Week+8+-+Library+-+Keep+them+alive

=Libraries - Keep the brick and mortar buildings -=

Please present your opinions here as to why to keep the libraries alive! You may link to google documents, or how ever you want to show your thoughts. Please be sure to support your opinions through research and citations. test

Growing up it was always exciting to go to the library and look at different books, magazines and watch some movies. Being able to just relax in the quiet and delve into a good story was such a joy. Students have so much at their fingertips in the digital age that stepping back into the world of hard copy books and removing themselves from a screen can be beneficial. Making sure that there is equal opportunity for students to have access to read and research is essential. Not all families have access to the internet or have a computer that would allow their children to be able to complete homework assignments or just simply broaden their knowledge. The human interaction with library professionals enables students to learn more than just what Google tells them. Brick and mortar libraries offer more than just books. It provides a place for students to meet to discuss ideas, study and work on group assignments. These facilities also offer resources that may not be available in digital format. We must remember that just because the digital world has almost limitless possibilities not everything is at our request.

Johnson, D. 2010. Changed but Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age. Retrieved from [|http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/changed-but-still-critical-bricks-and-mortar-libraries-in-th.html#comments]

Windie Freeman

Even though the cost of books has dramatically decreased with the invention of e-readers, they [|still do cost money]. There are many families that may be struggling to make ends meet and not be able to afford the even the reduced cost of the books combined with the high cost of the e-readers themselves.

Even though the Internet has redefined how we do almost everything, there is still 22% of the people in the USA that do not use the Internet ([|and that trend seems to have held relatively stable over the past few years]). Libraries are places where people do not have access at home can come to access the Internet for free.

Not all publishers release digital versions or they do not always release digital versions at the same time as print books.

E-Readers need to be charged. Traditional texts do not!

Piracy concerns with digital versions.

-Harry

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 I think that school libraries are still needed. They are a place for students to learn research skills, as well as a place to gather and share books or study together. In a few schools(including the one I work in) I have seen what they call //library media common//s or //media centers//, where there are limited book stacks, but also online reference resources, de facto computer labs, as well as places with chairs and tables for people to gather and discuss ideas or collaborate on a project, or sit in a comfortable chair to read, using electronic media as well as paper books. Some also have presentation areas, with a projection screen. That's my opinion, but Liz Gray (2010) from Dana Hall Library says, there are many different kinds of learners, we need many different tools. ======

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 But I don't think it is just about the tools, but the environment. I understand a **virtual library to be a cyberspace library**, which means you have to go online to access it, like we do from home. We can **still have digital tools in the library.** But the library media specialist (or Librarian) is there to help with questions on how to search for information. In the past, librarians were there to help find books or periodicals, but now they need to be there __to help with web research and downloading ebooks on the e-reader, as well as finding books for those who want them.__ But it's not about the books, as James Tracy from Cushing School in MA says, in Do School Libraries Need Books : "This freed up our beautiful library space to be used in a new way, and ... **expanded resources to provide a new model of a learning commons** at the center of an educational community, [with] vast digital resources for research and learning. ...needing **help from librarians to navigate these resources**." (Tracy, 2010) And then there's the question of copyrighted books. ====== 70% of books are not in the public domain (Johnson, 2010).

 -Cindy Medeiros
Also, not every home has a good Internet connection, if at all. The Internet has so much information, students can be overwhelmed, or make poor choices (ELearning, 2013). They need help from the Librarian to sort through the junk.

ELearningIndustry. (2013). What is the new role of the school library in the digital age? [Website/Blog]. Retrieved from: @http://elearningindustry.com/what-is-the-new-role-of-a-school-library-in-the-digital-age

Digital resources offer the ability and opportunity to search and to use the resource in a non-sequential manner. However, for some students, there is a benefit to reading a book or resource sequentially from start to finish, as it can help to develop or increase focus and attention span. Although digital resources can be used sequentially, there is definitely a temptation, especially for students who are easily distracted, to skip around. ~Tammy

I think we need to see the importance of both. Libraries offer a hands on kinesthetic view. There is something special about teaching students the love of curling up with a book or the excitement of colorful pictures in a book about a favorite subject.

The brick and mortar library offers some amazing connections to reading comprehension and excitement about books. The physical location establishes a magical relationship with the beginner reader. There are also unique socialization opportunities outside of the typical classroom, sports field, or the playground interactions that allows the beginner reader to appreciate the books, the organization, the quiet and calmness of the library (Johnson, 2010). My children love to go to the library, sift through the kids books, find a treasure deep on the shelf, journey to a lost corner somewhere in the library and sit and read books. They also love to the responsibility to borrow the book, keep track of when it's due back</range id="469630146_3">, and are anxious for the return trip to check out more. It's a fantastic addiction. They don't have that same excitement over digital books on our kindle. They refer to it as the "huge cell phone-y thing that has like a million books with no pages to turn, but it has fruit ninja so it's fun." Which is usually followed up with "can we play fruit ninja on that right now?"

As far as the school library. Mr. Stack (the librarian) is my sons favorite teacher and "Library" is his favorite class. I know more about the librarian than his classroom teacher. He loves listening to stories, and looking for books, checking them out, sharing the treasures with his friends, and best of all, Mr Stack has a ton of energy to get them all psyched to read! The loss of the school library would be like taking away art and music. Physical drawing, painting, creating music with physical instruments and of course reading a book, ignites more senses and awareness that enrich the brain better than any digital media can (Feldenkrais, 1972).

Feldenkrais, M. 1972. Awareness Through Movement. Harper & Row. <span style="color: #016201; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">(<range type="comment" id="469433198_1">Mike, is this book available online? :)</range id="469433198_1">

Johnson, D. (2010). Writing, Speaking and Consulting on School Technology and Library Issues. Changed but Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age. Retrieved from [] 2013.

-Mike Norkun

Jason Holcomb's Take on: Libraries - Keep the brick and mortar buildings -


 * Libraries - Keep the brick-and-mortar library**

Why yes we need to keep libraries granted e-books are growing in popularity but libraries are a physical structure that are used by the students and staff. They also have computers in them that are used to read e-Books. School libraries are still used for reading and research. Libraries are a comfortable place that are generally quiet and usually furnished with comfortable seating, which <range type="comment" id="469807022_1">makes them a great place to collaborate and get away from the hustle and bustle.</range id="469807022_1"> Here at Upperman High, we hold our faculty and class meetings (not to mention professional development classes) in our media center. Our school library is also equipped with a virtual learning lab in which teachers in other schools can teach our students. In the spring of 2011, the New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC) was asked to compile evidence of the positive effect on student achievement using today’s libraries. The NYCC discovered these successes as utilizing libraries to enhance the achievement of students. An increase in teacher effectiveness, early childhood learning opportunities, graduation rates, and assessments are just several examples of how libraries can be found beneficial. The first way libraries were found to be beneficial was through an increase of teacher effectiveness. By providing the students with access to technology, there has been a positive impact in which they give students better preparation for their learning activities. The availability of libraries and librarians assists teachers and students both by simply allowing more resources and tools to be found (NYCC 2011). The second way libraries were found beneficial was through an increase in early childhood learning opportunities. For example, when young children have the ability to access books and technology at an early age, the odds of them becoming an accomplished reader favors them more than a child without access to such tools. Literacy levels could increase, as well as independent learning. This could suggest that there would be a decrease in remedial classes, which would save school systems more money (NYCC 2011). The third way libraries were found to be beneficial was through an increase in graduation rates. It has been believed that schools with increased technology access typically result in higher graduation rates and academic performance overall. At-risk students can be alleviated with the abundance of resources that many schools have to offer. Students come from diverse backgrounds, some less fortunate, but with school libraries, all students have the same opportunity to help themselves progress academically (NYCC 2011). The fourth and final way libraries were found to be beneficial was through an increase in assessments. Schools that can provide these tools tend to have increases in assessment scores than schools who can’t. Many assessment tests reflect on reading, writing, and critical thinking, which all can be things that library programs focus on (NYCC 2011).

Reference: New York Comprehensive Center, 2011. Informational Brief: Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement. Retrieved from: []

<range type="comment" id="469807022_2">Growing up I remember going to the library and feeling relaxed because it was a safe and quiet place where my mind could wander. Most of the way I felt was because the atmosphere provided a safe haven of escape and it would be really sad to deprive kids of that today just because we can access books online.</range id="469807022_2"> Libraries provide certain needs for people and can become a social learning space, a presentation space, or a teaching space. Doug Johnson came up with these different ways of helping libraries to adapt to a digital age without getting rid of them completely (Johnson. 2010). Even though we can use technology for many things today, it still doesn't give kids the social aspect that all human beings crave and need in their lives. Libraries allow people to connect in ways that other places may not. Another great thing about libraries is the presentation or teaching space that is provided. Our library is used for both and since it is tucked away from other parts of the school, it’s a great place for students or faculty to just focus on what’s going on at the moment without distraction.

<range type="comment" id="469834600_3"><range type="comment" id="469834600_4"><range type="comment" id="469834600_1">Another reason we need to keep libraries around is because there is actual staff around to help when you have questions</range id="469834600_4">.</range id="469834600_1"> </range id="469834600_3">One newspaper says it like this “ Everything said and done, the library experience of sitting on those low wooden stools, perusing through the back covers of books to finally land upon something that has really interested you and the small-talk with librarians with whom you've grown up with is lost with online libraries ”(Virtual. 2011). I love the imagery this brings to mind and it really hits home with me because of how I feel when I walk into a library. Safe and sound.

Resources: Johnson, D. 2010. Changed but Still Critical: Brick and Mortar School Libraries in the Digital Age. Retrieved from [|http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/changed-but-still-critical-bricks-and-mortar-libraries-in-th.html#comments] 2011. Virtual vs. Traditional Libraries Battle Heats Up. The New Indian Express. Retrieved from []

~Julie Roach

Doug’s response was absolutely honest and reflected the need for brick-and-mortar when schools value such things as: collaborative activities, project-based learning, information and media fluency, voluntary reading, differentiated instruction, quality content, inquiry, authentic assessment, and new information and communication skills. VALENZA, J. (2009). //Do schools still need brick-and-mortar libraries? — @joycevalenza NeverEndingSearch//. [online] Retrieved from: [] [Accessed: 14 Nov 2013].

Studies 2 indicate that schools with good library programs are more successful than those without, validating the wisdom of the leaders in those schools. Johnson, D. (2010). //Doug Johnson Website - dougwri - Changed but still critical: Bricks and mortar libraries in the digital age.// [online] Retrieved from: [] [Accessed: 14 Nov 2013].

<range type="comment" id="469254444_1">Not all kids have e-readers or internet access.</range id="469254444_1">

Feedback from students: kids need time away from screens, enjoy reading a physical book, nice to get take a break from our laptops and curl up with a book, don’t like to read online - do too much for school, reading a book gives me a break from work, enjoy the face to face and the discussion with the librarians,

Feedback from teachers/office staff/support staff: Hard to curl up with a laptop, meaning and importance of a book is diminished if only online, wonderful place to sit in the presence of books, and with people who love books (people still shop in malls even though they an do it online, same with sports, people still go to the live games), following of its own, playground for some, classroom for others, library fills need for some student to feel sense of self mastery an belonging, atmosphere is like no other, library invites readers, in what other part of school is there a place dedicated to getting comfy and cozy while immersing yourself in self directed learning? virtual libraries cannot teach, guide, collaborate, provide peer to peer/peer to teacher discussion (vital life skill), quiet place to get away from the busy life, communal space, center for inquiry, haven for kids who call books friends, libraries represent curiosity, wonder, and learning, different domain than the use of technology, helps maintain a balance b/w social context and that of isolation, which technology innately perpetuates, different students learn in different ways, meeting place that fosters connection.

~Megan

Megan - <range type="comment" id="469254444_2">As with many things, it's about preferences. I prefer curling up with my Kindle Fire over a book. I can dim the lights and still see it, and I can make the font large enough so I don't need my glasses</range id="469254444_2">. Both of my daughters, ages 21 and 11, prefer real books however. ~Tammy

Amber Bishop 11/14/2014 ** School Libraries **

School libraries are essential to schools, and students within the education system. Although many books and information are available to download or to access via the Internet some features of a library cannot be replicated or replaced. Even though publishers offer discounts or reduced prices to download books via the internet, tablet or electronic device; these devices must be purchased for a price and the resources still cost money to purchase. <range type="comment" id="469254444_3">A disadvantage of relying on technology to retain information for children is that if the technology is not working, children will have limited resources to retrieve information.</range id="469254444_3"> A library acts as a place for students to learn to explore information, through books and Internet research. By successfully implementing time within a library students can learn to navigate and search for information through a variety of resources, including books, the internet, and other electronic devices. <range type="comment" id="469630146_4">This facility also acts as a place for children to explore and discover their love of reading and books. By participating in an active and engaging library class, students can develop a love for reading and writing that can truly be inspired by the teacher or facilitator within the library.</range id="469630146_4"> The look, demand and expectations of a school library are constantly changing. Due to the visual appeal of using technology resources, greater emphasis is placed on a school library to create the same visually inviting look. By creating an appealing area, a teacher is appeal to teach children the appeal of books, while also teaching them how to utilize technology resources to enhance their learning skills. Having a library at the school level is also important because it teaches children how to look for resources. Without someone to assist children in research and navigation, many students would not learn how to use resources that are in a library; technology or books.

References Myerberg, H. (2002). School libraries. //Knowledge Quest, 31//(1), 11. Retrieved from []

Zehr, M. A. (2010). School libraries. //Education Week, 29//(18), 5. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/202731488?accountid=3783

**Why We Need School Libraries** I am a firm believer that we need to maintain our school libraries.<range type="comment" id="469834600_2"> As a teacher of young students, I see the excitement that students have when they check out books. All sorts of books... They may be drawn in by the book cover, subject matter or maybe having seen their friends read the same series.</range id="469834600_2"> The kinesthetic aspect of reading is very important in my mind. According to an article in the CEA newsletter, "<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #231f20; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,'Liberation Sans',FreeSans,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">well-staffed, well-stocked, and well-used school libraries are correlated with increases in student achievement on the order of 4 percent to 20 percent, as measured on student performance on standardized tests."

Our youngest students have an unprecedented amount of screen time at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended limits for screen time. "<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">The AAP recommends that parents establish "screen-free" zones at home by making sure there are no televisions, computers or video games in children's bedrooms, and by turning off the TV during dinner. Children and teens should engage with entertainment media for no more than one or two hours per day, and that should be high-quality content. It is important for kids to spend time on outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and using their imaginations in free play. There is something special about a student so absorbed in their book that they are walking into school while reading. I'm happy to say that I see this happening daily with multiple students.

**References** Canada Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/ignoring-evidence-another-decade-decline-school-libraries

American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx

Jenn Freeda