The evolution of information technology provides us with more avenues for accessing information. Integrating electronic resources into the school library information collections and into curricula has not only revolutionized the way we seek information, but it has also forced us to be more discriminating consumers of information. In schools, student use of the Internet is sometimes perceived to be problematic for a number of reasons.

Because some teachers do not perceive the function and purpose of online subscription databases as distinct from free searching, students could be prohibited from using reliable sources. The advantages of online subscription databases are not appreciated when such confusion interferes with the process of research. This workshop has been developed to address educators' need to discriminate among electronic resources when adopting their use in instruction and curriculum development. After school library information specialists conduct m-services, delineating the best research practices and differentiating the advantages and disadvantages of various electronic resources, educators will be better equipped to design assignments that will enable students to become proficient information seekers and users.

As school library information specialists, it is our job to offer collections with a variety of valid and timely information resources. "The school library information specialist can also use technology to design information-rich electronic learning activities that foster creative and innovative uses of technological formats and that help students become critical consumers of information in electronic form. An advocate for using technology to meet the learning needs of all students, the library information specialist also works collaboratively with both experienced teachers and novices to select appropriate technology as resources (Information Power, p.70)."

Recognizing the need for equitable availability of quality electronic resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries provides a number of online subscription databases for all schools and public libraries participating in the ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA project. ACCESS PA POWER Library offers a wide variety of options for all disciplines and grade levels. These databases offer reputable, current sources, many of them based on print resources. As of May 2002, the POWER Library online databases are available in 2475 school libraries and 601 public libraries throughout the state.

This workshop, when used in conjunction with the "POWER Library I and 11 Training," Toolkit for Implementing Information Literacy in Schools," "Learner-Centered Collection Development for School Library Media Specialists," "Pennsylvania Guidelines for School Library Information Programs, and Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning, will enable school library information specialists to instruct their faculties and administrators on sound approaches to become information literate. After all, the school library information specialist is the ultimate search engine @ your library.

1. To present a comparison of the information resources available through online subscription databases and Internet websites.

Participants will be able to:


• Discuss the features and advantages of online databases.
• Discuss evaluation of websites.
2. To provide examples of successful integrated assignments using online databases and Internet websites effectively.

Participants will be able to:


• Develop collaborate research assignments.
3. To provide the school library media specialist with the strategies and tools to present inservice training to colleagues in the advantages and disadvantages of online subscription database services and Internet websites.