Elementary Science Education Library Resources in Graduate and Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs of New England.

Overview & Synopsis

Elementary science educational library resources in New England graduate and undergraduate teacher education institutions were compared using a 31-item survey instrument developed for library directors. Data were obtained from 62 institutions with certified elementary education programs (72 percent response rate). Among the findings reported are: (1) inadequate resources except for fiction science trade books at undergraduate institutions and science reference books at both undergraduate and graduate institutions; (2) a severe lack of computer software at both institutions; and (3) "Science News" was the only science education journal available in more than 60 percent of the undergraduate institutions. In addition, more than 75 percent of the surveyed graduate institutions had"Education Index,""CIJE,""RIE," and "Dissertation Abstracts," while only "Education Index" was available in more than 75 percent of the undergraduate institutions. Since there are not additional publications on science education library resources, it is difficult to determine whether New England institutions are typical or atypical. However, findings illustrate the need to improve the science education resources, journals, and support resources at New England teacher education libraries. (JN)