Chapter 24

[Tamara]

Based on your readings and conversations with other educators, what are some predictions you have for the school library in the next 5-10 years. How do you think school libraries will be different? The same?

[Jessica]

My prediction is that the PCIS media center will incorporate newer technologies and become more of a learning commons. I think we'll offer more areas for creation and exploration catering to different
learning styles. Depending on how the school grows and if we get more space, I see even more growth in the media center. I have big ideas, but those ideas need a space to come to fruition. Crossing my fingers for more space one day! Sadly, over the years I've heard a few people predict there won't be media centers or media specialists. I hope to disprove that one.

I think school libraries will always hold books whether they be ebooks or paper books. On top of that, according to the Huffington Post, nine studies say people prefer paper books as opposed to ebooks. Of course, there is always room for both in my book! Media Specialists will probably still be the go-to people for research and technology help. I don't see that changing.

A change I see for media centers is the idea it's supposed to be a quiet place only. This is something some people in our school are still getting used to. They aren't used to seeing kids talking and working together on various things. I see that mindset shifting. I hope that people see media centers and media specialists as valuable places and people in education.

[Tabby]

Like, Mrs. Pittman said, it is predicted that school libraries won't exist and that truly breaks my heart. I am a part of some library learning communities and many are already starting to see these positions disappear. I hope that these school systems quickly see the importance of having a media center and bring these positions back.

This is my 8th year and it's already amazing how different my job has changed over the years. I can only imagine how libraries will continue to evolve. Taken from a recent PCBOE commercial, "this ain't your parent's library". Libraries, in general, have vastly improved. Technology has definitely taken the forefront. While I still enjoy a good printed book, ebooks are a way to continually have access to print. Most of us are starting to include makerspaces in our areas. I think it's just like education, you have to shift with the times.

I also agree with Pittman and how libraries once were considered a quiet zone. It still has some purpose for silence, but it's also a hub for collaboration. I like that! I feel like it helps me to get to know my patrons more because there is interaction.

This book has really made me think of ways to make LES' library program better. I'm really excited about things I'm already preparing for next year. I definitely hope in 5-10 years, it shows growth, and active learning taking place.

[Meredith]

Like the other ladies stated, it makes me sad that the concept of school libraries are in danger of becoming obsolete. The school library is now known as the Media Center where collaboration, research, and yes... reading occur. Library Media Centers benefit all students of a school. The role of a Library Media Specialist is more than the teacher that reads a story to kids in the library. I see this role changing in the next 5-10 years as well as the concept of the school library. Like I have stated before, LPS is only K-2, so our Media Center looks different from other schools. Students are exposed to Music, Art, Smartlab, PE and Counseling weekly. The Media Center is a place to bring all of this together along with classroom curriculum.

Yes, the quiet zone is only located in certain areas of the Media Center now, instead of the entire location. Collaboration is now occurring in today's Media Centers. Like I also stated before, now my teachers just need to hop on board this collaboration express!

[Gabriella]

I would have to agree with the other librarians that school libraries may be in danger of becoming obsolete. There's a school district in Texas that has laid off all their librarians due to a financial crisis. The library is the heart of our school community. Students and teachers depend on librarians for resources needed to enhance the learning environment.

Libraries of the future will provide more resources in a variety of formats. Students will have more innovative programs that allow them to explore and learn new skills. The roles of librarians will continue to evolve by promoting and implementing innovative learning opportunities for students. We will continue to transform the library where students will be more active, motivated, and engaged in the learning process. I do believe that our library will become more of a collaborative space. Libraries cannot remain the same but continue changing with time.

[Wendy]

I've been a librarian a few more than 8 years, and as Tabby said, it's amazing how the job has changed! Technology plays a much more prominent role in both our professional and personal lives, and I feel like that's only going to grow.

It's definitely a challenge to stay ahead of the game on learning new technology and uses in order to help our teachers more effectively, but I feel like it's worth doing in order to show that we are relevant and useful. As everyone has already noted, there is a shift away from school libraries in many places in the US. I think if we're going to keep that from happening to ourselves, relevance is key!

I agree that always-quiet libraries are a thing of the past, and I don't think it would hurt to look at successful programs/innovations in other libraries (both school and public) as we adapt our spaces and services for the future. Change and flexibility will keep us relevant to our patrons and only serve to improve our library.

[Jill]

The idea of school libraries becoming "obsolete" is a conversation I often had when completing my internship in library media with my cooperating librarian. We both agreed that we didn't see school libraries closing; but that they would change, along with the role of the school librarian. We have already seen our role change just in the last few years.

I agree with Mrs. Pittman about the print books--even though some people prefer digital--I don't think print books will ever become obsolete. I also agree with what she said about librarians being the go-to people for research and technology and that not changing.

Libraries of the past look completely different than they do now. The whole idea of the library being a quiet place is changing and being replaced with collaboration and kids working and talking. A lot of our teachers and students are getting used to the library being this way. We still have teachers and students who say, "Shhhh, this is a library" when they walk in. I feel like over time this will change, and hopefully everyone will embrace the changes. I also feel like it is important for us to stay relevant and up to date with the necessary changes.

[Charity]

I'm sad to say that I don't see School Libraries being the norm past 10 years. More and more districts are eliminating Librarians. I believe the Library will look very different. Much more hands-on, technology, research, and creating. I don't think it will be as focused on book-retrieval as it will be on skills/information retrieval.
I definitely see Librarians already becoming the Instructional Leaders, especially in Phenix City Schools. The roles have already changed from promoting reading to promoting much more. I see the future Libraries still containing print copies...however, I do not see them being utilized as much.

[Pamela]

My prediction for our school library in five years:
Staying the same:
The librarian and staff are “connectors and instructors on how to use advanced technology to accumulate knowledge.” The librarian is the expert regarding managing the collection. He or she knows the best ways to arrange the collection in regards to the interests of the students. For example, popular genres and series are shelved together which conveniences the students as well as the staff who shelve the books.

The librarian “instruct(s) and enable(s) students to access a whole range of information from many sources.” The librarian will continue the mission of instructing students in media, computer, digital, information, and technology literacy.

Changing:
There will be less physical media such as DVDs. With teachers using streaming services, YouTube and other websites for film clips, I predict that the DVD collection will no longer be used and will be removed from the collection. With many of our classes already using Google Classroom, I predict that there will be a greater interest in e-books. Students will be able to read books online and take AR tests from the classroom. The bonus will be not having to replace lost books.

With online access happening anywhere there is WiFi, … the media center is not needed “as much for access” as it is for “a space to encourage learning.” “Instead of being an archive, libraries are becoming a learning commons.”

More collaboration with other libraries is one of the predictions of the Global Educator Institute (GEI) article. I would love more opportunities to partner with the Phenix City Public Library.

We currently offer these links on the Destiny homepage:
Alabama Public Library Service Electronic Resources
Alabama Virtual Library
Free Online Tutoring
Information & Technology Skills for Student Success
Learning Express Library

I want to find opportunities to share these great resources with our families.

Source:
http://geiendorsed.com/blog/beyond-th...

[Michelle]

It would make me sad to see school libraries become a thing of the past. Our kids need exposure to libraries at a very young age. I even had pre-k days this year at WES. I had a conversation with one of the AdvancED victors. She talked about how Florida was trying to do away with school libraries and media specialist all together. It was very disturbing.

I have been a media specialist for 10 years. I have seen a drastic change just in the last 10 years. Five years of that was spent in a different district. The responsibility of media specialist in my old district was a lot different than in Phenix City. I believe libraries will become places where patrons are more actively engaged in STEM type activities. We are already seeing this movement with the addition of makerspaces. As technology progresses, I feel we will become more of a technology hub than a book storage. Libraries can and will change as time moves forward. To ensure we meet the needs of our patrons, we must assess their needs and adapt to changes by continuing to learn and grow in our profession.

[Rachel]

I think school libraries will continue to house print books for students to read. It is much easier for students to track as they are learning to read with a print book versus a screen...plus, the book still works when internet is down & you don't have to charge them! :) Some of my coworkers think print books will be gone. I could see this happening more at the high school level since they have already developed their reading skills.

I was a media specialist at my previous district for 8 years and the things I was expected to do changed. More teaching to faculty members and increasingly in charge of technological issues and computer labs. I see this continuing to change.

[Tamara]

School libraries have changed over the years and I believe things will continue to change with the times. Even the job title has changed from Librarian to Media Specialist along with responsibilities. I believe that the job title may change again and so will our duties to include STEM.
I also believe that the library will become a hub for exploration and creativity. Change is expected just as with any other position in Education.

[Brandi]

I believe libraries will definitely change in the next 5-10 years, but I also believe many of its components will remain. I don't really see books going anywhere. Like several have mentioned already, most people who are "readers" still really enjoy print books. There is definitely a place for eBooks, but I see them as supplementary and not replacing print books. I am so thankful to work in a district that values our positions. Though they may change, and we may become more like technology specialist rather than media specialist, I just have to believe we will not be in danger of becoming obsolete. It is up to us, however, to ensure that we are working hard to do the things that only we can do. I can get a sub on days when I am not there, but she is basically only there to allow kids to check books in and out, take AR tests, etc. The large part of my day, a sub cannot do. I do feel valued, and that makes doing what we do so much more meaningful, and worth every obstacle that we may face. I'm not opposed to change, as long as we as media specialist are given the opportunities to change with the times, and not be replaced. :)