Today the because of the advent of the internet and the many Web 2.0 tools that are available, it is crucial for technology to be integrated into the education of all students. The library plays an even bigger role now than in the past. As the “information dispenser,” the library must be able and ready to help teach students the important skills to inquire, think critically, gather and share information. Libraries, no matter what type have the responsibility of teaching students of all ages how to acquire, gather, share and use information, communicate effectively, and be self-directed learners. Librarians are no longer the “gatekeepers of the books,” but rather the “dispensers of information.” Utilizing Web 2.0 tools today is no different than using a telephone or television. Technology is all around the world and in everyday life.
According to the American Association of School Libraries (2007), “School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment.” Not only do school libraries provide access but all types of libraries provide some type of access or another to information. Every library is faced with numerous challenges due to new and advanced technologies entering in the way materials are acquired, accessed, organized and managed (Warnken, 2004). Libraries must be prepared to make the change and embrace the technology in order to meet the demands of fast service for information, the need of information for online distance education learners, and the all encumber some World Wide Web which allows for access to almost any information.
The World Wide Web influences the way society is functioning and therefore it is up to not only the educational system but libraries as well to provide the technological support that is needed for students to succeed. The library must provide the support and teach strategies in order to motivate and engage student learning and embrace the research process. The library can also play the role of teacher and resource provider for other teachers in order for them to bring the technology into the classroom (The shape of the 21st century library, 1998). The library is a source of information for all individuals to continue learning outside the classroom. By providing access to computers, the public library is serving the underserved that may not have access at home. Students need to have opportunities outside the classroom to practice and use the technology skills they learn. Therefore, the main role of the public library is a place for continuing education, serving the underserved and providing resources that otherwise may not be available at home (The shape of the 21st century library, 1998).
So Miller (2007) states, “It is imperative that library and information science (LIS) professionals fully understand educational and independent life-long learning processes and shifts in technology-based learning and teaching strategies. Librarians across library types must also understand how their services and products combine with and impact collaborative educational efforts.” Libraries do play a crucial role in teaching and learning technology. In order to fully adhere to the 21st century learning and teaching, libraries and librarians must be prepared to combine technology with information to fulfill the role in educating our students to be become better prepared for a 21st century society.
References
American Association of School Librarians. (2007). Standards for the 21st century learner. Retrieved July 15, 2010 from the American Library Association website:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm.
Awagain, K. (1999). Will libraries become obsolete? Library Administrator’s Digest.
Retrieved from FindArticles.com,
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3858/is_199909/ai_n8870647/
Miller, M. (2007). Information Communication Technology Infusion in 21st Century Librarianship: A Proposal for a Blended Core Course. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 48(3), 202-17. Retrieved from
http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.navigator-clarion.passhe.edu/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790e1916ca00094d315a05578c2fc970cbc9ec1956eb9c12bd81b82debd2164ad61d&fmt=H Miller, M. J. Information Communication Technology Infusion in 21st Century Librarianship: A Proposal for a Blended Core Course. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science v. 48 no. 3 (Summer 2007) p. 202-17
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2007). Maximizing the impact the pivotal role of technology in a 21st century education system. Retrieved July 15, 2010 from
http://www.setda.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=191&name=P21Book_complete.pdf
The shape of the 21st century library. (1998). In Milton Wolf et. al. (eds.), Information Imagineering: Meeting at the Interface, Chicago: American Library Association, 133-146. Retrieved from http://besser.tsoa.nyu.edu/howard/Papers/peters.html
Warnken, P. (2004). New Technologies and Constant Change: Managing the Process. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 30(4), 322-7. Retrieved from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.navigator-clarion.passhe.edu/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790e1916ca00094d315af44ead79cfd55745095ad460634912f44bc34528f210a52c&fmt=H Warnken, P. New Technologies and Constant Change: Managing the Process. The Journal of Academic
6 comments:
I like your idea of no longer viewing librarians as "gatekeepers of books;" however, I'm not sure if I agree that we dispense information. Instead, I think the 21st century librarian guides the user to information; thus, we are more like facilitators of information.
You make a nice summary of some of the important duties of libraries today. Your point about serving students of all ages is important for people like me, who go to my local library seeking resources and information search help. Libraries are providing this type of support on-site and online these days.
Another important point that you make is that libraries must provide appropriate environments for teaching and learning so that patrons/students feel safe and stimulated.
Teaching students is not the only role for librarians, as you mention. Teaching teachers is kind of like the "pay it forward" technique that ultimately will help support the most learners. This is especially true for libraries with the use of Web 2.0 tools.
I agree that libraries must also provide the tools for patrons to access information, including available computers.
While some of these roles are the more traditional responsibilities of libraries, many are new. These new goals require library staff to be progressive and seek professional development to acquire the skills needed to help others achieve 21st century competencies.
I agree with what you said about the library providing support to motivate and engage student learning. One way I think this can be done is by helping teachers to create authentic lessons and assessments. We need to get away from the "copy and paste" technique and work toward providing lessons that truly add value to education and provide a real-world aspect for students.
Thank you ladies! It is all about teaching students the Web 2.0 tools that they will need to succeed in the real world, not just copying and pasting. Society is focused on technologies that will make the world go faster. So we need to equip our students with the skills needed to perform these technologies!
"Self-directed learners" hit a spark for me. We as a society need to be self-directed learners, learning the tools we need for success in all aspects of our lives. We need to give students the tools to be self-directed learners in the see of information and misinformation. Educating ourselves and others will benefit our students' life-long success.
I see continuing eductation for libarians being unending. It appears to me that I need to get a certificate in technology before I even apply for a job.
You are absolutely right, Sherry. I think I need to apply for technology certification as well! :)
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