Have no fear, Virtual Libraries are here!
I guess it only makes sense for virtual libraries to become more popular, especially since"[e]lectronic access to information has become a major partof our culture. (Library Media Specialists and Assisted Technology. (cover story) By: Edwards-Johnson, Adriana. School Library Media Activities Monthly, Jun2009, Vol. 25 Issue 10, p22)
Most of already use the internet to look for information. So, it's a natural progression to have library websites that categorize useful links for various subjects. From the few that I have viewed, many of the virtual school libraries integrate the physical with the virtual. What I mean by this is... ebooks, podcasts, useful websites, links to online databases, tutorials, etc. are all easily accessible. However, there are some information that you still need to go the library for. For example, the school library catalogue can be accessed online, but all the books you would find would be from the physical library. I think this is a great transition, especially since the library already has those books, and its definitely a resource - so of course it should be accessible on the website.
The Second Life Virtual Library is amazing! It's a definitely a virtual experience. Though, I am far from achieving a website like that! But I am interested in learning more about it and perhaps contribute when I have the skills!
So, I would like to look at some virtual school libraries that are easy and simple to use.
Phase 1: Virtual Middle School Library
This is a very clean and simple virtual library. It has resources for students, teachers, and parents. Each link is easy to access and select what you are looking for. It has links that encourage students to read by suggesting possible novels. It offers information for students to learn how to create a webpage, etc. This website is lacking in the reference/online database section, but I think this is a very good start to a virtual school library. Hence, PHASE ONE.
Phase 2: Bibliothèque Reynolds Library
This virtual library is a bit more advanced. It's has a little more character by being less plain with the wordle and the clipart. The links that are offerred include catalogues, database, book blogs, lists of web 2.0 applications, teaches students about copyright, and reference list formats. This library seems a bit more complete and uses more web 2.0 applications in the webpage itself. So, I think this is an example of Phase Two since it includes more online resources.
Phase 3: The Konawaena High School Virtual Library
This virtual library is information filled. It offers different links for Teacher, Parents, and Students. There are several online databases that are available for the students. There are a lot of links available in the reference section. There are some fun links for anyone to take a look at ie) joke of the day, etc. -students are still reading, even though it's the joke of the day. I do like how this library has integrated school updates onto the website. It's almost like a school bulletin board for everyone as well. It's a great space to constantly visit and hopefully more users will visit and use this page. So, this would be Phase 3.
Wait a second... How many Phases are there? (only referring to the readings)
Good question. Let's say Joyce Valenza's virtual library is a Phase 4 and Second Life is Phase 5. So, there are 5 phases. I like how Joyce's virtual library is designed and easily accessible since it looks like a real library! This way students can relate to the real experience and still know their way around a physical library.
Summary: What do I think a virtual library needs? Well, I think this website needs to be "student friendly". It needs to appear simple and easy to navigate around the site. It also needs to have resources of different genres ie) reference section for encyclopedias, different subjects, online databases, section for promoting reading where students can contribute, resources for teachers and parents. An added bonus would be to build a sense of community as well, whether its in the form of school and community bulletin boards, community contributions on to the site or even forums for expression.
Interesting Find
"Far more people are familiar with their local public or college library facility than their library's website and online resources. In fact, according to a recent survey, 96% of Americans said they had visited a library in person, but less than one-third have visited their online library. Yet people agree online library resources are valuable! Why this disconnect?" (Marketing the VIRTUAL LIBRARY. By: Fagan, Jody Condit. Computers in Libraries, Jul/Aug2009, Vol. 29 Issue 7, p25)
I'll be honest. I haven't used virtual libraries much. My school has access to EbscoHost Database and I encourage my students to use this resources as much as possible. I also feel disconnected from being in China. Each year I return to my public library, I see changes. Physical changes as well as virtual changes. It's amazing how quickly trends move. I don't doubt that more people will learn more about virtual libraries and they will use it when they do know that it's available. Like the quote from the introduction, finding information on the internet has been embedded into our lives.
Virtual Library in my School?
Since the school I'm going to this fall has just been built, we lack resources! I have ordered books from publishers, but it usually takes about 2-3 months to dispatch it from original publisher, go through hoops, land in the 3rd party warehouse, then it is sent to my school. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for me to create a Virtual Library for my school. My students have almost no traning of how to use a library. Their culture trains them that only textbooks have relevant information and are worth reading. What better time than to teach them about copyright and how to use the online resources that are at the click of a mouse? It can also be a group effort. I can teach the students the skills to search for reliable websites and we can build the resources for the different subjects pertaining to their projects/assignments in their courses. (Of course I will also be reviewing the sites.) So, together we can build a virtual school community library. I hope to work on Phase 1 for our new school library this fall.
Food for thought
As we are reaching this technological age, there are less tactile things for students. For example, this virtual library - everything is found by clicking a mouse and reading on the computer screen. However, what if this doesn't suit the learning needs of our students? How can we modify this new model to include and support all the needs of our students?
For example: Modifications can be made in video and podcasts for the hearing impaired simply by adding closed captions so students can read what is being voiced. "Remember, it is not just students with physical disabilities who need assistance. There are many more students who have cognitive disabilities, diagnosed or not, that need assistance as well. The process of logging on to a library database from home may be difficult or unintuitive because it sits behind several different links or requires a fourteen plus library card number to authenticate." (Library Media Specialists and Assisted Technology. (cover story) By: Edwards-Johnson, Adriana. School Library Media Activities Monthly, Jun2009, Vol. 25 Issue 10, p24)
We do have a responsibility to make sure that whichever direction school libraries are heading, it needs to be friendly to all users.
That's a really good point, Sheryl about there being a demand for virtual libraries but the public knowing very little about it. That thought occurred to me as I was writing my blog. Is it perhaps librarians interpreting the users needs to include wanting a virtual library?
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Sheryl, I think the public is getting more educated on the concept of virtual libraries, and mostly because they expect everything in their daily functions to be virtual! Banking, ordering tickets, talking to friends...I think the expectation is there but it's up to us to create a user-friendly environment to make it happen efficiently and easily.
ReplyDeleteSheryl,
ReplyDeleteShould also mention I like your post and how conversational it was! Good balance of research yet making it seem informal.
You make an interesting point about cultural barriers you'll need to tackle. I hope you are successful.
ReplyDeleteAs always, good job, I enjoy your writing.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of collaborating with all stakeholders as you build your virtual library. Good luck with this project you will surely reach everyone's learning style through understanding your clients well.
Dawn
Hi Sheryl,
ReplyDeleteThere was a new public library built in our neighbourhood that has more computer terminals than any other library in the area. They also rent out Wii's. If you want them to come, you have to provide what it is they are looking for.
Cheers, May