Re: Are we computer experts now at the expense of books?

[Norm Bagley <norm_bagley@HOTMAIL.COM>]

I have the same concerns.  I think computers are wonderful, but they aren't
everything.  I posted a sign in my library by my computers that says,
"Remember:  Computers are a resource; sometimes they are the best choice and
sometimes they are not."  One of the aspects of _Information Power 2_ that I
find disturbing is the way -- in my opinion -- it completely downplays
literature and reading promotion.  Yes, I know it is there, but I feel it
has been pushed to the side in favor of teaching information skills.  *Of
course* it is essential to teach these skills.  But I find it unsettling
that IP2 seems to convey the attitude of, "Oh yes, by the way, the library
has books to read.  Now, back to the lessons...."  If a child can't / won't
read, what good does a computer do them?  Even with all the multimedia
available on the Internet and CD-ROMs, they _still have to read_ to have it
be much use.  I have always like Phil Turner's (_Helping Teachers Teach_)
model of a school librarian's role:  one-third teaching info. skills,
one-third helping teachers teach, and ONE-THIRD READING PROMOTION.  I spend
approximately half my time with my grade 3-5 classes reading, discussing and
promoting literature (and even more with primaries!).  And I refuse to be
ashamed!

-- Norm Bagley, M.L.S., Librarian
   Cleveland (NY) Elementary School
   Central Square C.S.D.
   norm_bagley@hotmail.com

>From: Jeran Walker <Jerart@AOL.COM>
>Reply-To: Jerart@AOL.COM
>To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
>Subject: Are we computer experts now at the expense of books?
>Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 12:15:31 EDT
>
>   I have received several enlightening letters regarding computers and
>computer skills in the library.   What I learned from everyone's
>experiences
>is kind of unnerving.  In my mind, one of the most important callings of
>being a librarian is promoting the reading of books.   I love computers and
>what they can do as tools in the way of retrieving information,  but are
>computers going to become the tail that wags the dog?   Will more and more
>of
>our time and resources be spent on computers in the library at the expense
>of
>printed media and a focus on reading?
>    I am wondering if I will need to be a technical expert in computers,
>able
>to trouble shoot problems when a PC malfunctions and get whole networks up
>and running.  Will I need the equivalent of an "Information Technology
>Certificate" to run a library in the near future?
>     Jeran Walker, classroom,  working on my MLS
>     St. Mark's Episcopal School    Houston, Texas
>      jerart@aol.com
>
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