You Mean Virtually Anyone Can Use This?

Ok, so we know there is a lot of information in these virtual libraries, but who is really going to use them? Let's have a look at who the different users can be. In a school setting there will be teachers and support staff, students, parents, and administrative officers. Outside the school can be district personnel, trustees, and any interested parties. These groups can be initially blanketed into to users - adults and students.

The adults can access the references, pathfinders, databases and periodicals to help the students with schoolwork, assignments or personal interests. Instructional videos and podcasts may also fall into that category although they are more likely to be used by the teachers and maybe parents. The collaborative aspect can be used in the classrooms incorporating group work. As well, both teachers and admin can maintain professional dialogue in their areas of expertise. Everyone can use the Web 2.0 tools, as this is a relatively new area to explore. The use of ebooks would fall predominantly to the students. They would also use the references, YouTube videos, pathfinders, databases and catalogue searches. I would encourage the use of the collaborative aspect, but I may have to get the teachers onside with this first to be able to promote it better.

I almost forgot the heaviest user - me. The Teacher-Librarian would use this constantly for many of the features provided can be used to offer the services we love to provide - when we can't answer the questions on our own first of course:) By sharing this valuable resource via staff meetings, on the school's blog, with signage, through word of mouth, with hands-on experience, during orientations, etc., it would be a well sought after addition to the Library Media Resource Center.