Cindy Zamora: Blog 4 - The Demise of School Libraries

As the tone may suggest, this topic in near and dear to my heart.  As a school librarian my role has evolved and become  much more broad than simply one who reads books to the students once a week when their classes are scheduled for library time.

Some say we will see a demise of the school library as technology takes over and books fall to the background as sources of information. I believe that a school library offers so much value to students that, rather than a demise, we will see the addition of the improvements that will expand services to meet those needs.  Librarians must be prepared for double duty as both managers of the traditional library and advisors in informational technology and media services. 

How must these positions change to meet the curriculum and needs of both areas? In order to support students and ensure the best learning environment, today’s positions must be transformed into roles that  work together with teachers to reinforce and develop curriculum that focuses on media literacy, research skills development, digital citizenship, collaboration and critical thinking, all of which are included in  “21st Century Skill Standards.” (American Association of School Librarians. Standards for the 21st-century Learner AASL, 2007. Web. 1 May 2013.,) (http://www.ala.org/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.)

In her article, “The Future Of The Librarian As A Metadata Specialists”, Tamantha Bibbo discusses the need for librarians to be referred to as “library media specialists”, not just “technicians”, since the job requires them to teach the educational application of technology tools., not just the applications themselves. It is the application of technology, like the application of reading skills, that should be a primary element of the library media specialist's teaching responsibilities. (Bibbo, Tamatha, and Roberto d'Erizans. "The Future Of The Librarian As A Metadata Specialist." Library Media Connection 32.3 (2013): 26-28. Literary Reference Center. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.)

This brings up the topic of certifying or credentialing Library Media Specialists.  In the past, some school districts did not require their site librarian have any formal education. That has changed and now most require at least a “Library Technician” certificate or a School Library Media Specialist classification.  This broadening of scope signifies that running a library is certainly more than managing shelves of books. 

In light of budget cuts, some have suggested alternative ways to provide students with library services. In place of hiring certified librarians, schools could train teachers to offer the same services, bring in parent volunteers or have librarians circulate between schools.  Says Christian Zabriskie, Executive Director of Urban Librarians Unite, a professional group that supports librarianship in urban settings. "If I'm exploring things about, say, my sexuality, drug issues, health issues, I can't grab those books in front of my peers."  Zabriskie's own middle school librarian had a significant impact on his life by supporting him when he was being bullied and teaching him how to stand up for others.  Indeed, school libraries may be the only site where disadvantaged students, who lack the funds to participate in afterschool programs, can hang out, find enrichment and explore their interests and passion.1  Even the U.S. National Commission on Library and Informational Science (NCLIS) proposed to Congress that, “ Every school library should be staffed by a highly qualified, state certified school library media specialist and every school should have a school library.” 2 

1) Cummings, Madeleine Cummings. "Is the End of the School Library Upon Us? Budget Cuts Hit Librarians Where It Hurts." Alternet. Independent Media Institute, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. (http://www.alternet.org/education/end-school-library-upon-us-budget-cuts-hit-librarians-where-it-hurts)

2) http://www.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/s/slw3_2008.pdf)

Many think that school library programs will cease to exist if their impact on test scores is not demonstrated. Administrators must realize that students yearn to connect their interests, needs, and cultures to every aspect of their daily lives, and seek safe and supportive environments where they can discover and make such connections.” (Bibbo, Tamatha). The impact of libraries on students cannot be evaluated in monetary measures. Libraries impact lives in so many ways and must be embraced as the valuable resources they are and not viewed as simply shelves of books. This is the digital age and libraries are big part of education moving forward.

(Subramaniam, Mega. "Changing Lives Through Informal Learning." American Association of School Librarians, American Library Association, 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. (http://www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab/informal-learning).

Cindy Zamora: Blog 3 - Libraries and the Digital Divide

The term “Digital Divide” is used to describe a gap between those who DO have ready access to information and technology and also possess the skills to make use of such technologies, and those who DO NOT because of demographic and socio-economic variables, such as income, education, age, geographic location, etc.

Other terms like “Digital Literacy” and “Digital Inclusion” are often used when discussing why this gap exists and why it’s not improving. Digital inclusion is best explained as an outreach to unserved and underserved populations and policy implementation meant to bridge the divide and promote digital literacy.  Digital literacy is achieved when one has, “...the ability and skill needed for accessing technology, the ability to understand the language used and the hardware and software knowledge required to navigate that technology.” (Paul T. Jaeger, et al.  "Rural Public Libraries And Digital Inclusion: Issues And Challenges." Information Technology & Libraries 33.1 (2014): 6-24. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.)

A study called the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey (PLFTAS), which can be reviewed at http://www.plinternetsurvey.org, shows that rural libraries, on average, have weaker technological tools, (fewer average number of computers and slower broadband connections) and are able to offer fewer support services, such as training classes. Urban and suburban public libraries offer many more services due to larger budgets.  The study exposed that many rural public libraries are the only providers of free Internet service and computer terminals for their patrons and these communities have the lowest number of households with an independent broadband connection.  With the Internet being essential to those in need of important government services or those wanting to apply for jobs with companies throughout the nation, the services offered by these rural libraries is invaluable.

Common Sense Media (CSM) is a watchdog website used by parents in making media choices for their kids.  They screen various forms of media and rate them in terms of age-appropriate content. CSM surveyed 1,400 parents and reported that 47 percent of families with incomes more than $75,000 had downloaded content for their children, while only 14 percent of families earning less than $30,000 had done so.  This is another example that more underprivileged families do not have the same technological benefits available to them and do not have the skills required to begin to bridge the gap.

For government decision makers to understand the ongoing nature of the digital inclusion problem, rural public librarians and their allies will need to gather better data and provide better advocacy so that government funding is more equitable. The basic public library funding structure needs to be re-examined and modified to close the digital divide between rural areas and more heavily populated communities.  

Cindy Zamora: Blog 2 - Libraries as Social Hubs

More and more, libraries are becoming social places where people gather to create and collaborate, often in areas called “makerspaces”. A makerspace is a physical location where people gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build. Libraries around the world are moving some of their stacks to make room for 3D printers, tools, and other “hands on” materials in an effort to reinvent themselves as hubs for high-tech innovation.  With the creation of makerspaces in many libraries we see a trend toward less quiet study areas and more noisy hands-on learning environments.

Libraries are evolving into inviting workspaces for informal, project-driven, self-directed learning.  As when any groups of people come together in social situations, this does require some application of etiquette and social skills in practice.  Makerspaces promote cooperation among strangers and provide workspaces in which to tinker, try out solutions, and hear input from others with similar interests.

American Library Association President Barbara Stripling has noted the value of makerspaces in libraries, saying, “Makerspaces are enabling libraries to transform their relationship with communities and to empower community members of all ages to be creators of information, not just consumers.” (Rutkin, Aviva. "Make Some Noise." New Scientist 223.2978 (2014): 01. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.)

According to the American Library Association, about 1 in 6 libraries now dedicates some of its space to maker tools and activities.

With advances in technology, STEM requirements in schools, and general popularity, libraries are embracing digital and social media attempting to become “hubs” for sharing knowledge.  This promotes connected learning - learning that is interest driven, socially connected, and tied to not only school achievement but real world opportunity. (Ito, Mizuko, and Crystle Martin. "Connected Learning And The Future Of Libraries." Young Adult Library Services 12.1 (2013): 29-32. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.)

A future in which public libraries are noisy, messy, creative workshops is an exciting prospect and reinforces the idea that libraries can be places where people gather to interact and not just co-exist.  They need to be places of invention and discovery, not just a place to find or store books. The concept of a “hands-on” approach to learning may just be the environment necessary to keep libraries relevant in today's tech world.

(A billboard advertising information sites for makerspaces or sometimes called hackerspaces)

Cindy Zamora: Blog 1 - My Thoughts on Libraries in the Digital Age...

Blog 1 - Libraries in the Digital Age

With the rapidly changing technologies that our society is demanding, libraries are hard pressed to keep up with the times. Patrons are less interested in turning to books for research purposes  and more interested in the latest information available on the web.  In her article, "Challenges For Great Libraries In The Age Of The Digital Native”, Dame Lynne Brindley acknowledges:  “Libraries must work to understand the needs and expectations...or they  risk becoming obsolete, or simply ‘museums of the book’.” (Information Services & Use 29.1 (2009): 3-12. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.) 

Patrons seeking information rely on library staff to be up to date on the latest tools and resources.  When time is short and deadlines loom patrons want the confidence to know that they are being given the most accurate, most recent information available.  With today’s technologies, many are used to instant gratification when searching for information., i.e, the act of “googling” on your smartphone or tablet.  However, the information that is selected is often outdated or unreliable. In this regard, libraries and staff must show how their skills and research methods are more valuable that a simple search engine result.    In an attempt to appear tech savvy, many libraries are using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter as a way to reach out to the younger generations but some say that this approach could backfire if the younger generations resent libraries invading what they consider their personal space.  This is definitely a balancing act that must be constantly reviewed and revised in order to stay relevant.

Brindley also added that the British Library has commissioned a three year study on the research behavior of the “Gen Y” scholar. Gen Y’s are  research students born between 1982 and 1994. The aim of the study is to gain insights into their research behaviors  and methods for information seeking. They also hope to establish a benchmark against which future scholars from the “Google Gen” can be measured, (those born after 1994).  The results of this study are yet another means by which to determine what patrons want and need, are and how libraries can continue to keep up with changing technology in the coming years to provide the greatest public service.

Blog Assignments

Hey everyone!

I wanted to remind everybody that we have an upcoming Blog Post assignment due on Thursday, April 16th.

Basically, we each need to make a total of 4 blog posts about the following topics:

• Libraries in the Digital Age
• Libraries as Social Hubs
• Libraries and the Digital Divide
• The Demise of School Libraries

We are required to look these topics up using Palomar College's databases found at http://www.palomar.edu/library and incorporate what we find into our posts.

It's also encouraged for us to respond to posts that others have made. If anyone has questions about this assignment, let's leave them here to help each other!