[LM_NET] SEC: Building the new high school without a library

[Jane Miller <djmiller@WSISD.NET>]

I cannot imagine a high school without a library either-but it depends
on the library.  I know of one high school where the kids don't check
out fiction, and the teachers don't schedule classes for research.  In
the past, the librarian position had incorporated so many other
collateral duties that the collection, programs, and funding received
little attention or support, and the library devolved into a seldom used
bookroom.  

 

I know of another extremely busy and greatly used high school library,
where kids do check out and read fiction, and teachers not only
constantly bring classes to the library for research, but also rely on
the librarian to teach search strategies and assist both students and
faculty with research. 

 

But it's not just high schools.   I know also of a town that has a
wonderful elementary library program which really promotes reading and
life-long learning; and I know another town which has aides or clerks in
all the lower grade campuses because, as one principal expressed it:
"...you don't need a degree to check out books to little kids, and
there's not much research that goes on at this level."  

 

You wouldn't think the concept of LIBRARY would be such a hard sell- go
figure.

  

Back to high school--this topic triggers another pet solution of
mine-public library / high school library partnerships.  So many
resources duplicated; so little money in budgets.... I have attended
workshops on this subject and have heard great ideas. The big stickler
(just a wild guess here) is probably getting school boards and town
councils to discuss and cooperate on a shared project.  Yes, these
libraries have to keep records of funds received and spent from
different sources, but I think we could manage that.  

 

It is too bad that whenever a district proposes a new high school, or a
city builds a new library or branch, that the educational and civic
leaders don't at least pick up the phone and see where the other one
stands in regard to future building plans-sometimes the timeframes are
close enough to coincide...and a shared library facility is better than
a discontinued one.

 

D. Jane Miller, Librarian

Brewer High School 

1000 South Cherry Lane

White Settlement, TX 76108

817.367.1200x262

 

 

"Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap 

compared to that of an ignorant nation." 

Walter Cronkite 

 

 

 

Date:    Wed, 29 Mar 2006 11:40:56 -0600

From:    Lindy Hutchison <lhutchison@MAIL.SWEENY.ISD.ESC4.NET>

Subject: SEC: Building the new high school without a library

 

Dear LM_NET,

 

Our district is in the process of planning a new high school.  The =
architects are here and are saying that "many new schools are being =
built without libraries," and that "students will each have their own =
individual gizmo and be able to access everything they need on-line." =

(sigh) I've already turned over to them the results of the Colorado =
Study, et. al., but they seem unconvinced that, in planning for "the =
school of the future," the library will not be obsolete. They postulate
= that the students of today and of the future are so used to being
wired = (& wireless) that they think and learn differently from those of
us who = are older.  Arguments about snuggling up with a book and quilt
in front = of the fire, they say, hold true for older generations, but
our students = are coming of age in a new ethos.  =20

 

I've been to the meetings; teachers, parents, and many students seem =
stunned at the thought of doing away with the library.  The architects =
seem to have convinced the superintendent and the assistant =
superintendent of finance, though, that they are right. =20

 

I've looked through the LM_NET archives & could not find a similar =
situation.  I've been researching & did not find evidence of other =
school districts thinking that this was a good idea.  If any of you have
= experience with or know of such a situation, especially research
showing = that the library is not totally on the way out, I would really
= appreciate hearing from you.=20

 

Ever thankful for LM_NET,

Lindy

=20

 

Lindy Hutchison, Librarian

Sweeny HS Library

Sweeny, TX

lhutchison@mail.sweeny.isd.esc4.net

 


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