Biggest+Library+Issue

I What do you think is the biggest technology issue for (school) libraries today? What ideas to you have to solve it?


 * One of the biggest technology issues for libraries today is how to respond to the frequent and substantial changes in the technology landscape. We have platform issues: Mac or PC? We have tablet issues: Android vs. iPad vs. Galaxy vs. Nexus? We have reader issues: Kinde vs. Nook vs. Kobo? What is the correct ratio of eBooks to print books? What impact will cloud computing have on some of the software programs that have until now resided mostly on the machines physically in our libraries? Adobe recently announced a new way to purchase its popular suite of software (Photoshop/Premiere/Acrobat/etc.) through a monthly/yearly subscription fee rather than paying hundreds of dollars every other year to upgrade (or thousands to buy in as a new user). Adobe broke its naming conventions to introduce its new "Creative Cloud" service: **
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 * I think this is an example of a company responding thoughtfully to technology changes by allowing consumers to choose between a one machine/one install/one price option for a flat price, or a cloud-based subscription for a recurring fee.**


 * Adam **

The biggest challenge facing my current school library is sufficient amounts of current and appropriate technology: computers, ipads/slates, document cameras, interactive whiteboards, etc. The only way that the situation will be solved is to have greater commitment from the tech team, administrators and board to allocate funds to bring us up to current standards. On the larger front, it seems that technology is changing so fast that libraries are challenged to stay current and up-to-date. Understanding that technology is constantly evolving, and that funds need to be marked every year for current technology is vital. That way, outdated materials and resources can be retired when appropriate and new materials phased in to stay current. -Lara

I think there are two big challenges--OK, there are more, but I want to mention two. First, I think there is a challenge for libraries and librarians to keep ahead of, or even keep up with, development of new technologies and the evolution of what is happening digitally. I see it in my school district--we finally get the go-ahead to purchase or access something, get everyone on board with a "newest" version of it, and it's already two generations behind. I have no idea how to solve this except to get myself informed and stay abreast of changes so that I can do my job and educate and instruct the rest of my staff. The second challenge I see is evaluating what tools are valuable and which are "flash in the pan" ideas that seem really cool and sexy, but are limited in their scope or actual use. I think it was in the Sarah Ludwig interview. . .she commented on finding the right tool for the curriculum, rather that looking for curriculum to fit to a particular tool. Finding ways to evaluate the tools of our libraries (through staff feedback, tracking frequency of usage) will help us to know what is really valuable for students and teachers to use, and to promote student learning. (Beth)

I think the biggest challenge is getting school district administrators to take teacher librarians seriously as technology leaders. Only librarians can do that through advocating and showing what they can do. As John told us about Edmonds last year, saying that we'll teach information literacy and use technology Is not enough. Either there is a major mind shift and people really see that or the profession could come close to being extinct. That means that we need to not only lead our students and the staff in our building into 21st century thinking, we need to make sure that the other librarians in our districts are responsible to demonstrating that in their schools as well. Their actions will now heavily affect all librarians. That will be a delicate process. I think that in the past librarians have been pretty isolated in their buildings. In this day and age, sharing resources digitally is easy and will likely be necessary. Within a district with the same research tools and policies, tutorials for using research tools could likely be standardized so that only minor modifications would be needed for different buildings. That is one example. This kind of united thinking could help improve overall relevance for the district programs. (Diana)

I think the biggest technology issue is getting the technology into the school, whether it be budget or support from administrators. To solve this I think it is important that we communicate with our staff and adminstrators and get them on board. If we want e-readers we can show the research that backs up how they help students, and possibly use money from the technology budget instead of the library budget. Grants can also be written, but it is our main job to advocate for the technology and get the support behind us. --Gretchen Oates

I would have to agree with all of you. Technology is a big challenge that many teacher-librarians face. I would probably consider myself to be a digit native, but even despite my experience and knowledge of technology, I still feel completely overwhelmed by the wealth of tech. tools and gadgets out there. I believe that it is our responsibility as TL's of the 21st Century to be role models and leaders in the area of technology, especially related to research, reading, and literacy, but the task seems daunting. I still have so many questions. Which ereader should I invest in? What are the BEST online databases for kids? How do I embed technology into the curriculum so that it is enhancing the content, not distracting from the learning? It is a challenge that we all face, but I know that with time (and with the help of my fellow TLs) I will begin to feel more comfortable and confident in my technology skills, knowledge, and application. -Annie

Great ideas everyone!! T :)

I think there are three big tech issues: http://teachingwithsoul.wordpress.com/2011/07/

1) **Budget**- most of you have mentioned this. At a time when everyone's budget is getting cut, where's the money for expensive equipment and cutting edge software that can be made accessible for all our students? (When I have attended NCCE and PSESD sessions, 'free' is always favored!!) 2) **What technology**? Technology is often approached as a shiny glossy toy, but research doesn't show that all toys improve learning. Tech needs to provide things like student interaction opportunities, or immediate feedback in order to do that. (Marzano and Pickering, __The Highly Engaged Classroom Instruction__. 2010.) Our purchases need to be for technology that will improve student learning, that meets our curriculum goals, that does more than just add shine. 3) **Time**. Somebody -- I think it's the TL!! -- needs to spend time finding the tech that meets the demands of issues one and two. As TL, I would try to budget time everyday to exploring the new, looking for things that would help the teachers in the building meet their curriculum goals. And once these are found, time for training is needed. -Jodie