Adaptive Technology for the Internet: Making Electronic Resources Accessible to All

Vol. 7, No. 4 • September 2000

Adaptive Technology for the Internet: Making Electronic Resources Accessible to All
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a very favorable review of ``Adaptive Technology for the Internet: Making Electronic Resources Accessible to All'' ($36) by Barbara T. Mates, published in 1999 by the American Library Association of Chicago, IL. Says that this 192-page softcover book provides libraries with important information about how to integrate electronic information with screen readers, voice recognition systems, Braille screens, hearing assistance devices and HTML coding for Web pages. Relates that the 12 chapters cover topics such as large-print access to the Internet and using computers for reading and speaking, and also address the concerns of funding such efforts. States that this guide provides anyone writing Web pages with valuable information on making their sites user friendly for accessibility for all.

Beyond the Book: Technology Integration into the Secondary School Library Media Curriculum
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a very favorable review of ``Beyond the Book: Technology Integration into the Secondary School Library Media Curriculum'' ($29.50) by Sandra L. Doggett, published in 2000 by Libraries Unlimited of Englewood, CO. Says that this 177-page softcover book helps librarians deal with the challenges of an ever-changing technology environment. Relates that the six chapters include a brief history of technology in schools; the integration of technology into the library; how roles have changed; how to decide on using technology; the various technologies; and information on stand-alone computers, LANs, WANs, and more. Recommends this book as a practical tool for school librarians just getting started and for staying afloat along the way.

Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a favorable review of ``Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking'' 2nd Edition ($37.75) by David H. Jonassen, published in 2000 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. of Upper Saddle River, NJ. Says that this 297-page book is the second ``Mindtools'' book from Jonassen, and the concept offers an alternative to integrating technology into the learning experience. Relates that this edition incorporates some new changes in thinking, and the content is reorganized with added chapters on systems modeling tools, visualization, synchronous and asynchronous conference tools, and more. Notes that the book is intended as a guide or handbook for teachers on a need-to-know basis, and that what was state of the art a year ago can already have changed.

Creating the Early Literacy Classroom: Activities for Using Technology to Empower Elementary Students
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a very favorable review of ``Creating the Early Literacy Classroom: Activities for Using Technology to Empower Elementary Students'' ($25) by Jean M. Casey, published in 2000 by Libraries Unlimited of Englewood, CO. Says that this 112-page book offers activities that cover various grade levels and promote and motivate students to create their own written products as well as to be in command of their learning. Relates that the almost 90 activities provide both students and teachers with a way of flexing their creativity for writing at almost any age, even as young as three. States that graphics and charts help illustrate the material, and each activity contains a detailed ``Procedure'' to help educators get started. Recommends it as a good resource for teachers who focus on the issues of literacy in the classroom.

Internet Policy Handbook for Libraries
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a very favorable review of ``Internet Policy Handbook for Libraries'' ($55) by Mark Smith, published in 1999 by Neal-Schuman Publishers Inc. of New York, NY. Says that this 219-page book is intended to help library directors and administrators in public, academic, and school libraries with the decision-making process to manage Internet access for their libraries. Relates that two introductory chapters discuss principles of library policy development, giving tips on who should be involved in the writing, the mission of a library, when to write a policy and more. Includes appendices with sample Internet policies, national and state library association policies, and a checklist for Internet policies. Recommends this book for anyone who needs to write, rewrite, or change Internet policies.

Shop Talk Ideas for Elementary School Librarians and Technology Specialists
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a favorable review of ``Shop Talk Ideas for Elementary School Librarians and Technology Specialists,'' 2nd Edition ($36.95) edited by Sharron L. McElmeel, published in 2000 by Linworth Publishing, Inc. of Worthington, OH. Says that this 136-page softcover update contains new material from the ``Tips & Pointers'' column of the ``Technology Connection.'' Notes that the book contains eight sections covering topics such as bulletin boards and displays, connecting with the curriculum, reading, library skills, managing the library, public relations, and technology in the classroom. States that the tips included are very practical and while not all will be new ideas, they provide a quick reference for teachers and librarians who want to expand their horizons for new ideas in the library or classroom.

Weaving a Virtual Web: Practical Approaches to New Information Technologies
by Jean Reese

THE REFERENCE SHELF column presents a very favorable review of ``Weaving a Virtual Web: Practical Approaches to New Information Technologies'' ($26.95) by Sibylle Gruber, published in 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of English from Urbana, IL. Says that this 326-page hardcover book is a collection of 20 essays that demonstrate how English language and language arts teachers can effectively use the Web for their daily classrooms. Relates that topics cover a wide range of ideas, from how students are empowered by using the Web, to the affect of technology on our communication and how the Web facilitates it. States that the book is intended as a reference guide and ``pedagogical introduction'' to the World Wide Web, and the goal is to help teachers who are integrating the Web into their curricula for the first time.