I feel sad to comment on the direction that I feel libraries will go in my school district. I'm sure right now too it is because it is still a gaping wound.
Between the lay-offs in the district I am in, and the regard I see from most about the library program, I do fear as some doomsdayer-naysayers say- it will become a thing of the past. I also grieve for the children in that district. Most of the elementary students DO use their public library, so that is the bright spot, but I think right now, it just boils down to dollars and cents for them unfortunately. A newly elected board member stated that all teachers really needed to teach is a blackboard and chalk. It worked in the past-why should teachers be asking for these outrageously bloated supply lists? (This was a new member-just voted in this month...) That's true. We probably could-but is that really all you want for your children? I thought the idea was to move ahead, improve on things...The district's mantra since I have been there is to move our students into the 21st century. Seems more like we are going backwards here. Yes- it will save a few dollars, but I think by the time the realization hits, it will take much too long to ever catch back up-sadly.
I feel personally libraries DO still have a place in the future (I am holding on to that thought anyway!) as long as there can continue to be fluidity, flexibility, and the willingness to embrace change. (and not be afraid to spend the money if you value the education of the next generation.) I think especially in public libraries-they will become more of learning centers for ALL types of learning to take place. Much technology has already replaced what was before and have filtered in as staples. I hope that it will continue to be FREE for all who wish to access what the library has to offer (especially seeing the children in our district who may only have THAT.) I do just worry where the $ will continue to come from if things and the values in our society do not change. But- I am optimistic. Schools libraries will also become learning centers of sorts-where teachers will not be the only teachers-children will teach others in what they excel at, real world scenarios and skills will replace the books, pens and pencils of today. And we will continue to move forward...
2 comments:
Hi, April:
Very thought-provoking comments. I'm so sorry that your school district is experiencing these cutbacks. I think that public libraries are going to be used more by students, and since public libraries too are experiencing budget cuts, it's very worrisome to figure out how all of us will provide people with what they need and want. Lisa B.
But too- in a way-at least they hopefully WILL have the public libraries available to them if school libraries are going to be cut out of the picture from budget cuts. Certainly nothing I like to see happening,:( but seems to be the way many are headed...
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