At the same time as more of the traditional resource tools provide digital
versions, we are also seeing new tools coming into play. Magazine databases
go far beyond the equivalent to Readers' Guide, encyclopedias offer
interactivity, multimedia, and links to resources beyond the scope of paper
resources.
One area that might be woth studying is where accessibility balances. Some
students with special abilities may benefit from paper, other abilities
(motor and vision, for example) may benefit from digital. What research is
out there looking at comparing digital v. paper for various specific issues?
How many computers are needed in a library v. number of sets of multi-volume
encyclopedias for good access? When do kids stop complaining about 'no M
volume' v. 'no computer'? From my experience, 6-8 computers provides far
more access than 7-8 sets of encyclopedias (and some of those would tend to
be pushing past the weeding age). Time spent managing students and resources
seems about the same at that point.
Another area to look at is the range of support materials and teacher guides
available.
There must be some other digerati out there! Feel free to jump in!
Several good reasons, some specific responses:
1: Grolier comes with multiple dictionaries (including translating) and
misspeled wurds popup alternitives to choose. (somebody can add info about
WB)
2: Search article titles to get the article wanted, and read like text (or
printout a better than photocopy for read, hilite, and marginalia. Or
utilize the hyperlinks for added info and explanation. And then there are
the various rules to remember when looking for George Washington and King
George. And the basic and advanced search provide good skills building for
magazine databases as well as utilizing internet search engines.
3. True, but look at the statistics for accessibility and reliability.
4. Would work both ways. Student on computer has access to 'full set'
without interruption and often hyperlinked for ease of access.
5. Grolier EA, GME, PS, and LP provides subject tree like Britannica's
Propedia while NBK offers Alphabetical Browse. My pda sorts names alpha,
but I only need to write one or two letters to pull up the section needed.
Digital equivalent of the thumb cutouts (which I am embarrassed to say, I
can't remember the name of).
The encyclopedia articles have links to selected websites and to Ebsco
database articles related to topic. A student can start a search with an
overview (skim or read) in the encyclopedia and add periodical resources to
build knowledge and vocabulary. Zoomable maps, often in multiple themes, are
readily available through space saving thumbnails. Students can go back
after following a link or two, and can go forward to recheck viewed
resources.
For cost: Through our cooperative, I got 3 general and 2 specialized
encyclopedias, the atlas, 3 dictionaries and 2 thesauruses for a range of
abilities. With building access and home access, the bill was about $850 for
1100 students. Faculty has home access which benefits lesson planning.
Keeping that range of material moderately up-to date in paper would cost
about the same without the many benefits of digital resources. I have two
sets of WB 3 years old, and they will be weeded out before end of this year.
All that said, and not to conflate the issue, but I just put in a $1300
order for information books, Streck, Greenhaven, Marshell, etc; some SS and
Sci, most are contemporary issues. And the bedside and fireplace tables are
loaded with books and magazines, not eReaders.
Robert Eiffert, Librarian
Pacific Middle School
Evergreen SD 114 Vancouver WA
beiffert@egreen.wednet.edu
pac.egreen.wednet.edu/library
robert@crypticmachinery.net
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Kate Stirk
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 10:40 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Why a print encyclopedia
I wrote the original poster off the list with a comparison of why print.
Since Robert asked for a public post, I'll try to gather my wits to share. I
feel strongly that libraries should have both- on-line and print.
1. If you don't spell corectly the on-line version won't find what you're
looking for. If you don't spell correctly you can skim the print edition
till you find it.
2. If you spell correctly, the on-line version will give you exactly what
you asked for- no more, no less. In the print version you can scan the
article quickly and note other facts you might be interested in pursuing
without getting distracted by the hyperlinks. With more students being ADD
this seems like a very powerful argument for print.
3. If the network goes down- no online. Not every school has reliable
network access. If the electricity goes out- no computers. Not every school
can afford to have online encyclopedia use available at every computer in
every classroom and available at home for the students. Cost becomes a major
factor. Not every student has internet access at home. Print can be taken
outside to be read. :)
4. Print allows a class to use the entire set- each student working from a
print volume without the distraction of scrolling and clicking. Think of
those ADD students. This activity teaches the value of research- for example
when I would do a Florida unit- we didn't just look up Florida- we looked up
St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Manatees, Key Deer, Ponce DeLeon, etc- Yes, I
had two sets in reference and two sets available for individual volume check
out. I would buy the latest every other year and cycle them through.
5. Print helps reinforce the alphabetical order skills that people need to
use when they drive to the airport and are reading the airline signs for
which terminal to go to while going 45 MPH. That's my favorite reason for
teaching/practicing alphabetical order by using print resources - Do you
want to be driving behind the person who needs to stop and read every
airline name because they do not realize that they are in ABC order :)
Buy both- if you can afford only one- get print.....
Kate Stirk, Librarian
North Metro Technical College (where we just bought the 2004 World Book)
Acworth, Georgia USA 17 years a Media Specialist in Central Florida
StirkK@Juno.com
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