Re: [LM_NET] Wikipedia and ALA

[Diane Chen <DianeRChen@COMCAST.NET>]

     Some librarians will choose not to offer Wikipedia access to their students 
and to block it, but by such strident advocating for this by several librarians 
over the past 3 months, I believe this list is encouraging censorship and the 
inhibition of free speech. Many people who are not as adamantly opposed and who DO 
have the resources to teach the evaluation of resources, may be intimidated by the 
passion of a few and not post. I would like everyone to remember this as we email. 
It is essential to LM_NET users that we are open to all opinions and accepting of 
others. 
       Wikipedia DOES have it's uses. I have been able to find information about 
several topics that are not "standardized" material available in the encyclopedias 
for elementary students (such as extensive monarchy material and international 
resources). As a profession, I do not think we should be so adamant on blocking 
wikipedia usage, but we should teach the pros and cons and work with the new 
technologies that are arising. Citizens have the desire to participate in the 
creation of knowledge. This is a world-wide trend. It is time for us to ramp up our 
work in teaching evaluation of material, but not to prohibit access to Wikipedia. 
Wikipedia can provide background knowledge for further searching. When we argue 
over this, instead of advocating together for the good of the profession, we risk 
the next generation viewing us as "dated and out-of-touch."  I intend to continue 
to work with the new technologies to better guide my students.    
       This is my personal opinion and does not reflect that of my employers, other 
state's filters, my teenagers, my dogs, etc. I respect our ability to disagree on 
the list. Thank you.

--
Diane R. Chen, Library Information Specialist 
Hickman Elementary School 
112 Stewart's Ferry Pike 
Nashville, TN 37214 
TEL: 615 884-4026 
Personal Email: dianerchen@comcast.net 

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