I think that the "Vision of Students Today" video was very thought provoking. Our society is changing so rapidly--the experience of today's students is so very different than mine...and it hasn't been THAT long since I was in college (well, maybe a touch long!). As our society changes it is natural that our institutions will change. I do not think this is something new--I think it is something that we have been adapting to for a very long time (even before the advent of the chalkboard!).
How does this affect libraries--particularly school libraries? I think libraries are profoundly affected by these changes because information comes in so many different formats. It is the responsibility of our librarians to keep up with all of this (as best as we can) so that we can continue to be relevant. I think we need to know how our children are getting their information so that we can guide them. We need to teach them how to locate reliable information, and (perhaps more importantly) identify incorrect information. I liked how one article referred to librarians as "tour guides"--in so many ways we are. We spend so much of our time steering students (and teachers and parents) towards the materials that they need and want--in the format that they desire. Sometimes they aren't sure what they want (or think they want), and we address that, as well.
However, with all of this technology I think it is crucial that we don't forget what sets us apart from these powerful search engines and sophisticated databases--that we are human. People can provide compassion, understanding, and sensitivity that all of the technology in the world can't. I enjoyed Dr. Wendy Schultz's description of the library of the future, "a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt. You know, the library." That part of the job is equally important.
No comments:
Post a Comment