Libraries In the News

Why Libraries are still Relevant Today:

Some reasons that Wong provided for libraries still being relevant today include the importance of access to high-speed internet, increased availability of information, how they have adapted to the digital age, and the safe community it provides. I agree that libraries are still very much relevant and important to our communities today. 

• Families that don't have access to internet at home are be able to get it for free and have someone assist them, too. Without internet in their households, they could be held back from looking for jobs, getting education, and much more. 
• Libraries play a big part in the public education process, so having a wide range of literature/ information that is widely available is also important. 
• Libraries have also introduced many digital materials, eBooks, and electronic references that have been very useful and that you can access from practically anywhere. This proves that they have kept up with the digital age.
• Libraries in general also serve as a safe space for people to socialize or relax. There are programs such as English conversation circles for newcomers to practice speaking. 

This article came out in 2011, so I would assume a lot has changed since then. 

• There are probably even more online resources for people to access and a wider range of eBooks for people to read. 
• There are probably more events that take place online since the pandemic. But also more added in person events since the pandemic was over to encourage more community building. 

With the library making more and more technological advances, there could also be a lack of digital literacy within the library staff or the patrons. There could also be limited data security measures, which protects the data from unauthorized access or theft. Another problems libraries could face include the cost of initially implementing all the tech to update the library system or hiring someone to do it, which could be costly for them.

I think that libraries are still very much relevant today mostly because of all the reasons that Michelle Wong pointed out. They have added so many resources in recent years that have made information accessible to everyone. I personally use the library a lot, since books are getting more expensive, and I can have access to a wide range of new releases and eBooks/ audiobooks too. Libraries are also so vital because they are a place in our community where people can feel safe or get access to internet for things they need to get done, which is extremely important. 

Pros + Cons of Technology in Schools

Pros:

• Increased engagement in learning
• Helps students learn visually instead of just reading from a textbook. Good for students who have different learning styles.

Cons: 

• There is a debate on whether digital tools is a distraction or dulling the learning instinct. 
• Younger students need to develop their motor coordination and sensory integration first.
• Issues of brain development, exercise, and socialization.
• Could be expensive

The Waldorf System is basically limiting students' exposure to technology early on and having them focus more on developing others skill such first. It is different from other schools in the Lower Mainland because other schools have already started implementing technology into their teaching plans to modernize education. The system is still growing, with 24 schools across Canada currently affiliated. 

In my opinion, our school shouldn't completely disregard technology but we also shouldn't do absolutely everything with it. I agree that there should be a healthy balance. What I mean by that is we should still be using technology for some classes, because of all the available resources that we have access to on the internet. Technology helps when we are learning a difficult concept, so we need to watch a video, or doing research because there are so many websites. It is also good to become fluent with digital literacy, since more and more jobs require it nowadays. Another reason for using technology at our school would be that we have so many students, which means many different learning styles. Some students prefer to read a textbook, but some students don't learn a lot from just reading it. On the other hand, it is also important to take time away from screens to develop skills in the real world and socialize. Especially in elementary school, kids need to have hands-on learning (I really liked the idea of learning about fractions by cutting up fruit) and be fully creative. Although I don't know the science behind whether using technology early on hinders brain development, I feel like making connections outside of a screen and doing fun activities together is what makes. The way I would do it if I were the head of the district would be to integrate using iPads a little bit in elementary school in the older years, and then using laptops in some of the classes in high school. I agree with what Don Krug said about having a balanced view, since there are so many pros and cons to both sides. I think completely getting rid of technology and using technology for every single thing in school are both really extreme sides and instead we should just find a balance in the middle that works for everyone.

The article I chose:

https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/08/national-survey-finds-libraries-play-expanded-role-digital-equity-bridging

Summary of the article:

This article summarizes the findings from a survey done on libraries and how their technology has helped communities. It talks about how making internet access available has helped so many students and people looking for jobs. A statistic that I found surprising was Overdrive (the library e-book provider) reported that there was a 33% increase in e-book checkouts since 2020. Libraries are bridging the technological gap and are becoming more and more critical.

How it relates to libraries or education:

This article relates to libraries because it covers how adding new technology has benefited the community in a large way and how the digital divide is slowly being bridged through libraries. It talks about how in many libraries, hotspots, devices, tech- trained staff have made drastic changes within communities because of how many more people engage with libraries now. They give a lot of statistics such as "more than 88% libraries (in the US) offer digital literacy programming", which show us that libraries have been actively updating and modernizing. They also talk about how getting a library card opens up your opportunities, since you can access the internet, borrow eBooks, and even get online test preparation. In summary, it relates to libraries because the whole article is explaining how people are benefitting from all their new resources and how the digital divide is getting bridged. 

Opinions/ Reactions/ Why I chose it:

I chose this article because last year in Socials 10, I did a project on the digital divide and learned about all the ways not having adequate access to internet and tech could make an individual have a lot of disadvantages and obstacles. I think that it's amazing how libraries could potentially be a solution to this problem because of all the resources they are making available. 

"National survey finds libraries play expanded role in digital equity, bridging gaps in access to technology", American Library Association, August 31, 2021.
http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/08/national-survey-finds-libraries-play-expanded-role-digital-equity-bridging (Accessed December 14, 2023)
Document ID: ac09ec93-042e-4a9a-a332-ca144062cc98