience with CD-ROM use in a school library media center is described and other case studies of CD-ROM use are provided. A review of the literature provides background on many aspects of CD-ROM use, including other surveys that have addressed CD-ROM use, planning and management issues, integration of CD-ROM resources into the school curriculum, and pros and cons of CD-ROM use. The results for each question on the survey are given. Out of 92 respondents, 86 indicated that they use CD-ROM technology in their library media centers, with hardware varying from standalone CD-ROM stations through CD-ROM networks accessible outside the library. The results of the survey indicate that CD-ROM technology is becoming common in K-12 school media centers, that it is being utilized at all grade levels in a variety of ways, and that media specialists are involved in all aspects of CD-ROM use, including planning, management of resources, training, and collaboration with reaching staff.

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