On Mon, 25 Mar 2002, Mark Williams wrote:
> For our part, we should continue to show a balance between the
> technological and the human sides of our profession, and demonstrate to the
> public, staff, and students we serve that a balanced approach is the
> best. The best counter to anyone's view of our profession as an antiquated
> one is a crop of vigorous practitioners who use old methods where
> appropriate (and don't hesitate to explain why they are the best choice) as
> well as embracing new technologies where appropriate.
>
<excellent response snipped for brevity>
I agree. But I will caution that in my previous district, a reluctance
by some, a refusal by others, to deal with information technology, was
one of the main causes for the elimination of the building level
library media specialist position. While a couple of us had embraced
technology and were moving forward in that regard, most were not.
I remember overhearing a district level admin referring to our group
as a group of "dinosaurs about to become extinct."
I recall the meeting where our most esteemed colleague stood, arms folded,
and told us this thing called the Internet would be gone before
they could get the finishing touches on his new library - and that
it would be over his dead body that he'd allow the Internet to be
installed.
He was transferred to the Siberia of the district before they got the
finishing touches completed on his new library.
A couple years later the position was eliminated altogether.... which
brings us to the other side of the issue ---> administrators who
think a library is nothing more than a room with some books in it
and that anyone can keep a room with some books in it.
Interestingly enough, technology is so prevalant in my current
school that I find myself really focusing on the books and reading
piece. While the tech piece needs WORK, it is also a given. My
students need to have a love affair with books and reading more
than just about anything else.
J. Rathbun, Librarian | "You may say I'm a dreamer,
Mojave High School | but I'm not the only one..."
Clark County School District |
Las Vegas, Nevada | John Lennon
Email: jrathbun@orednet.org |
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