There was a recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Philadelphia Free Library systems' attempts top change its image as a place of books to a place of technologies, computers, and meeting space. This transformation of what we commonly think of the library space is an interesting and important one, especially as we all contemplate the values of a "real" book versus an E-book.
So if public libraries are transforming themselves to get more people in the door - then what should school libraries be doing?
I've definitely heard of school libraries that had coffee shops in them - no, not college, even high schools! Obviously Library Build won't be able to pull that off!
But it does stand to question - should our libraries be computers and IPads with E-books and e-resources? Or should it look more like a library we are used to with books and newspapers and magazines?
Yes, money and funding is a factor, but these are issues that I am currently grappling with.
Other library updates - the Public Library Association's annual conference is in Philadelphia this year! And is this week! I might attend, but its pretty pricey (drop that $300 please).
Beyond that, I have been getting great response to the Library Fellows program - we are very excited by all the interest! Hopefully we will be able to find some great Fellows to work at Rowen next school year!
Excellent question, Callie.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to consider the role of the librarian. Regardless of the form of the materials -- digital or print -- a trained and practiced professional is going to be needed to help students read; to teach research skills; to coordinate lesson plans with other teachers; etc.
So I think whatever mixture of digital and print materials we have in a school space, the most critical thing to have in that space is still going to be a librarian.