I. Information Literacy and Information Technology: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture
While reading this article, I kept thinking of the fact that it was written twelve years ago. In my opinion, the author had great foresight, and many of his points are relevant still today.
The (seventh) paragraph which begins, "In my view, the other key component...." struck me as being very idealistic, yet not realistic in an elementary school setting. He proposes teaching students a broader understanding of technological principles, history, public policy issues, etc. I think these ideas certainly have value, yet the typical elementary school classroom teacher is already overburdened with an ever-growing number of material to cover. Such information may be better suited for middle and high school classes.
(I am a former elementary teacher.)
II. Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still
This article has got me thinking about the tremendous amount of work that goes into planning, organizing, maintaining, and upgrading a state of the art library. There are many aspects of a modern research library which I hadn't thought much about, for example the storage space required for spare computer parts and the possibility of the central computer room overheating. The Lied Library has overcome many challenges, apparently with many successful outcomes. I think it takes a great deal of commitment to continuously face the challenges that naturally come along with advances in technology. I would like to sit in on some of their meetings to see how they've come to agree on solutions to these obstacles, especially in what seem to be rather short time frames.
Continuosly-changing technology dictates that we must continue to learn, a lot and quickly, in order to keep up within our field. This article has shown me that my newly chosen profession, LIS, provides many exciting opportunities, coupled with a lot of responsibility. This fast-paced, continuously evolving field requires us students to be well-rounded learners, excellent communicators and good problem-solvers.
Just out of curiosity, have any of you ever been to the Lied Library? Is there a nearby library that could compare?
III. Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
Again, another article from a few years back stating instances of The Book's changing destiny. The parts of the article which prompted the most 'reaction' from me are:
-the statistics on the average blog readers (I expected bloggers to be younger)
-the number of books printed in 2003 versus 2002 (23 million less!)
-the teenagers who think it's 'nerdy' to have a book in one's hand
For someone like me, who has no experience working in a library, or prior coursework in LIS, this article serves the purpose of reminding me that libraries aren't exactly what they were when I was growing up. It's good to know what I am getting myself into!
