Another change that may be happening in your state due to budget cuts is the closing of our public libraries. In our county, they are considering closing 13 of our 17 public libraries. I know that ebooks are gaining in popularity, but will they also contribute to the digital demise of our library systems? As a parent, my daughters and I have found memories of visiting the local library for “story hour” and happily coming home with an arm or two full of books. Will the digital native children of today tune in to a virtual library and view books being read instead? Just as we are concerned about their gaining social skills by attending "mortar and brick" schools, will this be yet another opportunity missed? Maybe because I’m a digital immigrant, I’m feeling tugs at my heart about this possible loss. I’ve attached several links that address this possibility.
Is It Time to Rebuild & Retool Public Libraries and Make “TechShops”?
Are Librarians Totally Obsolete?Cobb residents fight to save 13 libraries
This is a scary thought! I hold the same types of emotions as you do in regards to our public libraries. It was so exciting for me to as a kid, to finally be able to get my very own library card! I was fortunate enough to do that for my 2 oldest kids, but for my younger one who is 4, I'm not too sure of. She, as a digital native, is very comfortable navigating around my itouch...to play games, listen to online books. She has been exposed to a lot of books that were made available to her, because I was able to purchase it online, to use when and where we pleased. Most of the online books I purchased were in the range of free to $2.99, a lot cheaper than if I actually purchased a tangible book. Although, she is more than happy to "read" books this way, she also loves having the ability to have the physical books available to her. For example, one night, she asked to "read" a book, so I automatically offered my itouch for her to use for her online books. She looked at me with a "matter of fact" look and said, "Mommy, I want to be able to hold the book and turn the pages!" That was so awesome to hear:)
ReplyDeleteJill, I share your nostalgia and library memories. Growing up in a really small town (pop. 400), the library was my earliest refuge and escape to other worlds. My present library card is 37 years old and the original worn and faded plastic. My daughter was also a part of the storytelling hours and weekly activities. A few years ago, I found it easier to download audio books from the library website and rarely visit the "brick and mortar". The smell of a building of books can still evoke memories of my youth. Maybe it is the digital immigrant in us, but I still enjoy reading a book and a newspaper . . . holding it and turning the pages.
ReplyDeleteI am young and very much into technology, but I really think it would be sad to lose public libraries. My son, just finished "reading," 15 library books, he earned 3 free hamburgers from In-n-Out through the library for this accomplishment. He was so proud to show daddy those certificates when we got home. Is an online library going to do that for our kids? Going to the library also serves as a little outing for me and my son. It would not be the same to sit on the couch with a kindle and search for a book we want to read together. I think it would be sad, but if it does get eliminated, will my grandkids think the library system we have now, seem foolish?
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last time my son or I have been to the library. When Michael needs a book for school, we just order it off Amazon. We did get a book on tape last summer. One of the Lesley classes recommended this for kids with special needs. My son is a straight-A student, but has trouble staying focused on summer reading, so he listened and read the book at the same time and really enjoyed this option. The library has more than just books. When I had more free time (will again soon), I would go to the library just to read magazines.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad this did not pass. I was worried. The media specialist at my school and I were discussing this very issue. She and I have both read where research has found when someone reads an ebook, that material is not retained as well as if they read it in a book with pages. The contrast and the clarity of the words is so fine that it apparently is not retained as well. This is a good argument against ebooks in the school system. I do think it needs to happen as far as the weight of the book bags. The future of the library seems to be a technology lab though doesn't it. Our memories are going by the wayside I think.
ReplyDeletePam, you made an interesting point about the contrast and clarity of the words. I've heard that just reading printed documents can cause eye strain due to the super white paper and dark print. It's easier to see, but paper used to not be bleached as much. I'm also pleased that our libraries will not be closing for now. Yes, libraries turning into technology labs is a realistic possibility!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of any public libraries closing in my area, but in my school district the libraries were closed for a majority of this school year due to the lack of funds. However, just two months ago, librarians were reinstated so we now have library services again in our school except it's only every other week since my school has to share a librarian with another school.
ReplyDeleteI did not know there was research to support the actual book was retained better that ebooks. For me this is true, as I read all the documents and reading material online I find myself having to print it to actually absorb it. Maybe that's just old school but I know my granddaughter is also very proud and protective of her library card and frequently asks to go. I heard a counselor at my school say she felt the librarians in elementary schools might be a good specialist to cut. Her reasoning was that anyone could help the students check out books and read them stories. I do not know what all they do but don't the librarians do more than that?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe that they were really considering doing this, when I first heard about it. I guess your right that the digital age will bring more changes than we even thought about. It never occurred to me that it might be the end to the public library!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine a world without our public libraries! I have fond memories of storytimes as a child at the library with my mom. My son is a library fan and loves to go explore the shelves whenever possible. It would be a lose for our children if we did away with public libraries.
ReplyDeleteThis is a scary thought. Unfortunately I do see this as a possiblilty. Public libraries today need to keep up with titles and what is readily available. With future technologies arise today, many are able to access the same material digitally. I too have many memories of going to the library and story time with my own children. This would be devistating, but I think we do need to be prepared. Look at how many schools are going virtual. Now students are able to use downloadable school texts to take their classes online
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