Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
Debra's message (below) illustrates well what I mean when I say that many librarians don't see any problem with online catalogs as they are now. As Debra says, she teaches her students well and they use the system to locate books effectively. This is and will remain a crucial skill for learning and for life. My concern is that children are obviously seeking information in many more places than books, places which are not adequately represented by MARC records. For instance, my older son is in 3rd grade and he loves to use the online catalog to search for books he'd like to read and dutifully writes down the Dewey numbers on a sheet of paper. In fact, I often have to remind him that the books aren't on the computer, that they're on the shelves and that it's worth browsing around and handling the books themselves. (Please don't misunderstand -- I'm not a techno utopian -- He is a voracious reader of books and his computer time is supervised and severely limited). But when he has a specific question and I suggest we look it up, he assumes that means going to the computer. Sometimes a book is a better option and we discuss that. But at least as often, an online resource is either more readily available or more timely or more comprehensive or more easily searched. Given current trends, it seems that this balance is more than likely to continue tipping toward online resources as time goes on. So we librarians have a distinct interest in expanding the range of the search tools we offer. Why shouldn't children be able to construct a search which will simultaneously comb through the open Web, subscription databases, a union catalog, the public library catalog, and book vendor sites? It doesn't seem too much of a stretch to add a social network to the mix, harnessing the inquiry power and collective knowledge of other learners. The primary obstacles to this now are brand- and profit-driven. Nothing wrong with that, but if enough of a demand forces the market, those obstacles will evaporate and users (children) will be better served. It's not that the OPAC is not useful, it's that its utility is restricted to a discrete and shrinking segment of the information spectrum. ---Bob. /************************************************/ /* Bob Hassett, Head Librarian */ /* Luther Jackson Middle School (081) */ /* 3020 Gallows Road */ /* Falls Church, Virginia 22042 */ /* (703) 204-8133 */ /* Bob.Hassett@fcps.edu */ /************************************************/ See you in the Library! -----Original Message----- From: School Library Media & Network Communications [mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Fillingim, Debra@Jupiter Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:56 AM To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU Subject: Re: GEN: OPACs Interesting...while I agree OPAC could be better, I find it quite useful as do my students. I have taught them well and they are able to locate books on the system and then go to the shelf and pull the book. This is a skill they could carry over to the public library as well. I guess OPAC is not really an issue here. We just added some new buttons for lexile and now it is even more helpful. Debra Fillingim, NBCT Media Specialist Jupiter Elementary Palm Bay, Fl fillingimd@brevard.k12.fl.us Due to Florida's broad public records law, most written communications to or from government employees regarding public education are public records. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------