Digital Media and Access

Better access in my library is something that I’m currently working on.  I have started by moving the books that are designated for Kindergarten and gr. 1 students.  Since I work in a French Immersion school it’s very important that the younger students have easier books set aside for them.  Previously the librarian was placing books on tables for them to choose from.  I feel that they are old enough to learn how to choose books from the shelves.  A parent found a low bookshelf and now all the easier French books are at the level of the younger students.  A large bookshelf was also moved to provide better flow and allow for less congestion. 

I have taken some time to try to provide better access with the physical aspect of the library but I have taken very little time to reflect on digital access.  There is not one point in the list of digital access that is fully met in my library.  There is so much I want to do and I have so many ideas however I just don’t have enough time since I work only 3 days a week.  I can hardly get a handle on maintaining the books, I’m not quite sure how I will be able to improve the digital access.  I guess like anything baby steps are in order. By the end of the year I would like to have a library website up and running.   I also plan on starting to use the computer lab to teach students how to look for books using OPAC and how to find good websites for their projects.  If I can accomplish all this by the end of the year I will be very happy with the progress!

I recently read an article in the Sun about Elsie Roy Elementary School in Vancouver.  They have really taken on the initiative of having technology at the center of teaching. In some classes all the students have Ipads, there are smart boards in many of the classrooms and library and they invite students to bring in their Ipods and other devices.  This approach is key in providing personalized learning which is what our students need.  Of course there’s always a question about budget but if some money is put aside on a yearly basis you could accomplish quite a bit in a few short years.

Having a digital library collection is the next step with meeting the growing needs of our students.  They already spend so much of their time online why not have access to resources 24/7?  What worries me the most about digital access is how students are left to explore and research on their own with very little guidance.  We send them out into the world of the internet to navigate websites and social networking sites with no life jacket.  In order for the students to be properly informed parents and teachers need to catch up with the fast pace of technology to help guide them.