Turner, Philip M. & Riedling, Ann Marlow. Helping teachers teach; a school library media specialist's role.

3rd ed. Libraries Unltd. 294p. illus. bibliogs. index. c2003. 1-59158-020-X. $40.00.

This new edition of a classic text focuses on a new role for school library media specialists, that of instructional consultant. Ten years have passed since the book's second edition, and educational practices have changed, partly due to the advent of new technologies. Beyond promoting reading and fostering information skills, the often-neglected but important function of "helping teachers teach" can be a challenging and rewarding part of a school library media specialist's job, the authors maintain. They carefully and thoroughly describe what the role of instructional consultant entails and how to implement it at various levels.

At the initial level, for example, the school media specialist might simply gather and make available materials, equipment or facilities to help faculty; at the moderate level, he or she might offer advice or help, such as assistance in writing instructional objectives; at the in-depth level, the specialist is extensively involved in the instructional design process, providing in-service training and collaborating with teachers. Sample scenarios help make the goals and activities at each level clear. Chapters then go on to cover the instructional design process, learner analysis, instructional objectives, assessment of student performance, strategies and activities development, materials selections, implementation and evaluation. While the goal of becoming an instructional consultant might seem daunting, Turner and Riedling have created a road map to make it achievable. This is a valuable resource for all school library media specialists. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT