Our Rich History
Write a brief response paragraph related to your readings using these questions as your guide. Please let us know which article you read, so that we can be sure to read responses on sources we didn't read. Afterwards, relax and read/respond to others.
After you've had an opportunity to read our profession's rich history related to collection development and management, what has stuck with you?
What seems like it hasn't changed at all?
What seems extremely archaic?
What was surprising?
What new connections did you make?
~jmf
Article: Collection Development in the Digital Age
ReplyDeleteEdited by: Maggie Fieldhouse & Audrey Marshall
I truly enjoyed reading this article about how collection development has evolved right along with the growth of technology. As many of us know, we now live in a world that is almost fully digitally submerged. From everyday simple tasks of waking up, to communicating, there is almost always some sort of digital technology behind it. It is hard to look back and fully comprehend how society functioned back when technology was very limited, let alone it’s hard to imagine how our former librarians coped with everyday tasks. This article describes the different phases that libraries have undergone due to the impact that the digital age has had on their collection development. The phases include: Late 1960's-1970's-where it is commented that collection development began, and computers were primarily used for circulation and cataloging and we had the introduction of microform, microfilm cassettes, microfiche, catalogs and the concept of the self-renewing library , 1980's-1990's-where we started to see the use of internet, email, personal computers, OPAC’s, as well as more ILL. In addition, modular based management systems were in use as well as databases, Late 1980's-1990's-We saw material in digital form, electronic journals and other media, digitalization of holdings, Rusbridge introduced the term “hybrid library” and we saw the Public Library Initiative, the 2000's- We’ve seen the development of the Electronic Resource Management Systems, streamline processing of acquisitions, open access movement, Institutional repositories, and so much more.
What stuck with me after reading this article is that the integration of computers into the library system, has greatly affected our profession by helping librarians to better manage and organize their collections. In addition, computers have been an integral part in the transformation of libraries by allowing librarians and patrons to have easy access to the resources that are housed in the library, as well in other places. What seems to me that hasn’t changed at all is that libraries have been and will continue to be an information hub for all that are in seek of knowledge. Regardless of the constant and ever changing new technologies that have made their way into the library system, the library continues to be a place that houses a wealth of knowledge for all who desire. One thing that surprised me in response to this article is the fact that the digital age began back in the 1960’s. I never gave it much thought as to when the digital integration age had begun, but it really surprised me that it has been around for over 50 years and still continuing to evolve as we speak. While reflecting on the article, I really could not pin point anything that seemed archaic to me. The new connections that I made were actually text-to-self-connections, in which, as the article was speaking about the different phases that collection development has gone through I was actually able to relate to all but one of the phases. Being a child born in the late 70’s, I have been lucky enough to live through 3 of the phases described in the article. As a child I can certainly relate to how technology has impacted patrons in the library. One thing that stands out is that I dreaded looking for books in the library because you had to manually search through card catalogs, write down call numbers, and then go look for your book. In the short time that I have been on this green earth, I have seen card catalogs basically become extinct. Despite the fact that I considered it to be a nuisance, I still was lucky enough to have gone through extensive lessons that our school librarian provided every year, in order to properly learn how to use the card catalog, which is something that some students will never get to experience. In turn, we now have the wonderful world of databases and search engines that help us find our resources painlessly and in a jiffy.
So true Yisla, I can relate. I too remember lessons on using the card catalog. A friend of mine was telling me about a small city here in Texas she visited a few years back that still used the card catalog. Her kids were intrigued. I tell my boys that they are very Blessed to have so much information accessible to them with the "click" of a few buttons.My college days were books, articles, microfiche, microfilm etc. Being part of a college atmosphere again has really opened my eyes to how much access we have through all the technological advances that continue to evolve as we speak.
ReplyDeleteThe Emerging School Library Media Center: Historical Issues and Perspectives Kathy Howard Latrobe, Editor
ReplyDeleteSection: “A History of School Library Media Center Collection Development” Carolyn S. Brodie, Associate Professor, at Kent State University School of Library and Information Science
This book uses different authors to present a detailed look into the history and development of school libraries. The section I read, “A History of School Library Media Center Collection Development,” written by Carolyn S. Brodie, discusses that as early as the 1900s people recognized the need for a high quality collections to serve the needs of children and young people. As education evolved, so did the decisions of what collection of books and materials should be purchased and by whom, where they should be stored, and who would be responsible for these collections. What was surprising to me was how long librarians have played a Big role in the decision making process on development of collections. I didn't realize the first librarian was trained in 1900. Throughout the years, library collections have evolved from not only containing books, but also to include other printed materials and multimedia resources, as well as access to the worldwide web. Brodie further discusses how libraries developed their standards to assist in improving libraries and their collections throughout the years.
What stood out for me was the early development of library budgets in 1920, called the “Certain Reports.” This was the first set of standards detailing what a library should be comprised of: from furniture, space, books, to journals, and library supplies. This was the beginning of what we know as budgets for the school library. In addition, these guidelines were developed to assist classrooms in storing materials to have them readily available when needed. As I read this article, I wasn't aware that aside from storing books and other materials, libraries were also in charge of storing classroom collections as well. The people who wrote these standards viewed the library as a place where teachers and students could go to get the very best books and resources on a wide variety of subjects. They suggested that libraries connect their collections to the school’s curriculum. This makes sense and still holds true today as we look at our own districts’ curriculum and campus plans. Throughout the years, these standards continued to be amended through groups such as the NEA, ALA, and AASL, to include the School Library Bill of Rights, and the Eight Basic Principles that guided the selection of books, media, audio-visual, and other resources. Something I perceived as archaic was the role of the librarian as the source for what was to be in the library’s collection. As education has changed, so has a librarian’s role. Today, librarians work closely with administrators, teachers, students, and parents to develop, evaluate, and create well-balanced collections to meet the needs of their campuses, as well as their communities. Furthermore, librarians continue to play an important role in the selection process of collections and resources. In order to continue to survive in this new age of technology, the library media specialists should be well versed in the latest technological advances, as well as lead our students and educators in the use of all types of resources available to them.
Sandra,
DeleteWow! It is great to know that the people who wrote the first standards were concerned about making sure that the libraries housed material in their collections, that aligned with the school's curriculum. Just like we all know now, it is extremely important for libraries to have books, and other media that ties into grade level content. This not only allows material to be used while the curriculum calls for them, but builds the libraries collection up to be meaningful and resourceful. I also agree that nowadays it takes a group effort in order to have well balanced collections. In our school, our librarian meets with all grade levels at the beginning of the school year and she has our timelines and curriculum's laid out in front of us and each grade level plans with her and creates a wish list of material(s) that we would "like" to see if she could purchase. This collaboration allows for input from the teachers and ultimately ends up impacting overall student success. Great info, Thank for sharing.
-Yilsa DLS
I read chapter one, Introduction to Collection Management and Development, from the book Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson.
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest ideas from the reading that has stuck with me is the fact that even though libraries have been around for such long time, that what we think of as our modern day library is relatively new. It has only been within the last 100 years that libraries have become welcoming to the public masses. It seems like the idea of preserving important writings has stayed consistant throughout the years even though hundreds of years ago these writings were considered to be stored and not to be used. The censorship of books and the idea of having only books that would be of good character is definitely old-fashioned along with not including fiction books in the library and the idea that reading was not for pleasure but only for learning. It was surprising the dramatic growth that libraries have undergone in the last 100 years. It amazes me that it seems like a slow evolution of technology and society and then all of a sudden when the 1900's hit everything is increasing and growing at rapid speed (technology, books, materials, resources, etc..). This is probably not exactly true but it's the thought I was having while reading this chapter. One of the biggest connections I made with the reading was that the goal of libraries should be to meet the appropriate needs of its patrons.
Not to deviate from the questions, but I wanted to add that during my enrichment group with fourth graders, the reader book I was given to read and discuss with the students was titled "The History of the Library" (the teacher thought that it would be perfect for me to use). This book mentioned some of the information that we covered this first week of class (the papyrus paper, clay tablets, libraries being a storage, etc), so it was fun to share my experience from this class with my group and they were very interested and asked many questions. We have not finished the book so tomorrow we will continue our book and discussion together.
Hi Amy, I agree that the change that we have seen in the last 100 years is profound. It is really exciting to see how much our society has become dependent on libraries and that the wealth of knowledge they posses is available to all who are willing to seek it.
DeleteI also think it is great that you are sharing what you learn in this class with your students. Are they finding the book interesting? Share with us how it goes and if they have anything profound to say as kids usually do. :)
Hi Amy, one of the things that fascinated me about the chapter is the fact that the library has been evolving and has been changing for the last 100 years. I agree with you in the fact that at first the changes taking place were unraveling at a rather slow pace. However, technology had a tremendous impact on the rapid changes taking place in the library allowing a lot of resources to be made available electronically.
DeleteHello Amy, I agree with you how change came about. Yes, I also agree we must keep up with technology mainly because that's the way now. I support all libraries getting up to date technology.
DeleteAfter reading A History of School Library media Center Collection and Development by Carolyn S. Brodie, I come to realize the versatility of the library and the process of collection development. Though it seems that a Librarians duty is just to collect and evaluate data in their library’s resources; there has always been the challenges, such as: balancing new and old information, whether information can be used for curriculum or recreation, and overall does the collection cover a broad range of subjects. I have always thought that having a school library was completely an “old idea” and “traditional”, but the ground work for having a school library is surprisingly new. In the book, a man named Greenman emphasized, back in 1913, the importance of the school library; however, libraries were more common at a high school level and almost did not touch elementary. The rise of elementary libraries came around when the government decided to increase funding to the schools. What changed their mind? When the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957, this caused the United States government to start placing much needed attention to the educational system. Included in the special programs they enacted, they funded the need for proper resources to broaden a student’s education and research. These resources were to be maintained and collected by the school’s library and librarian. This is very similar to the current phenomenon to push Science and Math in education today. The United States takes notice our math and science scores are less to be desired, so more funding goes into those programs. It is also interesting to read that funding has always been an issue for education and thus always played a challenge for the collection development and its principles.
ReplyDeleteWith the growing change in new media, the library has the ability to change and bend to the incoming freight train that is technology. Through the readings I find that the principles laid out for collection development stays relatively the same, in that we want what is best for the library “users”. And what is best, is keeping up to date on the material. Print media and books seem like common place for a library, but there is a massive array to the types of resources out there. From simple audio and video mediums to streaming media and social media; this doesn’t change that collections must be managed properly and remain available to all users.
I agreed with the text that information is important to today as it was in the beginnings of the school library. And yes, it seems easy that we can google all the information we need, but students need to be taught to evaluate that information. This can be accomplished by having an integrated and well managed library resource, with a certified Librarian to run it.
I also read over the article by Maggie Fieldhouse and Audrey Marshall and was entertained to read about Ebsco Articles. That was the method I was taught to do research when I was in school. I am a young teacher and I can say Card Catalog is “archaic to me”. I never had to use a physical card catalo; however, I know that the system was just adopted through the computer; which this all shows that the ideals of the library seem to stay the same, but the methods change. The collections change to the need of the current user, the new type of student, and type of resources available. And the use of those collections shows great return.
In reading Maggie Fieldhouse' chapter I found myself surprised by the fact that Libraries have been incorporating digital technology for 50 years. Maybe its because I am young, but I always pictured Libraries of the past to be outdated, not the on the forefront of digital technology. What is neat though is that even with these advances over the years, our cataloguing systems have really not changed at all. Yes they are digital now and are therefore faster to use, but the overall concept is the same as it has always been. It is an integral part of what makes a library function and it works well. However there are some areas of the Library that are in need of an update. for instance, any college library you go into, there are floors worth of research materials, most of which is minimally used. If we had digital copies of that kind of material, it would be cheaper, easier to maintain, easier to use, and take up much less space.
ReplyDeleteWhat has connected me the most in this reading was the fact that the library's ability to adapt and implement new technology is the key to its survival. A survival that a community that is educated and flourishing is depending on. Without digital technology and resources, we are obsolete.
I had the same perceptions of libraries. It's only been since I've been working in a library that I see them differently and on the cutting edge of information systems.
DeleteThe Emerging School Library Media Center: Historical Issues and Perspectives. Kathy Howard Latrobe, Editor
ReplyDeleteSection: A History of School Library Media Center Collection Development - Carolyn S. Brodie
This text traces collection development from the 1890s to the present. This section details how collections have developed over the turn of two centuries and the implications of technology today within primary and secondary schools. Brodie discusses early collection development and what constituted a quality collection throughout various time periods in Library History. The needs of students, faculty, and the community are discussed in reference to what was collected in libraries throughout these periods as well as what exactly went into these collections and for what purpose. Additionally, what constitutes a quality collection and the responsibilities of librarians, educators, administrators, and communities is shared with the reader and how collections have changed from having about 300 books in a room to having a center devoted to books, electronic files, resources, and additionaly educational hardware to further the development of learners.
What stood out to me was the level of sophistication that early libraries had with regards to how they wanted their collections to look and work like. Before even considering being a librarian I always had assumed that in early times libraries had just picked the books that everyone was reading and for serious study, what teachers had suggested be put in the library. The amount of work that was put in by various staff members and members of the community was uknown to me. Such a large amount of thinking and research had gone into developing these collections that I felt bad for taking libraries for granted for so long. I think had I read this text long ago I would have a deeper reverence for the lines of books that I walked by aimlessly. With that being said, what hasn't changed is the amount of resources that libraries strive to have available to learners and educators alike. At the beginning of the 1900s a few hundred books of high quality were all it took for a library to be successful to its patrons. With the advancements in technology, libraries were then looked upon to have access to various media upon their shelves. Soon magazines, periodicals, photographs, videos, audio recordings, etc. found homes on library shelves. It never ceased to amaze me that such a place could have almost everything you were looking for; and if they didn't they'd be sure to tell you where to find it.
What surprised me (and I know it shouldn't have) was the amount of money that was put into these places and with so little direction. The boom of funds that libraries recieved during the Cold War to bolster learning and science was amazing for me to read about. But soon I was let down when learning that the funds were given without anyone being trained in knowing what a good collection was supposed to be like. It is a shame to think of all the funds wasted on a collection that may now be outdated and for lack of a better word: useless.
I honestly dont now which connections I made that stand out above the rest, but I will say this: this all scares me a little. Reading all of this history within the past hundred years has made me realize that we are all in a stage of library history that is going to impact learners for a very long time. We are in the age where information is everywhere and we have to be guides in an increasingly (and seemingly infinite) large sphere. What we do now is going to impact the way people use libaries forever.
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ReplyDeleteChapter One of Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management from the book of Fundamental Development and Management 2nd Edition by Peggy Johnson
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that really stuck with me is the fact that libraries have been around for such a long time. It was interesting to learn that in order for a library to have access to purchasing books, people had to pay a subscription to the library. The fact that libraries were privately owned and funded allowed only certain people to have access to the library. In the history of libraries, there were times when not everyone was allowed to even set foot in a library. I had never even considered the process a librarian had 100 years ago in choosing materials for a library, I always just assumed that books were delivered to all libraries to be placed on shelves. The pressure a librarian must have felt in order to put books on the shelves that discussed controversial issues must have been strenuous. I’m fascinated by the idea that librarians had to take on this challenging task with a limited amount of funds for purchasing books. I truly admire those librarian advocates who paved the way for future librarians. Even as times have progressed librarians are still challenged with the idea of having printed books as well as electronic resources. Ultimately, I feel that the biggest obstacle a librarian will have in their career is being expected to provide up-to-date resources with a very limited budget.
What I find that seems to still be the same is the process of conservation and weeding out material. It is important to preserve materials that are of historical importance or that have simply been over used through its time on the shelf and simply need to be stored away. In order to keep up with all the latest resources a librarian must pick and choose which materials will remain on the shelves and those that must be removed to be put in storage. Another thing that had not changed is the fact that librarians still have to effectively manage a library on a very limited amount of money.
The thing I found surprising is the fact that the library has evolved just like everything else in the world. As technology has rapidly changed the library is able to offer a variety of resources both in print and electronic versions. Those resources are available for those who chose to read for pleasure or for academic purposes. The fact that the library is accessible to everyone at the click of a button really speaks volumes about the accomplishments that have been made in libraries over the years.
The new connections I was able to make is that a librarian’s job is very important and a vital tool in helping educate society. The idea of collection management is extremely important because that will determine the quality and quantity of resources available to all library patrons.
The article I read was "A History of School Library Media Center Collections Department" by Carolyn S. Brodie
ReplyDeleteWhat has stuck with me as I have read this article is the number of titles selected in proportion to the number of students in a school. 1000-1700 titles for a school of 200 seems like an incredibly small number. Sure, this was in 1945, but it still seems like a small number to me. That's a minimum of five titles per student. Perhaps I keep revisiting and being astounded by this because I live in the present time, and it seems so off from the numbers of the school I work at. I teach at a school that has upwards of 4,200 students. There are tens of thousands of titles in our school library, not to mention what is available to them via online databases that we pay for. I guess because this is my norm, this seems right, and such small numbers seem absurdly small.
The one thing that seems like it hasn't changed over time is lack of funding for library collections. There are a variety of reasons for this, but it just seems that there is never enough money for the things that really count in education, but we always seem to have money for the sports teams. Maybe one day, it'll even out, and libraries won't have to worry about lack of funding, but that seems a long ways off.
I don't know that anything I read in this article, other than that I have already mentioned, was particularly surprising to me. It seems to me that library collections, like nearly everything else, have evolved over time to meet the needs of students.
It may sound silly, but the connection I made is in terms of technology. Technology is something that makes life easier. Once upon a time, card catalogs were considered technology. Same with filmstrips, videocassettes, etc. In a way, libraries are the first place one will find the latest and greatest technological devices. (This was not necessarily in the article itself, but was something that came up in my wandering mind while I was trying to read the article.)
Mandy,
DeleteI love your connection about technology. I have said similar things to my own children, things like "Well, when I was a kid, getting roller-skates was as exciting for me as getting the newest Pokemon game is for you!" It is all in your perspective and what is "normal" at any given time and we have to remember how that perspective changes over time - and really what is "normal"?? :) thanks for putting that out there in words!
I read A History of School Library Media Center Collection Development by Carolyn S. Brodie. I found this article interesting and thought provoking. Since I am already working in a library as a librarian and purchasing titles for my collection, it made me sit back and evaluate my purchasing. What hasn’t changed? What is still important now is the fact that if the school library is truly going to be effective, it must support curriculum. In addition, the phrase “times are a changing” was true back in the 1920s and is still true today. Technology and collections development is fluid and will always change how libraries are perceived and what they implement. In regards to being archaic, the audio/visual requirement for libraries seems archaic for my patron base. We recently stopped cataloging all cds and audio/visual equipment because my school decided to purchase other technology that would be kept in the class, since that is where it was going to primarily used. However, we do pay and maintain all licensing. I was really surprised by the initial list of titles recommended for early school libraries. I think about having that now and it makes me groan. While a recommended list would be a nice reference, my population of patrons plays the most important role in my purchasing decisions. What also was surprising was the number of titles recommended per student. Our library supports PreK-12 grade students, all in one space and maintained by one librarian for each school. We have gone above the ratio of 10 books per students. It made me think, do I need to weed? How do I decide what stays and what goes? This article made me take a step back and look at my collection as a whole and then by section. Why do I have a certain title? When was it bought? Why was it bought? My shelf space is precious; should I keep it or weed it? The connections are continuous.
ReplyDeleteHi Lana,
DeleteThat sounds like a really tough decision deciding what should stay on the shelves and what should go into storage. The same information was mentioned in the article I read, but to hear it from someone who is currently working in a library really helps emphasize the importance of good collection management.
I am also already working in a school library and I have the same thoughts, questions, and concerns reguarding weeding the large collection of books in our library. I am hoping that this class will help guide me through the process.
ReplyDeleteFundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson
ReplyDeleteHi guys! I read all three articles just in case I missed something – I hate that feeling! Anyway, I will focus mainly on chapter one from Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson. I felt like this might have been the most recent writing of the three, although the last article is about the same age. It seems to me that with the rapid rate of change from the 1960s until the early 2000s in libraries that we might need to explore some of the most recent statistics and trends that have occurred over the last 5-10 years. I truly believe that we all need to know where libraries started and how they have developed over the years, but we really need to understand were they are headed and what steps we as future librarians will need to take to get there.
I felt almost overwhelmed imagining what the librarians in the 1990’s were going through as they attempted to forge their way through the development of the contracts we now have in place concerning digital format purchasing – are we purchasing access or ownership – wow, the spinoff thoughts just from that are dizzying! Change is very exciting and I can’t imagine being in a library where there weren’t any e-books or journals, but thank goodness someone before me forged a path! To start from scratch must have been insane!
The one true constant in libraries seems to be the debate over quantity versus quality. Should we collect everything we possibly can afford to or do we focus on the resources we hope will help educate and improve our patrons, and how far can you go with choosing what might help and promote them without crossing the line into censorship? The inter-library loan model seems to be the most logical solution, even if it isn’t perfect, it does answer many of the questions about how to stretch very limited funds in a way that will provide the patrons with as much access to resources as possible.
The thing that surprised me the most was the many acronyms for all of the groups – I felt completely lost reading all of those capital letters and trying to make them into words! ☺☺ Actually it was the fact that Google headed up the first major effort to digitize all library holdings in conjunction with libraries from Universities such as Michigan, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and the New York Public Library.
I read the chapter A History of School Library Media Center Collection Development bu Carolyn S. Brodie and it has enlightened me on how important the collection of materials has been. The need for information has not changed. The various means in how we acquire it has. I am not surprised about the factors that has caused collection development to be reevaluated. I look at the library in my current school and I have listened to librarians discuss how lack of funds is always an issue. I had one librarian didn't let that issue stop her. She began writing grants and we received licenses for an abundance of electronic resources along with physical books as well. So I am very optimistic about becoming an advocate for a thriving library media center.
ReplyDeleteAs I read, I realized there is a lot of work behind collection development from the first set of standards created to the creation of School Library Bill of Rights. I think this is surprising to me because initially my understanding of librarians was very simple. I never thought about what went behind developing the existing collection of books and resources in the library. I do agree that media collection and where it should be housed has come full circle especially with the use of technology increasing. Library media centers have to be able to function within the changing times. This means the collections of materials need to be continuously evaluated to make sure it is current and address the needs of the school/community it serves.
Hi Stacey! I agree with your assessment. Funding is always a key component. Grants are always an avenue that can be explored by resourceful librarians.
DeleteArticle: Collection Development in the Digital World
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this article and learning how technology and the use of technology within libraries have changed over the past 50 years. Libraries began implementing computer programs in the 1960’s to help improve everyday tasks such as cataloging and circulation. Shared cataloging was an important development during this time as it allowed libraries to obtain catalog cards from outside databases rather than creating them on their own. To save cost and space, the idea of a self-renewing library was introduced during the 1970’s. The basic idea of a self-renewing library was that older materials would be removed as newer materials were added to a library collection. The use of microform, microfilm cassettes, microfiche and the term ‘collection development’ were also introduced during this time period. The 1980’s and early 90’s brought the use of personal computers, the internet and email. Library management systems became more functional as interlibrary loans (ILL) were introduced. The development of online public access catalogs and area networking were major components during this time span. Electronic library services expanded even further in the late 1980’s and 1990’s as full text content such as the digital encyclopedia, Encarta, and full text journals became available electronically. The term ‘hybrid library’ was introduced in the 90’s and meaning that a library collection neither be completely digital or completely print but rather a combination of the two. Electronic resource management system (ERMS) were developed in the 2000’s along with visual learning environments (VLE) and the open access movement. The implementation of technology within library programs has helped to expand library collections as well as the services offered through the programs. The digital world is amazing to me as it continues to expand to help us do our jobs more efficiently. It is hard for me to imagine working in a world with limited technological resources as the librarians of the 1960’s and 70’s did. One connection I made was to the card catalog system. The librarian at my elementary school taught us to use a card catalog before we were allowed to use the computer system. Although I’m sure I didn’t enjoy the lessons at the time, I am thankful for the librarian teaching my class to use an actual card catalog. Another connection I made while reading this article was to Encarta. I remember using the electronic encyclopedia on my grandparent’s computer for research projects in elementary school. That program made research assignments exciting, and I have not thought about it in years.
Article: Collection Development in the Digital World edited by Maggie Fieldhouse and Audrey Marshall
ReplyDeleteI feel the main thing that stuck with me is that our library is ever changing with the help of technology. I too was surprised that we’ve been using digital technology for fifty years. I remember using card catalogs with my librarians in my elementary and middle schools, but after that I remember usually consulting computers and sometime the card catalog. However, I also sadly recall that in my high school years I hardly ventured to the library. I probably was too busy with my activities. I am sad though that I do not ever recall using I am glad that I was taught to use a card catalog, but that does seem pretty archaic now. It still dumbfounds me that middle school students at my school don’t know how to properly use our “OPAC” or how to even find a book in the Non-Fiction section of the library. I cannot imagine what they would do if they had to use card catalogs. Another thing that seems pretty archaic is the use of CD-ROMs. It seems like now whenever we want to download software it’s through websites rather than from an actual disc. I remember when my aunt gave my family our first computer in the early 1990’s and how it included Encarta Encyclopedia CD-ROM. I used to love using the time-line feature of our history on it and listen to speeches from famous historical figures. Another thing that seems archaic is microform, microfilm cassettes, and microfiche. I vaguely remember using these in school. In retrospect, I wish I had used them more. It seems like we do not use these as much in the library, but they could still be very valuable. I also made a connection with the concept of “self -renewing” and another concept of “weeding” in the library. I feel both are important as mentioned in the article, “for users to find relevant material.” One thing that has definitely not changed over the years is the importance of having collections available to users through the use of technology.
Article: Collection Development in the Digital Age by Maggie Fieldhouse and Audrey Marshall
ReplyDeleteSection: The impact of information technology
The main thing that stuck with me after reading this is how information technology has evolved over five decades. It evolved from supporting users to building communities. What seems like it hasn’t change is that libraries have always been about connecting recorded information with people. It provides that link between what we want or need to know and us. Card Cataloging seems to an archaic system and even though it has not been lost or disappeared it has changed its form. I was surprised to learn that libraries have always been the early adopters of computer systems since the 1960’s. A connection I made was the card cataloging system. I remember our school librarian teaching us how to use it to look for the books that we needed. I don’t deny the advantages the new library technology offers but it’s sad to see our students don’t even recognize the cards.
Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management.....Peggy Johnson
ReplyDeleteIt was surprising libraries were not in high demand or made a priority. There was not much funds for academic libraries. College libraries reflected America’s education priorities, which was more discipline than actually learning anything. Ironically now we are trying to teach students without the discipline. After the civil war libraries were becoming a high demand because there was an increase of universities and research was being required. In today’s time librarians still faces the challenge to adequately supply the library with the most up to date material because of the lack of funds. This is more of a problem in our schools.