School libraries have changed dramatically over the past 50 years. Where they once primarily provided printed materials, they now focus on integrating new technologies to help students develop important research skills for college and careers. While students have more access to information at home through personal computers and the internet, school librarians play a vital role in teaching students how to effectively navigate these technologies and resources. Moving forward, school libraries, teachers, and librarians must work collaboratively to implement new tools like web 2.0 technologies to engage students and prepare them for their academic and professional futures.

1. School Libraries:
Past and Present
Samantha Ragasa
LEM 511
Module 1
S

2. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S The school library has changed over the years, but the
importance of it has not.
S The technology in our lives has changed dramatically,
and our libraries should be on top of that change.

3. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Think about a library in 1969. What did
it have? Why did people go there?

4. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S A library in 1969 had books, magazines, and some other
types of print media. It also might have an audiovisual
collection with films, film strips, and records.
S Everything was typed on a typewriter and a card catalog
was used to find the books needed.

5. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Students used a school library in 1969 a
lot differently than they do today. What
did students need from a librarian in
1969?

6. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Students in 1969 needed a school librarian to help them find
the materials for their research.
S The materials they might use for research included books,
magazine articles (in which they had to search through
magazine periodicals to find), and listening or watching
some of the audiovisual collection.

7. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Think of libraries today. What has
contributed the biggest change to the
library scene?

8. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Technology has changed the library.
S It started in the 1970s with the introduction of the security
system. This helped prevent stolen books and saved the
library lots of money.
S In the 1980s, libraries began using circulation systems.

9. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Today the library has changed dramatically since 1969. The
introduction of the Internet and the personal computer has
changed the shape of the library.
S So much information today is available to students that is
not found on a bookshelf.
S With personal computers in every home, students can now
retrieve information at home.

10. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S In today’s technological world, where do
school libraries fit in? What can they still
do for a student who has a personal
computer at home?

11. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S A school library must have the latest in technology.
S A school librarian must have the technology leadership to
help students use this technology correctly to find what they
need.
S If a school library does not have these things, the library
become irrelevant for students and they will not use it.

12. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S School libraries must have the resources available to answer
the what?, how?, and who? for students.
S Students may have a personal computer or even an iPad at
home, but do they know how to use them to correctly find
the research they need?

13. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Today’s school setting is based on college and career
readiness.
S The school library plays a significant part to getting students
ready for college and careers.
S Classroom teachers and the school librarian should work
together to help students achieve college and career
readiness.

14. School Libraries:
Past and Present
S Teachers, let’s work together to reach out to the students and
get them more involved and interested in learning.
S Let’s be open to integrating Web 2.0 tools. These are things
social networking applications, such Twitter, Blogs, Wikis,
etc.
S How could you integrate Web 2.0 tools into your
curriculum to reach your students?

15. Summary
S In summary, the school library’s landscape has changed over
the years, but the significance has not gone away. Let us as a
faculty of this school work together to ensure students come
to the library and learn college and career readiness.
S Resources: Technology for the School Librarian: Theory and
Practice by William O. Scheeren (2010).
S Contact me for questions or comments: Samantha Ragasa,
smragasa@me.com