This is about public libraries and librarianship in general. People have been asking about the future of libraries in the age of technology. Public libraries have been re-inventing themselves and have been embracing "innovative thinking to change their resources, instruction, programming, and services to meet the emerging needs and priorities of their communities." "As a result libraries are redefining the concept of "library collection" by balancing print and ebooks; acquiring materials in multiple formats; providing tools, technology, and software to enable patrons to participate actively in the information world; offering unusual items for checkout, including cookware, fishing poles, and comfort dogs." (American Libraries Periodical Nov./Dec. 2013 pg. 5).
As public libraries re-invent themselves to meet the needs of their communities, how do you feel that school libraries are evolving and changing?
1. E-Readers for check out are a wonderful item for school libraries. A friend in another district at the Middle School level is having amazing success with this. However, at an elementary level, I really hesitate on this. They are still learning how to care for a book let alone an expensive e-reader.
ReplyDelete2. Navigating Online Information. I think at an elementary level we librarian technologist really need to embrace teaching this. I know many schools have a computer/technology teacher for this. But the line is blurry. I am not going to teach students typing skills. But how to use keywords for google search optimization, you bet. Teaching students how print and online information work in tandem is great too. Almost every student from K-6 has used a computer, but knowing how to use them right to find good quality information and using it ethically, needs to start in elementary school. I love projects that have a technology component, and all of my research blocks do. I also really like teaching search and evaluation skills, then combining using those skills with a read-aloud, stopping to look up images and definitions as we read. I guess the bottom line is accepting that libraries are about information, period. Both online and in-house, neither can be ignored. Unless your 6th graders are slamming the keyboards...
I agree with Stephanie, I have come to using more online information in our research, and I am continually re-teaching what to look for in a good side, or narrowing your search to get exactly (and only) the information you need. However, I also still get frustrated when sites are blocked by our filtering system, that seem to be harmless sites. For example, I like to let the students import a (free) download sound into their animals of Utah powerpoint shows. Now several of those sites are blocked.
ReplyDeleteMargo -I have been having the same issues. We are doing a unit on historical people from Utah and for many of the students, their Google image search looks like a nearly giant blank. I had to download images for student projects, just so they would have something to use for their glogs.
DeleteI agree with Stephanie and Margo. It is crucial that we teach our students how to research information on the web, but also how to use books and resources that are here in our libraries. My library is filled with students on every computer right now, doing work on research and other classroom needs, and I had about 10 students who had to leave and will need to come back when a computer comes open. It is interesting to me to teach research skills, and yet realize that the students also need direction on how to fine tune their research needs to maximize their research time. Students also need to know how to use, and find materials in libraries that are not online. I also provide a space for students to work together on class projects. And they love to come in a get books to read, there is just something about the heft and smell of a book.
ReplyDeleteWell said all of you. I find that although I offer sites for research on myUEN site, students still go to google without fail! So it is so important to teach the evaluating website information although it's hard to keep up on that with how fast it changes.
ReplyDeleteAs far as checking out fishing poles, etc. that may be way down the road with our funding situation. Maybe at the public library? I went to the main library and it was packed! So good to see all that's happening in our libraries!
It is really evident in high school that students need assistance in using online tools for research. I really try to get teachers to let me teach these units but their curriculum is so tight that I rarely get to see the students for this. It is truly unfortunate. Google is a great tool but students do not know how to search effectively.
ReplyDeleteI have a group of teachers that are still "book buddies". They come in and check books out on certain topics to use with their students. It's great!!!
I have also had Kindles available for checkout. Last year they circulated pretty good. This year they hardly ever get checked out. The same goes for all the great Playaways that I ordered. They never get checked out anymore.
I know that the framework of libraries is bound to change. It has to to keep up with the public's needs and demands but I still like a good book.
I am happy to evolve and change in the library to meet the information needs of today's students. There are some things that I think should not change that students still need. The school library is the heart of the school where children and adults alike feel welcome to learn. I also believe that school libraries need to continue to have a certified teacher in charge with the knowledge of how today's learners can succeed in society.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all that has been said. Research is the key for our 21st century learners. Today when I was asking for resources we could use in step 2 of the big six my fourth graders added a podcast, and Siri to their list of possibilities. What a world we live in. Just a few years ago the internet wouldn't have been their first suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI also want to comment on the library as a community meeting place. In the winter it is not uncommon for us to have 10-15 parents with small children in tow in our library before and after school. Some to help their kids, some just to visit. We are their gathering place when they drop off kids. I have one parent that checks out books every week for her kids, her reason being that we are more convenient than the public library, easier to park. We are happy to accommodate all our patrons.
I think that technology use allows many more students to be actively thinking about information and executing skills than is typical in teacher-led lessons. When technology is used as a tool to support students, the students are in the position to define their goals, and evaluate their progress.
ReplyDeleteThe teacher's role changes as well. The teacher is no longer the center of attention but rather plays the role of facilitator, providing guidelines and resources, moving from student to student or group to group, providing suggestions and support for student activity.
I agree with everyone. I think how to do smart searches is important as well as showing different applications that are available that I student wouldn't normally gravitate to...just surfing the net. Teaching how to do a powerpoint or a photostory is fast becoming a career/life skill.
ReplyDelete"As a result libraries are redefining the concept of "library collection" by balancing print and ebooks; acquiring materials in multiple formats; providing tools, technology, and software to enable patrons to participate actively in the information world; offering unusual items for checkout, including cookware, fishing poles, and comfort dogs." (American Libraries Periodical Nov./Dec. 2013 pg. 5).Well, I don't have cookware, or fishing poles, oh wait, I do, and or comfort dogs. I do have guitars.
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