With the way that our particular teachers and students use our library, our
reference section is actually growing. I determine resources for reference a
little differently: While I do have many items that are sets, I base my
reference determination largely on whether the item should be available to
all students at any given time rather than limited to one individual who may
check it out. Of course, any volume that provides quick information such as
a dictionary, almanac, etc. is placed in reference as there is generally no
need to check it out. Our teachers tend to bring classes to the library to
work on group projects and research and we have only 12 computers in the
library. That necessitates some students using books. I think this is a good
thing. Also, when the network is down, I appreciate being able to provide
ample information via print resources.
Marsha Redd
Librarian, Kelloggsville High School
Grand Rapids, MI
marsharedd@hotmail.com
Education is not a goal; it is a life-long process. Everyone is a student.
Everyone is a teacher.
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Gustafson, Jean" <JeanGustafson@SELAH.K12.WA.US>
Reply-To: "Gustafson, Jean" <JeanGustafson@SELAH.K12.WA.US>
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: [LM_NET] K-12 Philosophical Question
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 01:26:11 -0700
A library world definition for the reference section of a library includes
the wording that these are the materials that are NOT circulated, the
materials that the librarian uses to answer questions.
With the changes I'm seeing in information collection and delivery, it seems
to me that the traditional reference collection is dwindling down to the
basics; encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, specialized dictionaries and
non-fiction sets or specialized encyclopedias. Mainly, the items are sets,
things because of the nature of their use need to stay together as the set.
Their size or the quantity owned are other reasons for items to remain in a
reference section. These items are not being checked out on a regular
basis, so do stay mainly in the library. (Ours are on an overnight checkout
basis.)
The on-line resources and the Internet are taking over for other items that
traditionally were considered reference materials. These are being called
ready reference.
With shrinking budgets and more strategic use of purchase power, the vast
majority of information resources that are purchased in book format are
placed in the non-fiction section so that the patrons of the library are
successful researchers (users of information) and the materials are more
likely to be checked out. (Used!)
The 21st century library's collection is shifting from a reference warehouse
to a resource provider. The plethora of books being published on almost any
topic means that big expensive volumes do not need to be purchased anymore
to cover topics (and shelved in a reference section), but individual books
covering specific topics that can be made available to the patrons in the
non-fiction section of the library. And of course online resources, that
greatly expand our collections.
Please share your thoughts on this topic, agree or disagree? As 21st
century libraries shift to meet the needs of their patrons, the traditional
reference section is shrinking as Online databases, Internet and non-fiction
materials takes it's place.
Jean
R. Jean Gustafson
Teacher/Librarian
Selah Jr. High
Selah, WA 98942
jeangustafson@selah.k12.wa.us
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home