Where Does Technology Fit in School Libraries?

By: Amie Shahan

Technology is used for business, used in appliances and for leisure. (Morley, 2011) With this in mind, libraries across the world realize this changing and computer-oriented society needs a library that will adapt to its specific needs.

“The role of the librarian has to change in order for the technology world to enter the doors of the library.” (Hill, 2010)

HOW?

Through Open Content• Users will be able to use search engines such

as , but it will cause the search results to produce MANY hits.

• Librarians will be there to help with database search technology, which produces more efficient and trustworthy sources.

E-Books

•“The time is now to implement e-books into school libraries.” (Ishizuka, 2010)•“Most students are very computer savvy and ready for the change to happen quickly.” (Hill, 2010)

Benefits of E-Books:- Integrates technology into the school libraries- Cost effective : the cost of the book in digital format is much cheaper than a hard copy format. - Earth-friendly- E-Books are also quite impressive to students, which will increase their desire to read!

GAMES

“…Literacy isn’t just about print anymore. Literacy is the ability to rapidly decode abstract meaning from symbols.” (Neilburger, 2007)

Benefits of Gaming:

• Attracts Learners• Entertaining• Family Oriented

o Great way to increase family involvement within the school and library

• Makes Learning Funo Difficult concepts can be eased with step by step learning

• Assessmento Gives immediate results so the learner knows what to work on.

Check out www.ilovelibraries.org/gaming for information about National Gaming Day at your school library!

Open YOUR library doors to technology!

Works Cited• Hill, R. (2010, October 1). Turning the Page: Forget About Those Bulky

Backbreakers, Digital Textbooks are the Future. Retrieved February 1, 2011, from School Library Journal: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/886880-312/turning_the_page_forget_about.html.csp

• Ishizuka, K. (2010, June 29). ALA 2010: Message to Schools: Act Now on Ebooks. Retrieved January 31, 2011, from LibraryJournal.com: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/community/ala/885574-448/ala_2010_message_to_schools.html.csp

• Morley, D. (2011). Understanding Computers in a Changing Society (4th Edition ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning.

• Neilburger, E. (2007, July 7). Games...in the Library? Retrieved Febrary 1, 2011, from School Library Journal: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6456375.html

• SLJ. (2010, October 12). Celebrate National Game Day at Your Library. Retrieved February 1, 2011, from School Library Journal: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/887179-312/celebrate_national_gaming_day_.html.csp