Learning Technology Issues of Statewide Library Sector

Learning Technology Issues of Statewide Library Sector
Mary Johnson
January 16, 1996

Arizona’ public libraries have a close partnership with Arizona’s schools. All types of schools, K-16, turn to the public library as a resource to enhance the needs of the classroom curriculum. Pre-school students attend the libraries’ story hours to learn the joy of reading. Elementary schools schedule library visits to learn about the library and how to utilize itsi resources. Electronic sources form a critical part of the library’s reference materials, from computerized card catalog to CD-based products and Internet access. Learning how to use electronic resources enables students to learn researchi skills as well as attain the knowledge that they are seeking.

Many librarians are concerned that the educational communityi needs to focus on students K-16/lifelong learning opportunitiesi, not just K-12. Many of the community college and university based distance learning classes address the needs of the traditional high school student. The library community is interested in expanding the focus to include non-traditional learning settings. Librarians are especially interested in using technology to address the needs of students who will enroll in the Western Governors’ University.

Many public libraries have cooperative agreements with local community colleges to provide learning centers for self-paced learning and literacyi classes. Libraries provide facilities and resource staff, as well as print and on-line library materials in support of life long learning classes. GED classes are among the most popular. Many libraries support homework centers for elementary and high school students.

Technology eliminates boundaries and makes it possible for students to access information that libraries provide via the Internet. Many Arizona libraries are connected to the Internet and are teaching their patrons how to access the information they seek. Librarians are traditional organizers and retrievers of information. They are creating ways to organize the vast resources of the Internet into usable menu driven programs for students to utilize effectively. Libraries are providing access to databases and are digitizing print materials to provide more information on-line. The strong lines of demarcation that previously existed and separated the public library, schools and the academic community no longer exist. Technology has all but eradicated these historical boundaries. We must all join together in seeking ways to provide the information our clients need.

Mary Johnson
Arizona Department of Libraries, Archives and Public Records
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-542-4035
mjohnso@dlapr.lib.az.us