Saturday, February 28, 2009

Some questions that have me wondering

I have started reading David Loertscher's book "The New Learning Commons: Where learners win!" and have several questions I would love to discuss with other media specialists.

Should we acquire the books kids want to read vs. acquire the books adults think the children need to be reading? This is a greater question than just the budget issue.

Along with this, should we allow students to check out as many books as they can be responsible for vs. a tightly controlled number (like 2 books apiece)?

Loerscher's book asks us to rethink our "open and they will come to us" philosophy. We should think more like the creators of Google. What do you think?

1 comment:

Karon Lippincott said...

I think we should find a balance. Owning what students want to read is important because it draws them in. Owning what adults think kids should read opens their horizons (as they often open ours). The same goes with the library being open and waiting. I think there is a balance. The walls of the library have been crashing down for the last 5 years or so, thrusting the librarians out into the classrooms. I think being available to students is important. I share my email address with students, I am working on discussion boards and the like to use as well. Our resources are available virtually, so we need to be also. As far as book numbers go, I think it depends a bit on the age of the student. From about 5th grade up when they have projects that involve books, I'm more flexible with the numbers. I generally feel students can have books out for their project and then have others out for pleasure. I don't want to squash their enthusiasm for reading. What I'm having a hard time with is the desire (of some) to limit a student's circulation if they have an overdue or missing book. In my mind it seems better to bill the student, or work out an agreement for replacing a book and still let them check out books. If a habit formed, then I'd reconsider. How do you feel?