The Demise of School Libraries

It is unfortunate that school libraries have become a major casualty of our countries economic state. Actual librarians are becoming a rarity in school libraries today. Sadly, school libraries aren't very high on the priority list when it comes down to budgets and funding.  In fact you would be hard pressed to find library para-professionals staffing school libraries these days.

Public libraries have had to step up and fill in for the lack of school libraries. Public libraries have to keep in constant contact with their local schools to figure out and ensure that they are meeting their needs. This only adds to the long list of responsibilities that our public librarians must fulfill and the every increasing role that public libraries are now playing in our local communities.

One of the major ways that Public libraries are fulfilling this, is by becoming joint-use facilities. This means partnering with close enough schools to take the place of an in house school library. Our local San Diego Central Library is an example of a joint-use facility. Although, it is a public library, it also serves are the library for the e3 Civic High Charter School located on the 6th and 7th floor of the library. e3 Civic high students come in daily to use the facility, for our resources and wi-fi access.

Libraries as Social Hubs

Today's library is no longer the ultra quiet place where no one talks, or the head librarian is constantly "shh-ing" everyone. Quite the contrary, the library is now a place of social interaction, a place to meet and collaborate with others, yet still remains a place to study and a place you can immerse yourself in the written word. The events that take place at your local library range from open mic nights, tutoring services, video gaming competitions, and chess tournaments, to name a few. Over the years I believe that libraries have tried very hard to re-invent their image, and for the most part, they have been successful.
Very recently I became the library clerk for the Teen Center at the new downtown San Diego Central Library. Granted, this new facility is not like most libraries I have worked for, but I think it is a good representation of what libraries are striving to be. The whole purpose of many of the weekly and monthly programs that we offer in the Teen Center are meant to bring teens in to socialize and collaborate with each other. We have a gaming room, where each day you will find at least 10-20 teens from different high schools in the downtown San Diego area challenging each other to a game of Super Mario Smash Bros Brawl on the Wii, or NFL Madden on the PS4. We also offer a program called "In the Mix" with DJ Dev, where one of our very own, brings in his DJ equipment and offers hands on training to teens who would like to learn the basics of mixing. This program however, has become more of a social hour, rather then learning time. Most of the teens that come in to the library that day come exclusively to listen to the music, relax and socialize amongst each other. Of course we don't mind this, because it brings in teens who would otherwise never set foot in to a library, and we count that as a small victory.
The library is not only a place for teens to come in and socialize, but the programs and events offered to adults also draw in crowds and offer opportunities for social interaction and a place to meet other like minded folks. Zumba classes are popular amongst adult patrons. And of course we have our monthly Book Club meetings, when adults get together with like minded readers and discuss a title they have all read.

The Demise of the School Library

The demise of school libraries is a topic that I am very familiar with. Having worked in an elementary school library for approximately eight years plus my time volunteering in the library when my children were younger, has given me a good vantage point from which to comment. Additionally, my children went to school in Virginia which is where I also worked for three months as a library assistant helping to open a new school library.

In the school district where I worked in Virginia, every elementary school (except for very small schools) has a full time credentialed library teacher with a Master’s degree in library science, AND a full time library assistant. The role of the librarian and the importance of the library in a child’s education are highly valued. However, upon moving to San Diego in 2006 I was very surprised to find that almost none of the school districts seemed to have full time, credentialed, librarians. Of course, a part of me was excited since I was now qualified for many of the school library positions that I researched. In fact, I was able to obtain my job as the library media specialist (equivalent to library technician) which listed the minimum educational requirement as a high school diploma. So it became very clear to me right away that when budget cuts had to be made, libraries were downsized in their role at the school—the position changed from a credential full-time job to a classified, part-time, hourly position. However, the demands and responsibilities haven’t necessarily been downsized.  After seven years in this role that I love, I firmly believe that the libraries play a critical role in supporting a child’s academic success.

 I believe that the trend toward the demise of school libraries needs to be reversed and districts need to move their school libraries into the 21^st century. The YouTube video, 21st Century School Libraries, in my post below outlines how libraries play a vital role in schools at all levels, from elementary through high school, and how successful  libraries have evolved to incorporate new technologies by providing a large number of computers for research and doing projects.

As stated in the video, the role of librarians for many people is seen as a boring job of just checking books in and out and shelving books. Having done this job for a while now, I know nothing could be further from the truth. There are so many facets to this job, it is impossible to do it effectively on a part time basis. Nor is it one that can just be delegated to parent volunteers. One recommendation from a SDCOE library administrator whom I spoke to is that, librarians need to generate positive PR that educates the parents, community, administrators, and the school board about what librarians do and how the school library supports the Common Core education needs of the teachers and students. I hope that we are able to do that in my district and elsewhere and reverse this trend.

21st Century School Libraries Video

The Digital Divide

The digital divide has become an issue of increasing concern, not only within libraries, but for major cities across the nation. Of course, this issue isn't limited to America, but the world is now more connected digitally then it ever was, and that dependency will only continue to increase. So, what is one way that we can keep connected to technology? Libraries. The library plays a huge role in helping bridge the digital divide, and will continue to do so well in to the future.

The digital divide is most apparent in what we typically categorize as under served communities. I have first hand experience in assisting students and patrons in library computer labs, and I know just how important this service is. An example of this, is the Logan Heights Branch Library, part of the San Diego Public Library system. The Logan Heights Branch serves a predominantly lower income community. Most patrons in this area do not have their own personal computers, let alone high-speed or wireless internet connection. Everyday, students and adults are lining up at the library doors waiting to use our computers and wifi. Since the option of low-cost wi-fi, like the plan in Philadelphia, has yet to be proposed in San Diego as a viable option for everyone, I predict that local libraries will continue to bridge the digital divide.

The Digital Divide

                The Digital Divide is described as a boundary line of those who have access to the internet, and those that don’t.  This divide in many cases is economic.  There are those who can’t afford to have internet at home, and this creates a divide between those people that are computer literate and those that are not.  Being computer literate opens the world up to so many such as education, jobs and a vast amount of information.

                “To understand the role that libraries play in offering access to new media literacy technologies, a few key concepts must be defined. First is the concept of the digital native. Those born around 1980, who have essentially grown up with technology, are known as digital natives.9 Digital natives are expected to have a base knowledge of technology and to be able to pick up and learn new technology quickly because of that base knowledge. Digital natives have been exposed to technology from a young age and are adept at using a variety of digital technologies. The suggestion is that young people can quickly learn to make use of the new media and technology available in a specific location.”(1)

When children attend schools that offer computer education, the child learns about computer literacy.   My son, who is in kindergarten, goes to a computer lab that teaches them the basics about computers.  The lab also teaches them fun sites that are built around leaning.  One such site is http://www.starfall.com/  this site teaches reading and basic computer use along with fun games.

 The child can then apply the information learned about computers at other access points for the internet.  Libraries, both at public and school play a big part in the education of computer literacy.  The Poway Branch of the County of San Diego Library system has 19 computers for public access. (Per Karen, at the reference desk)  These computers allow anyone with a library card to access the internet for any reason, that doesn't break a law.  The Poway library also offers computer classes of varying ranges to assist its patrons. 

Between the public and school libraries, I believe that educators are doing their best to end any digital divide in the population.  I believe it will be easier as the Millennials go through the school system, and grow up modern technology.

(1)Thorne-Wallington, Elizabeth. "Social Contexts Of New Media Literacy: Mapping Libraries." Information Technology & Libraries 32.4 (2013): 53-65. Academic Search Premier. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.

The Digital Divide

The digital divide is a critical issue in which people who do not have access to technology and internet services are not able to get access to information, education, jobs, and opportunities to better their lives. This is where libraries come in--libraries are the link to the digital world that equalizes the opportunities for the less fortunate. Luckily 99% of libraries provide internet access to their patrons. Additionally, many libraries offer free classes in technology instruction and internet use. 

The goal for our society should be to have digitally literate citizens. Since most children have grown up using computers, if not at home, then in school, libraries fill the gap by educating the older population for whom using a computer is not second nature. To be digitally literate means to be able to effectively use the devices (computers, tablets, smart phones, etc.), to have a basic ability to use software programs such as Word Perfect, to be able to conduct internet searches and know how to evaluate and use this information, to know basic internet safety guidelines and security software, and to be able to use social networking applications that are becoming increasingly essential for career networking as well as maintaining social ties.

However, libraries find it difficult to keep up with the demand for internet access required by the many households that cannot afford internet services. Many libraries have instituted time limits for computer use. Although libraries play an invaluable role in eliminating the digital divide, I think our government and business communities have a responsibility to provide affordable technology and service to all of our citizens.

Public Libraries & the Internet, “Digital Literacy & Public Libraries.” Information Policy & Access Center. Web. 17 April 2014. http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/analysis/public-libraries-and-digital-literacy

“Failing to Close the ‘Digital Divide’,” The New York Times. Web. 27 December 2012.                 http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/27/do-we-still-need-libraries/libraries-struggle-to-   close-the-digital-divide