Response to Video

[Mike Eisenberg <mike@ericir.syr.edu>]

I think it's ok to respond to Mr. Hodas and Ms. Sellers even if you
haven't seen the video.  You can tell them you have heard about the
portrayl of school libraries and library professionals are are very
concerned.

I also suggest you share a bit about how you and other school library
media specialists are involved in bringing the Internet into your
schools, how it's being used, but also how it doesn't make the rest of
the library media center and program obsolete - at least not yet!


Steven didn't "say" anything himself about library media programs.  The
video, however, gives a strong message of how school libraries can't meet
users needs, but the Internet can.  I personally do believe that
technology will (is?) fundamentally revolutionize the information base of
education.  BUT...I also believe that the fundamental mission of the library
media program - to ensure that students are effective users of
information through (1) providing a full complement of information services
and resources and (2) teaching essential information problem-solving
skills - will be more important than ever.

Let's keep those emails going.  Through this action and others (e.g., San
Diego, British Columbia, the bills before Congress), we are serving
notice that (1) we are active and involved professionals
(2) we are not going to let cutbacks and misrepresentations go unchallenged
(3) we are a force to be reckoned with.

...makes me proud to be part of the school library media community.

Mike


          *==========================================================*
          |       Mike Eisenberg   <mike@ericir.syr.edu>             |
          |      Professor, School of Information Studies            |
          | Director, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology |
          |      Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244             |
          |      Phone: 315/443-4549   Fax: 315/443-5448             |
          *==========================================================*