Public School Libraries

Although not all agree, the trend toward removing print media from the library can be seen as refocusing public school library resources on 21st century learning. The debate over eBooks in particular has been very divisive. Traditionally the library has been a quiet place to read and research mostly from print materials. Most libraries have even incorporated a cluster or two of computers so that patrons can access the Internet or search databases, but the perception and reality of most libraries is that they are filled with shelves and shelves of print materials.

Library media centers all over America are being tasked with making an important decision: how much of their print collection should be weeded out and replaced with eBook technology? The books are suddenly more accessible; hundreds of options can be stored on slim devices that can be tucked into a back-pack, even a back-pocket. The new technology is certainly motivating and fascinates the school-age population, which does not remember a time when the Internet was not available.

This break from the traditional school library is not without concern. Although people may percive many cost savings, purchases and the maintenance of technology is very expensive. Many people do not enjoy reading on a screen and children can be distracted easily. New systems and strategies must be put into place to train school librarians and teachers on how to best utilize the new 21st century library media center. Although these are legitimate concerns, technology has changed society aand it is the obligation of the american public school library to reflect these changes.

eBook technology is not easily defined. It has been described by Gall in his article “Dispelling Five Myths” as ...

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...ts’ work, but all felt strongly that use of ELR had definitely improved the students’ learning experiences” (626).

In conclusion, electronic technology is a permanent change to the modern school library, along with the inventive creative possibilities of their applications. eBooks and access to them are necessary learning tools which must be provided in our schools for our students to use in this global technological world. Our schools and information centered libraries must be able to accommodate these changes and continue to keep in step with these innovations. We must discard the tendency to resist change and open our minds to the advances and the positive results they will bring about. “In three years out, nobody is going to think this is controversial at all. They’ll be surprised to hear that it was.” James Tracy headmaster at Cushing Academy (Weinstock 5).