Are Libraries important?
Are libraries really important? I mean after all we have the internet right? What good can they still offer? Are they old out of date buildings? Or do they play key roles in our community? Key roles in children literacy? Are they dynamic, versatile community centers?
Some of my fondest memories include trips to the local library. I spent most of my summers there, entering reading contests, checking out my first chapter books; then as I got older, I was able to use their computers. The library was a safe haven for kids my age, our parents knew where we were, knew we were safe, and knew that we would be involved in something educational.
Libraries really are the gates to the future,libraries focus on the value of information. Information in any format – hardcopy books, ebooks, audiobooks etc. While yes the internet does offer a value of information that is not the primary focus. Libraries are places, portals and resource hubs that link us to valuable information. Libraries and librarians, with their knowledge and research skills, are in the best position to provide much needed search and digital literacy skills to ensure that we, and our children, access the right learning resources. (I’ve yet to find someone on the internet who can do that.)
Yes we do have the internet, and can browse information from the comfort of our home; and if you are looking for speed, well, then the internet is what you want! A lot of things are even free on the internet, but how does the internet compare to a library?
Not everything is Available on the Internet: The amazing amount of useful information on the web has, for some, produced the false assumption everything can be found online. It's simply not true. Another area of concern in regards to our children is quality control. Yes, we need the Internet, and it can be useful but in addition to all the scientific, medical, and historical information (when accurate), there is also a cesspool of waste. There is no quality control on the Web, and there isn’t likely to be any. Unlike libraries where vanity press publications are rarely, if ever, collected, vanity is often what drives the Internet. Libraries ensure the best quality given to children, does the internet?
Libraries allow for parents the opportunity to actively participate in their children’s reading. They offer a place where families can spend time with one another. Some have reading programs for children who need a little extra help in this area. Others have sing along and reading time for infants and toddlers where parents can be involved. The internet can offer this too, but is it always free? Can the parents be involved? Are they encouraged to be involved? How does a virtual person singing and reading compare to someone in person?
Valid questions to meditate on. So what do you think, are libraries important?
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
Some of my fondest memories include trips to the local library. I spent most of my summers there, entering reading contests, checking out my first chapter books; then as I got older, I was able to use their computers. The library was a safe haven for kids my age, our parents knew where we were, knew we were safe, and knew that we would be involved in something educational.
Libraries really are the gates to the future,libraries focus on the value of information. Information in any format – hardcopy books, ebooks, audiobooks etc. While yes the internet does offer a value of information that is not the primary focus. Libraries are places, portals and resource hubs that link us to valuable information. Libraries and librarians, with their knowledge and research skills, are in the best position to provide much needed search and digital literacy skills to ensure that we, and our children, access the right learning resources. (I’ve yet to find someone on the internet who can do that.)
Yes we do have the internet, and can browse information from the comfort of our home; and if you are looking for speed, well, then the internet is what you want! A lot of things are even free on the internet, but how does the internet compare to a library?
Not everything is Available on the Internet: The amazing amount of useful information on the web has, for some, produced the false assumption everything can be found online. It's simply not true. Another area of concern in regards to our children is quality control. Yes, we need the Internet, and it can be useful but in addition to all the scientific, medical, and historical information (when accurate), there is also a cesspool of waste. There is no quality control on the Web, and there isn’t likely to be any. Unlike libraries where vanity press publications are rarely, if ever, collected, vanity is often what drives the Internet. Libraries ensure the best quality given to children, does the internet?
Libraries allow for parents the opportunity to actively participate in their children’s reading. They offer a place where families can spend time with one another. Some have reading programs for children who need a little extra help in this area. Others have sing along and reading time for infants and toddlers where parents can be involved. The internet can offer this too, but is it always free? Can the parents be involved? Are they encouraged to be involved? How does a virtual person singing and reading compare to someone in person?
Valid questions to meditate on. So what do you think, are libraries important?
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/
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message 1:
by
Cat
(new)
Jul 23, 2014 07:33AM
Libraries even offer internet access, FREE, to patrons who do not have access at home. Every time I visit my local branch, all of the 2-dozen+ computer stations are busy, and there's a waiting line to get on. Plus, libraries are wonderful meeting places and community gathering spots. I attended awesome book readings and interesting seminars about writing.
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