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School libraries
Whittier parents staged a sit-in to get a new school library, which most Chicago schools don't have. Instead, schools are focused on classroom libraries and Internet access. What's the role of school libraries? Are they still important or not?
How about a smart compromise between a traditional libraries and the internet? E-books could solve many of the problems now associated with either paper book libraries or computers. Schools could store thousands of books and utilize small hand-held devices generically known as E-readers. E-books are eco-friendly and require much less space than either a traditional library or a computer lab. Students could check out an E-book device just as easily as a paper library book or use them in at their desks in class for reading assignments. There would be no more fighting over very limited computer lab space or time where reading assignments are, by necessity, limited at any rate. Font sizes on E-book devices are easily adjusted so that beginning readers or students who are vision-challenged could be accommodated. True, there would be an initial cost that might cause some raised eyebrows, but once the books are purchased, they could be electronically archived and shared within and among classrooms and schools for endless years to come, actually saving the district money in the long run.
Denna Quillin
Teacher -- IDOC/Healy South HS
We need as many resources in our community as possible, given that many families don't have access to educational resources in their homes. The libraries need to be upgraded to provide the most advanced technological and stimulating learning apparatus to all children, especially those who may not otherwise be motivated to engage in positive learning experiences.
As a former classroom teacher that taught in limited classroom space I can understand how e-books can save space and help our environment with less paper, etc. On the other hand if we are going to go in that direction than it needs to be across the board it is not fair that some schools do have libraries while others don’t and I am assuming that those schools that don’t have it are the schools in lower income community which are in need of even more resources. If not we would need to provide devices such as E-readers to the students and with all the budget cuts I find it very difficult that it would be done appropriately. Once again the students in lower income communities would be the ones left with out the much-needed resources with maybe a handful of E-reader books per classroom or rotating them from classroom to classroom while the upper income communities would have one for each student or their parents could afford to buy them one if they haven’t already. This is not about income it is about all children receiving all the resources needed to succeed.
About classroom libraries I think that they are a good idea – they are a nice resource for students to have in their classrooms but they should have access to a wider variety, which would be impossible to have in a classroom. So whether it is e-readers or libraries all I would like to see as a parent or a teacher is that all children receive the same resources to help them thrive.
One of the best features of having a library (in addition to having a space that invites reading of course!) is having a librarian. A librarian to work with teachers to make sure the school has the resources materials and books they need for class projects and research assignments. A librarian tosupport teachers who want to send books home with students (the book-in-a-bag program that has been used successfully at many schools). A librarian to get to know students and suggest just the right book to help keep that child reading. What a tremendous resource...
I think that schools need to balance the resources they provide students. We want our students to be prepared to access information through all text sources as they leave our classrooms and enter the global community. When I look at my first grade students I want them to know how to read books, but I also know they need to know how to read magazines, letters, diagrams, images, newspapers, captions, web content and emails, therefore I expose them a variety of print materials throughout the school year.
I am a big fan of classroom libraries! I think that moving the libraries into the classroom provides children more access to books. Increasing students’ access to books yields more time for students to read. Instead of visiting the library one time a week, students can visit the classroom library several times each day. Additionally, they can check-out books each day and spend more time reading at home. Becoming a Nation of Readers taught us that students who read more during the school day and at home significantly out perform their peers. I vote that we put books (and a variety of other print materials) in the hands of our children as often as possible.
School libraries are still important. As students prepare for college level research, it is important for them to develop skills associated with research, which include the ability to navigate a library. The internet is a wonderful tool, and the technology of e-readers and e-books is amazing. However, I don't think anything can replace a good library and a knowledgeable librarian. It breaks my heart that schools in historically disadvantaged communities do not have access to such resources. Every school should have access to a school library, and every school should have all the resources necessary to provide each student with an engaging, positive learning experience.
Reading is the key to success, and, to ensure students develop a strong foundation for continued learning, it is essential for every school library to be the heart of the school. By transforming school libraries in need through the Target School Library Makeovers program, we give children the resources they need to be successful.
One of our recent school library makeovers was unveiled last week at Joseph Brennemann Elementary. Brennemann is one of 32 school libraries nationwide to receive a makeover this year, and we’re excited to offer this support for the Chicago community.