I came across David Lee King's blog entitled "Am I a 2.0 Librarian and the Library 2.0 Spectrum". Although, it was not on the list of suggested perspectives to investigate - I will get to those - I was drawn into his remarks. Libraries are managed by such a diverse group of individuals with any equally diverse background. We all have our comfort zones...some are more comfortable reading to children, others cataloging, designing and maintaining web pages, blogging, and the list goes on. However, the constant thread is that we all have a love of knowledge, the desire to learn, and to pass this knowledge on to our patrons/students.
David Lee King's Blog
Personally, every year has become more challenging to maintain and operate our elementary school library. Funds that were abundant 8 years ago ($10,000 +) have dwindled to almost nothing ($742 last year). With the lack of funds, I have to wonder how I will be able to put these lessons into practice. There is barely enough money to replace damaged books and purchase new additions, let alone purchase the necessary hardware to implement these programs. In addition to a reduction in funds for library purchases, funding for personnel hours has been cut as well.
Many believe that there is no need to maintain an elementary library. I disagree. This is where students learn to love to read. Without the knowledge to read they would not be able to go online to social network. The library is a haven to escape from the harsh realities of the classroom. They are able to read out of enjoyment and let their imaginations take them to exciting places. Sure there are movies/videos but with the written word they are able to envision the scenery or the storyline slightly differently than the screenwriter or director. Just as an individual can look at Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and imagine that it is evening just after dark when it becomes necessary for the lights to be turned on. On the other hand, some else sees it at night beginning to transition into the morning when all are awakening from their sleep.
I want to be able to offer it all.... books to hold and cherish, teach basic skills so know how to conduct research, offer new and inventive ways to utilize the Web to enhance their studies. I just hope that libraries will be around to do this.
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1 comment:
Very well said. I hope you are also speaking to administrators, legislators and others who control the money. We need advocates like you.
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