This morning, I read the following article the Minneapolis Star-Tribune website:
School librarians: Headed for the history books?
I hope not. I feel that our school library is a viable resource to teachers and students. True, it could be updated and more interactive technically, but I can say that about other aspects of our school - including my classroom, I suppose. Regardless, it's still a place the serves some important services to our students:
- Information retrieval.
- Structured Study.
- Media Center.
Our library - we call it the IMC - has gone through some quick transformations in the past years, mostly to accommodate the technology infusion. We still have plenty of print media, so we need that person who has training and experience with how to wade through that mire of "old school learning" which we still value - and need.
When I ask students who are avid readers if they would ever consider an eReader, the answers vary. Some prefer the idea of having a book at the ready, reading when they can, not needed the versatility of the eReader. Others wish they had an eReader so that they could access more than one book at a sitting. The common thread is that none of them really think that books will ever go away. I think that's significant, considering that's an answer from digital natives. I don't think it's indicative of every student - and who knows if they'll be right. Kids who like to read still like the physical book.
Those of us who teach - well, those of us who have been doing this for a while - also know how important print media is, and we value those who are experts in categorizing, accessing, and interpreting all of those pages of information.
Let's keep our librarians, and let's encourage their continued training and practice of information technology . They are not just a "tradition" in our schools. They are a vital to the future of information science, and for our students' ability to navigate through the field of ever-increasing
Bill--maybe the librarian position would be replaced with instructional technologists? Our own Sara Richardson, rock star that she is, is a great example of how valuable this combined position could be. I see this role as someone who works with teachers as much as working with students. Funding Instructional Technologists will be difficult for schools--and I see this as limiting our marketability. However, I see great possibility of moving toward IT specialists more than "librarians." What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think physical libraries may become obsolete, but not the role of librarian.....have you gone to a physical library to do any research for our UNI courses? I haven't--everything I needed and wanted was electronically retrieveable. Regarding e-readers, we got a Kindle for Christmas, and I can honestly say that I love it. Instead of carrying several physical books with me on vacation last week, I took one little e-reader, and when I got done with one book I downloaded another in just a few seconds...and my husband loves the ability to increase the font size when he forgets his glasses! I've also got the Kindle app on my iPad, but the iPad is kinda heavy so I actually prefer the Kindle for leisure reading.
ReplyDeleteCathy and Deb - It is something that weighs on my mind a lot. I do see myself in that role someday in the future, but wondering if I have the right certification? I don't know if the teacher/librarian will go out the window, but I do see a lot of them not embracing the technological side of things. I hope that we do have a strong future in schools rather than just a "curiosity."
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