Re: Libraries & Tech Labs

[Sandy Scroggs <sandyscr@TENET.EDU>]

I would not want a bank of computers in my library for classroom training
purposes.  I would want a bank of computers if I could use them throughout
the day for reference purposes or other library connected activities.  I
think the size and design of the library would be a very important factor
in making the decision.  When I arrived at my school, there were 12 TRS
computers along a l-shaped counter. Starting at 8:15 a class arrived every
40 minutes.  Since only half of the students could be on the machines at
one time, the other half sat on the floor supposedly doing written class
work.  Unfortunately, many students felt free to go through any materials
on the shelves and having fun redistributing or taking parts from some.
The teachers did not show any courtesy toward the classes coming in for
library purposes--not only were the students loud, but the teachers also
talked throughout the day in a classroom teaching voice and had fits when
the lights were dimmed for uses with library classes.  If I brought in a
special speaker, some of the teachers couldn't understand why I didn't
want their classes to come as usual for their drill practice on the
computers.  The problems arose because there isn't enough space in the
library to create a separate area to handle the noise coming from the
classes.  The first solution suggested after many complaints by people
trying to use the library as a library was to put a wall across the room.
This wall would have taken away a third of the library which happened to
be the area where audiovisuals and teacher materials and the reference
section existed.  Fortunately the decision was made to move the computers out
into the classrooms before I decided I couldn't take it another year and
ask for a transfer.
Sandy Scroggs                   Kate Schenck Elementary School
Librarian                       101 Kate Schenck Avenue
sandyscr@tenet.edu              San Antonio, Texas 78223
                                1-210-333-0611