When we were discussing how physical changes can impact access in the library I mentioned that our library has only one computer for the students to use. I remarked that having a library which such little access to technology does not draw students in and does not meet the needs of the 21st century learner. We want the library to be the hub of the school and having access to technology to access our OPAC and online resources is a necessity. I thought Brenda really made a great point about the danger of having a library that is out of touch with the needs of our learners in response to my comments,
"Having one computer in the library is quite below standard. I agree with you that that needs to change.... not only for the students to be getting the 21st century library space they deserve ( and want) but also to protect the necessity and integrity of our role as media specialist. There will come a time very soon when libraries without digital literacy will be deemed "redundant" and prehistoric.... we need to make sure that our libraries stay alive and that means to keep up with the trends and ( if I may be so bold) to set some trends of our own! Otherwise we risk being labeled "prehistoric". Libraries cannot afford to function as book warehouses, ones that do I am afraid to say are existing on borrowed time."
I thought this was extremely well put. It is definitely an argument I will keep in mind when soliciting funding for new technology for the library.
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