This document discusses the impact of technology on school libraries. It notes that the greatest impact came from personal computers, which automated tasks like circulation and cataloging and allowed access to digital resources on the internet. The document advocates that school librarians should embrace new technologies, be comfortable troubleshooting problems, and get sufficient training to stay on the leading edge of technology adoption in order to meet students' needs and expectations.

1. “School Libraries in the Bad Old
Days”

2. Where Do You Fit In?
• Bleeding Edge
– Ahead, implementing new apps as they're released.
• Leading Edge
– Hanging back to see if a product is successful before
buying.
• Bringing in the Wedge
– Not a risk taker; uses a safe approach when buying
technology
• Trailing Edge
– Dragging, kicking, and screaming to accept
technology.

3. Get on the Bandwagon

4. Internet and Electronic Resources

5. Technology Applications
• Circulation System
– Inventories the library’s collection
• Security System
– Saves money on lost books
• Cataloging
– Marc Records allow books to be found on shelves
• Personal Computers
– Automate repetitive tasks

6. School Librarians Must Be Leaders in
Educational Technology

7. Audiovisual Equipment
• Films
• DVD
• Projectors
• VCR
• PowerPoint presentations
Audiovisual education or multimedia-based education (MBE)
is instruction where particular attention is paid to the audio
and visual presentation of the material with the goal of
improving comprehension and retention

8. Use Social Media
 Creating a Fan Page filled with useful information
for students.
– Provide live updates of assignments and lessons
 Google+
 Create a circle exclusively for students and post
status updates pertaining to the course

9. • Know the basic operations, terminology, and about
equipment maintenance
• Knowledge of computer assisted programs
• Impact technology has on careers
• Computer programming

10. No Walls Associated w/ Libraries
• Students expect to be prepared for the 21st
Century technology e-revolution.
• The library must be accessed 24 hours a day
• Students should be able to find what they
need

11. IT Support
As technology leaders and librarians, we must
be able to troubleshoot problems within our
buildings. The level of IT support is subpar.

12. Response
1. What is your view as to the place your school library should be with relation to
adoption of technology.
A. I believe our school district should be on the leading edge of technology. After
discussions with other librarians in the district, we feel that the leading edge will
afford us to have the latest in technology, but not sacrifice cost. We don’t mind being
a demonstrative site for freebies, but we don’t want to waste money on technology
purchases that are not necessary.
2. A number of advances were discussed in this chapter as regards to
library technology. Which one had the greatest impact on school
libraries?
A. The greatest impact on school libraries is the computer. The computer was created to
create a paperless society, but it has indeed exposed us to a World Wide Web of
endless information which gives us power. According to William Scheeren, author or
Technology for the School Librarian, technology did not exist prior to 1985. The
invention on the computer created the internet and its digital resources. The personal
computer gave way to circulation, cataloging, and networks that provide practical
public online catalogs. The creation of e-books proves to be a popular commodity
among teens and adults alike according to Nielson Polling Group.

13. Response (cont.)
Examine 3 Definitions of Technology
• “Technology is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of
tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in
order to solve a problem, improve a preexisting solution to a
problem, achieve a goal or perform a specific function.”
– Wikipedia
• “Technology is the practical application of knowledge especially in a
particular area.”
– Merriam-Webster
• “The purposeful application of information in the design, production, and
utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human
activities.”
– Business Dictionary

14. Rules to Live By
• Be comfortable online
• Be able to fix things
• Embrace changes
• Seek training
• Indulge in computer programming

15. Acknowledgements
• Scheeren, William. (2010). Technology for the School Librarian. United States. Libraries Unlimited.
• http://www.librarytechnology.org/
• http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology
• http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/technology.html
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2803487/PC-World-announces-the-end-of-the-floppy-
disk.html
• http://www.sti-tech.com/
Summary
The evolution of the library has gone viral. Outdated technologies have quickly been
replaced with the introduction of the computer. Experts believe that in order for librarians
to thrive, they must embrace technology, and let go of antiquated ways of running a
library. Books are beautiful, but the book Information Power gives the new media specialist
tools they can use to advance their library into the 21st century.
Chara Gill
LEM 511
Phone: 205.563.1508
E-mail: cbgill38@gmail.com