Argument For Keeping Brick and Mortar Libraries:
Growing up I remember going to the library and feeling
relaxed because it was a safe and quiet place where my mind could wander. Most of the way I felt was because the atmosphere
provided a safe haven of escape and it would be really sad to deprive kids of
that today just because we can access books online. Libraries provide certain needs for people
and can become a social learning space, a presentation space, or a teaching
space. Doug Johnson came up with these
different ways of helping libraries to adapt to a digital age without getting
rid of them completely (Johnson. 2010).
Even though we can use technology for many things today, it still doesn’t
give kids the social aspect that all human beings crave and need in their
lives. Libraries allow people to connect
in ways that other places may not.
Another great thing about libraries is the presentation or teaching
space that is provided. Our library is
used for both and since it is tucked away from other parts of the school, it’s
a great place for students or faculty to just focus on what’s going on at the
moment without distraction.
Another reason we
need to keep libraries around is because there is actual staff around to help
when you have questions. One newspaper
says it like this “Everything said and done, the library experience of sitting on those low
wooden stools, perusing through the back covers of books to finally land upon
something that has really interested you and the small-talk with librarians
with whom you've grown up with is lost with online libraries”(Virtual.
2011). I love the imagery this brings to
mind and it really hits home with me because of how I feel when I walk into a
library. Safe and sound.
Resources:
Johnson, D. 2010. Changed but
Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age.
Retrieved from http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/changed-but-still-critical-bricks-and-mortar-libraries-in-th.html#comments
2011. Virtual vs.
Traditional Libraries Battle Heats Up. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/docview/880986350
Argument for Only Using Virtual Libraries:
Virtual libraries are extremely
convenient and in this day and age it’s all about what can be accessed at the
click of a button. This can be really
great for students who may be out of town or away from a library and can just
access it online to complete an assignment.
I also like the fact that it’s a free and open access. There may be some resources that aren’t
available at the time, but the beauty of a virtual library is that you can
request for something to be mailed or sent online to you later. When I was thinking of the benefits to this
type of library I thought about people who live in the smaller towns around
Batesville and I can see this being very beneficial to them because they don’t
have access to a great library. The New Indian Express newspaper states that “these days, with home work and numerous
extra-curricular activities, kids seldom have the time to read books, let alone
visit a library”(Virtual. 2011).
This statement rings very true of this younger and technologically
plugged in generation because it seems that everyone is so rushed and it just
saves time to be able to instantly pull up a resource instead of seeking it
out.
Resources:
2011. Virtual vs.
Traditional Libraries Battle Heats Up. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/docview/880986350
Keeping Our Libraries
Julie,
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation. I agree, kids need a break from technology and while a library offers this respite, learning can continue in ways we don't want our students to forget. I also like your comment about our kids being able to compete in a global society, just being able to use the technology is not enough. They need to know how to work independently as well as with others, social skills we can not ignore.
Great presentation,
Megan
You make a good point about reinvented libraries facilitating more face-to-face interaction among students, even while using technology. By creating spaces where students can collaborate, create, and share their finished products, they can share in learning and also practice numerous life skills. Great presentation.
ReplyDeleteI like your point about having social interactions rather than being isolated on their computers. I keep thinking I should take a campus class just to have that personal interaction. But the hour drive to the campus makes doing it online (and on our own time) more attractive. I do think it is important to have choices to meet the needs of all students, taking away books is not, in my opinion, the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI do agree, having a place to meet to work together as a community is so important. I see the need for the school library a lot at SNHU. I hold my class there every other week and see so many people working together or working alone, but sitting together at a table. The library is even open until 1am! Wow! I think it should be encouraged to have more students go to the library and collaborate on projects or view presentations as you mentioned. I like how you mention how there is always someone to help at a library.
ReplyDelete