8-2 Group Work: Library Debate Wiki: Both Sides

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 commuters in them that are used to read I 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 makes them a great place to collaborate and get away from the hustle and bustle. Here at Upperman High, we hold our faculty and class meetings (not to mention professional development class) in our media center. Our school library also is equipped with a virtual learning lab in which teachers in other schools can teach 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).

           

Virtual Libraries are the way to go –

             Virtual libraries, possibly the future. E-readers are on the rise. Seven percent in one year according to a Pew Internet Research Center survey (2012).  Virtual libraries and its power of convenience. Don’t get me wrong nothing feels better than holding a hardback book, but as the world around our favorite Pieces of literature steps in to a modern world which is very much based on technology what are they to do? If you can’t beat them join them! Virtual libraries have the ability to bring forth some of the Most well known and unknown works of literature out there, right at your finger tips in simply seconds say you have an exam on Edgar Allen Poe’s the Raven next block only problem is you have never read a single page. You can easily pull out your smart phone, purchase the poem, download and read all in the few minutes you have left.

 Virtual Libraries would also be convenient because the world we live in today is heavily based on technology.   The “Net Generation” presses of a few buttons to open an endless world of information. Students increasingly prefer the virtual world to printed text (Johnson 2010).  The question is how can we accomplish 1:1 technology devices to accommodate all of our students to access the virtual library? The answered is Bring Your Own Device (“BYOD”). BYOD policies have been gaining acceptance in schools of the 21^st century. Adults and our young “digital natives” fill misplaced without their personal digital devices. In the ninety’s just adults had cell phones. Now elementary students are packing smart phones around.  Stephen Noonoo says “According to a new mobile learning report from Blackboard and Project Tomorrow, about 50 percent of high school and 40 percent of middle school students now own or have access to a smartphone or tablet, a 400 percent increase since 2007”(2012). All in all students prefer the virtual world.

Reference:

New York Comprehensive Center, 2011. Informational Brief: Impact of School

            Libraries on Student Achievement. Retrieved from:

http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nyla/nycc_school_library_brief.pdf BYOD strategies. (2012). Technology & Learning, 32(7), 34-37. Retrieved from

            http://www.techlearning.com

Nelson, D. (2012). BYOD. Internet@Schools, 19(5), 12-15. Retrieved from

http://www.internetatschools.com

Librarian on Student            Achievement New York Comprehensive Center (2011).

Retrieved from: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nyla/nycc_school_library_brief.pdf

Zickuhr, k., Smith, A. (2012).  Digital differences. Publish by Pew Internet.

Retrieved from: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Digital-differences/Main-Report/Internet-adoption-over-time.aspx  

Wikipedia, (1213). Freedom of information laws by country. Retrived from:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_information_laws_by_country

Johnson, D. 92010) 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

Huff Post. (2012). Reading Statistics: Traditional Books On Decline, Survey Says.             http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/27/reading-statistics-       _n_2370186.html