Theme #1 Blog Post

 

Is a print reference section needed in today’s digital world? This is a good question. On one side of the argument some would say that print resources are outdated. Is this true? One the other side some would argue print resources are essential. Is this true? My answer is we need both. “As Reidling and Houston (2019) state “a reference resource is materials, from books to Web sites to periodicals to photographs, which can be found anywhere in the library or online” (p.203). Therefore, eliminating reference sections (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases) is not the answer.

What would be the plan for my library learning commons (LLC)? The plan for my LLC is to be a place where the teacher-librarian is available to help students through the reference process. This process according to Reidling and Houston (2019) involves three elements - information, student, and answer. To find answers students must first find information to meet their needs. This is done in my LLC by "actively involving students in accessing a wide range of print and electronic resources". For example, I did a bird inquiry with my grade one students last year. We used both print and digital resources to answer our questions. For instance, to define new vocabulary words a dictionary was used. Next, we found information in bird encyclopedias, bird atlases, and other print and digital resources to answer our questions. New understandings were constructed and shared through this process. Finally, students reflected on the process.

Building a reference collection that has print, digital, and non-print resources is challenging. Given the cost of resources, the breadth required to meet curriculum and the timelines for expiry on items a team approach is required. As I write this blog, I am thinking a movie night could help raise funds for the reference section or on Valentines Day a “Love of Reading” library book donation fund. There are many options to explore. Thus, going digital is not the solution to these problems. 

                                    

Keeping the reference sections is essential. These are the reasons why.

Accessibility

My school’s LLC only has one laptop and two iPads. Although we have access to two laptop carts and one iPad cart they are shared amongst the school. Thus, one device per student isn’t possible. Reference books are always available in the LLC.

Internet connection

Living in a rural area the internet connection is not always stable. Yesterday, I had a student walk around the LLC with his laptop in his hand trying to find the best internet connection spot.

Time

Most of my time is on a fixed schedule. I see some classes for only a brief time - half hour a week. Having physical resources available to students is required because by the time students get a laptop, login and wait for their device to load half the period has gone and the research process is just starting. Then it is time to log out and plug the laptop back into the cart. Also, searching the internet can be like going down a rabbit hole. Sifting through too many resources can be overwhelming. Thus, using physical resources is not only time efficient, but it also builds student skills in using these resources.

Developmental skills

Working in an elementary LLC the need for print resources is greater than middle and secondary schools (Reidling and Houston, 2019). “Students’ ability to effectively use computers as a tool if they lack access to the technology at home or do not have the appropriate developmental skills to search for information (p.27). For example, key word searching is difficult for younger students. Thus, navigating the internet is hard for young children to do effectively.

Layout

Print resources do not have advertising and the layout of a page is simple and easy to follow. Pages in a book are also easier on the eyes.

Joy

I noticed the joy students get when having a book in their hands and sharing it with others.

Accuracy

Another key consideration is accuracy, authority, and bias. A published book must go through a lot more scrutiny to publish than online resources.

References

Five unsung literacy benefits of using a print dictionary. (2022, July 26). Scholastic | Books for Kids | Learning Resources. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/childrens-dictionary.html

In print or online, encyclopedias are seen as valuable learning tools. (2020, December 10). Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/in-print-or-online-encyclopedias-seen-as-valuable-learning-tool/2012/03

Love my library: Book fairs Reimagined. (n.d.). Love My Library: Book Fairs Reimagined. https://www.lovemylibrary.com/school-library-fundraisers

Manager, J. B. (2022, August 29). The benefits of printed books. Junior Library Guild | Library Vendor | Best New Books. https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/blog/post/the-benefits-of-printed-books