Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
While the question of "Should students be allowed to use Wikipedia for research assignments" is being discussed, I was curious if we (as librarians) have considered Wikipedia as an "Advocacy Tool" for our profession? Think of the entry ---"librarian".....it is already listed in Wikipedia,... but ("yawn")... it's a bit boring (imagine what other readers might think)...especially the ONE sentence written about School Library Media Specialists. Although there is another paragraph later that discusses the different types / levels of librarianship within a school, the training required, the organizations, etc., there is NOTHING listed about how school library media specialists are impacting student achievement (or why it would be important). There's nothing listed about the Impact Studies, nothing about collaboration, nothing about "tech-savvy" librarians....and NO School Library Media Specialists are on a list of "School Librarians TO Know and Follow" (and there are several on LM_NET who will BE in future textbooks listed as the change-agents of the 20th-21st Centuries in school libraries) ---however, there are several librarians listed on the Librarian entry that we all researched and discussed in our grad classes ---or was I the only person who took that class?? (yawn...). Perhaps WE could create an impact (or an awareness) within Wikipedia by including the things that WE, as school librarians, are doing to change the face of school libraries and student achievement. This is an OPEN forum read by millions....it's a free publication that definitely provides resources that the mainstream media, educators, students, readers, administrators, and parents consult for basic information. Wouldn't you LOVE to have a teacher or student tell you that they were just overwhelmed with the information that was provided about what librarians do, the resources that were available, the book resources, journals, and websites that librarians provide for one another? What if a student clicked on the term YALSA and discovered links to websites with materials that we haven't had the chance to post on your library's website....we KNOW this stuff already...let's share it with the rest of the "congregation" and stop preaching to the choir! Rather than complaining that Wikipedia contains less than quality material, why not ADD some quality to the content by showcasing what School Library Media Specialists are doing in the 21st century? Teacher Librarian link in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teacher-librarian (Note: "school librarian," "library media specialist" and "school library media specialist" are NOT linked (found), so even though the terms might be used, there are no additional links to entries in Wikipedia to take a user deeper into "our world." These can be added, though, if Teacher-Librarian is not "enough" information. Remember, the terms chosen should be what your patrons would also be using. Librarian is there, but it is an overall description of the profession. Should "school librarian" be added with the wealth of information and resources showcased and shared?) Are you ready to create your Wikipedia password and draft some information that others need to know about school librarians and their impact on student achievement? (Just some thoughts....more on my blog...) ~Shonda -- Shonda Brisco, MLIS Library Media / Technology Specialist Digital Bookends wiki / blog: http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com http://shonda.edublogs.org/ sbrisco@gmail.com "Digital Resources" columnist School Library Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------