[LM_NET] another view to NETP the vision

[Marie Mackler <jmb393@YAHOO.COM>]

Sorry, might be a 2nd try!! (that's all part of tech!!!!)  (:>)

I’ve read quite a few comments on the Nat’l Ed Tech Plan (NETP), 2004 from the LM 
NET.  I am saddened to hear so many negative comments about the content of the 
NETP.  I also took the time to read the 67 pages so I could feel more informed.  My 
understanding is that the NETP is all about a vision. It does not suggest how to 
accomplish this vision.  It does not ignore Library Media Centers (LMC).  It might 
appear to ignore LMC’s, but LMC’s are a huge part of its next step, which is that 
of following through with the vision.

I read the 12 states that had a school/district improve on some educational needs.  
Each school/district had different needs and successfully improved using technology 
that was appropriate for their individual needs.  None mentioned the Library Media 
Center as their main source for improvement; however, none of them went into depth 
as to who all was involved with their successes.

I feel the vision of NETP is for technology to be available for education and for 
technology to be used appropriately for each special need.  The NETP, to my 
understanding, is to be used as a starting point for states/districts to head into 
the future for education.  Each state/district needs to look at this vision and 
apply what technology is best for their situation.

Where the LMC’s come into play will be based on whether the Districts feel that the 
LMC’s are important in reaching their goals.  Districts will probably find that 
LMC’s are an invaluable asset in order to reach their goals.  I do not feel the 
NETP is undermining the Library Media Specialists!!  When the schools/Districts 
start to implement the vision of NETP, the Library Media Centers will be an 
important part of their success.  We are needed to complete their goals and 
visions!!!!!  Keep up the good work and continue to show your schools/districts how 
important it is to keep supporting LMC’s.

Another point slightly related:  Recently, I asked a simple question to LM NET 
users about whether my high school’s new Media Center should have the computer lab 
separate or integrated into the Media Center.  I did not give any more data than 
that.  I was surprised that 50% said to keep the computer lab separate.  WAKE UP!!  
The Library Media Center is now a Media Tech Center!!!!!  Print will always be an 
important part of the LMC, but online technology is here to stay and we need to 
learn the new ways and accept them.  Research is going more and more online and we 
need to have computers in the LMC’s and available for our students.

I hope I am not way off in my thinking.  I will read and listen to any who wants to 
throw tomatoes at me or send me flowers!!  My comments are mine only, not that of 
who I work for.

Marie Bernard      Weld Central Jr/Sr High

Keenesburg, CO     jmb393@yahoo.com



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