The Human Connection to Digital Resources and Academic Success

With so many people becoming "Internet Experts" are libraries really that important any longer?  And what about librarians?  Do they add any value to schools, students and learning?  Read the interesting article below from the "Independent School Magazine."  See how the human connection can make a difference:

The Human Connection to Digital Resources and Academic Success

Elisabeth Abarbanel; Sarah Davis; Dorcas Hand; Matthew Wittmer

Summer 2013

Page Content

Without question, the Internet has changed the way we think and learn, and will continue to do so as our technology evolves. In particular, the ability to access enormous amounts of information at any time from almost any place is forcing schools to redefine the idea of a classroom and the way we approach teaching. It is also reshaping the notion of school library services — what libraries look like and how they and librarians best serve schools.

Increasingly, we hear the questions: “Are libraries necessary today? Isn’t everything on the Internet? Can’t we use the library space for better purposes?” We read about prominent independent schools that have chosen to eliminate most or all of their print collections in favor of digital resources. Other schools have replaced trained librarians with technologists who are expert at connecting students with digital tools and websites, but not at maintaining and expanding the carefully curated and already owned print and digital collections. Some independent school librarians are being asked to dramatically weed their print collections to accommodate a move to a space smaller by half or more. More than a few school leaders see this as a good time to cut library funding in order to save money in the overall budget. Clearly, a popular impression out there is that the plentiful free information on the open Internet will answer all academic needs.

We respectfully disagree — and the research is on our side.

Read the rest of this article here.

The human touch, the connections between the school librarian and staff, teachers, students and parents can make all the difference to a school community's success. Let's continue to support school librarians and all that they do!!

Article Source: http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/The-New-School-Library.aspx