MP3s in the library? It's a great debate to have, Kathy. Over and over,
if necessary.
We have a no personal electronics policy in place where I teach, too.
But when I witness one of my best patrons blissfully tuning out her
noisy middle school world with novel in hand and earbuds in place, do
you suppose I spring into action to enforce that policy?
I'll let you guess...
Likewise, I had a student ask me this morning about using our wifi so he
could square off against farflung opponents on his Nintendo DS during
lunch. When I said "sure," he bashfully reminded me that the devices
were verboten.
"Oh...yeah."
So what you have is one of those tough calls. You have technologies
that, like any, can be used in positive or disruptive ways and, when the
latter surfaces, a blanket ban on the technology in question is often a
result. As far as I'm concerned, that's an abdication on the part of
adults who should be able to make gray-area calls about when, for
example, it is and is not appropriate to be listening to Fallout Boy,
and to do the appropriate, subsequent behavior management without
referring to the student handbook.
I mean, really. We're pro's, right?
Let me shift gears a bit: I don't know how old you are, but I've been
hanging out in Library Media Centers my whole life and I very much
remember when the hallmark of an excellent one was a listening area
where kids did just what kids in your library want to do: they listened
to music. Sure, they had chunky califone headphones on and got their
music off vinyl platters, but when exactly did what was once deemed
desirable become untenable?
I'm a pragmatist. If stuff is working, let it work, if stuff needs
tweaking, tweak it. While I am by no means suggesting that policies
banning certain technologies are never appropriate, I would suggest that
those policies need to be employed judiciously and reviewed often. I
also believe that policies intended to curb also keep organizations
behind the curve.
Hey what about this? Make a few audiobooks on MP3 available for kids to
load onto their devices. Who could object to that?
J. Hastings, School Librarian
"Howl" Schools
Hastingj at howell schools dot com
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Katherine Starks
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:23 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: [LM_NET] MP3s in the library[Spam score: 8%]
Hello colleagues,
I am engaging in a debate, both with myself and my administration, over
whether students should be able to listen to iPods and MP3 players in
the library (with earbuds firmly in place, of course). I am inclined to
allow them, but they are not allowed in my school during the school day.
I would have to request that the library be the one place where they are
allowed, which will take some evidence that others are allowing them and
some positive reasons why they should be allowed. Before I offer my own
opinions, I'd like to hear what others are already doing. And if you
don't believe they should be allowed in the library, please let me know
that as well and your reasons. It would help me to create a pro/con
list. I'll post a HIT of responses if there's interest. TIA for any
insight y'all can provide!
Kathy Starks, Library Media Specialist
Owego Free Academy
Owego, NY 13905
(607) 687-6714
starksk@oacsd.org
LEGAL NOTICE:
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for
the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not
disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender
immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and
delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient,
you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action
in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home