School Libraries – The Final Frontier

Technology is one of the most challenging aspects of a school library media program. A group of computers must be in every school library and must be equipped with all the commonly used and available software, including but not limited to web browsers and Microsoft Office applications. Yet, it is not enough to allow access to these basic technologies. Students must be acquainted with them and know how to use them. One of the primary functions of the school librarian should be to work with teachers to create a “Computer Basics Orientation” for all incoming freshmen so that the students know the true potential of a computer with Internet access and word processing programs is more than checking their e-mail and typing notes to friends.

Programs are vital to the school library media center and can really help with teaching students how to use the library. Technology programming can even help students’ attitudes toward the library by implementing an after-school gaming program. Trivia games such as Smarty Pants would be a great way to test general knowledge while having fun in the library setting. Instead of students thinking of the school library media center as a dark and dreary place, it can be seen as a place of information as well as entertainment.

Summer reading has always been a thorn in the side of the school librarian. Yet, the Free Voluntary Reading (FVR) program has become a new alternative where students read independently with minimal accountability. A very extensive summer reading list must be available, including multicultural works to allow for global openness and even some nonfiction since boys tend to prefer it. With a larger list to chose from, reluctant and sporadic readers will be more open to try unconventional books that may not have been included before the implementation of FVR. Simple reflections that make the students think of themselves in comparison to the book seem to work better and allow for a more relaxed take on something that should be fun. Having summer reading be web-based can also be helpful since it engages students on a different level and allows them to post a small reflection blog on the book while they read it instead of waiting until the start of the school year.