My thoughts on high-tech tools & the Information WorldWith the explosion of information technology, we are seeing a plethora of high- tech informational tools invading our homes, businesses, schools, and yes, libraries.
Libraries provide tools of information for the community. The traditional book is slowly, but surely, taking a backseat to the "Online World," of the Internet, websites, online databases, e-books, social online networks, wiki's, and on and on and on!
Personally, I prefer traditional paperback or hardback books. I have to feel the book in my hands, turn the pages, and smell the newness of the book. I like to curl up with a good book versus my laptop. I know personally that there are others like myself. So no, I am not that weird!
However, I do love the "Online world," and love the introduction to innovative technology in our lives. In a way, it makes me feel a wee bit smarter when I learn something high-techy that others may not know.
Libraries are introducing the high-tech world into their facilities and services at a steady pace. There are now online databases, online catalogs, computer stations, live chat reference, library blogs, storytelling, and so much more. This is awesome!
Children and Information Technology/High-Tech tools
I recently read a post on another blog, http://community.livejournal.com/library_grrls/
The member, tealightwhimsy, poses this question on January 2oth, 2007:
"Hello everyone, I'm a first year MLIS student and a bit of a newbie here on LJ. I have an assignment coming up in which I have to describe some issues involving information technology and, since my focus is on children's librarianship, I wanted to relate it to that. However, since I do not actually have experience in children's librarianship, I really don' t have any exposure as to some of the major IT issues in children's librarianship today. The one thing that comes to mind is the ever-present issue of content filtering but I was wondering if any of you could point out some other issues that are important to you?"
Just thinking out loud....
Children already participate in high-tech society. Children are surrounded with computers, mp3 players, IM, video games, computer games, cell phones, etc. Let's face it, children of the 21st century live in a high -tech world. They learn differently from older generations. I believe that libraries need to form a plan on how to incorporate the high-tech tools into the library setting. Libraries are doing just that for the most part, but there are numerous issues that need to be addressed. Below you will find a common issue facing libraries and their children/teen patrons.
A view on video games in the Library
Recently, I explored the issue of incorporating "gaming," in the library setting. Several libraries do have gaming in their libraries. For someone that is not familiar with gaming, it is video games. Video games for some, are considered a source of information technology, while others believe games are a drain on the brain. I believe, that games are informational, instructional, and applicable to the library setting. While some games can be "just a form of entertainment," there are just as many that are educational. Many games teach children and teens alike social skills, math skills, reading skills, life building skills, scientific skills, etc.
One of the roles of a library is to provide the community with sources of information and to provide patrons with evolving informational tools. Video games are considered an informational tool to many patrons. Thus, we must provide these tools to the community.
Even so, there are many obstacles:
They include:
- Costs
- Circulation issues
- Patron's care of items
- What to provide for patrons. ex. video games, gaming consoles, controllers,
- What ratings should be provided. ex. Mature, Teen, Everybody, etc.
I personally do not play video games, but feel libraries should provide this form of information/resource for patrons. It is just a matter of how to provide them.
What are your thoughts???
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