Wiki In Training

Here's something new that I'm trying. Have a look at my Wiki In Training and feel free to make any comments. add any words of advise, offer assistance, etc. Jumping into a whole new realm here - wish me luck:)

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.

What's the Word Around the World?

Having presented numerous issues to include in a virtual library, I'm left with a tough decision of what to include on my library blog. I don't want something too complex, as I am bridging the elementary and high school scenario. So it should be fun. I also want it to appeal to the staff so they can use it as a resource, professional development and collaboration. I also need to consider the parents in the community so they too can see the value in such a service. Decisions, decisions. Considering all the great possibilities, which one or two will I choose? I don't want to bombard the site with too many choices as to be confusing. Having done the research to see what's out there, now I need to see how others are implementing the virtual world. Next, it needs to be able to fit the needs of our users. Lastly, I'll apply it to the blog.

After all is said and done, here's my choice and my explanation why. These are the key components I'd like to see included for our school's purposes. These would be my must haves realizing that as needs change, so do the services offered.

· Podcasts/ Videos/ Tutorials
· Easy access searches linking to reference, online catalogues - pathfinders, public library
· Collaborative component - interactive - ask a librarian, Professional Development
· Databases - journals, periodicals, ebooks
· Online tools for Web services (Valenza, 2007)

With looking for the above traits, the virtual libraries I'll link to my blog could not be narrowed down to just one or two. I've included one virtual library in each level - elementary to address our Grade 7's, middle to address our Grade 8's, and high school for the Grade 9's.

Penn Wood Elementary School Virtual Library was selected because it met all but one of the criteria. There are Internet links and tutorials provided. A reference desk is available. A link to ask an expert gives the connective aspect. Ebooks are available from many points. The only missing component is the online approach.
· I love this acrostic poem posted on the site:
Linking
Ideas
Between
Readers
And
Resources
Informing
Enriching
Sharing

Virtual Middle School Library was chosen due to the wonderful resource it provides even though it is missing a couple of components. What it does consist of are: resources for students, teachers through Pro-D, and parents; there is a magazine rack offering periodicals and newspapers; and Internet search including Webpage design. The missing pieces are podcasts or videos and the collaborative interactive aspect.

Reynold's High School Library was included because it had a strong Web 2.0 component as well as covering all the criteria. It includes: podcasts and YouTube videos, local public library link, book blog, databases, and the Web 2.0 links.

I had to include this one as it's excellent. Springfield Township High School Virtual Library was mandatory. There are Instructional videos and podcasts, the reference desk offers general information. The pathfinders follow subject related searches. The collaborative aspect includes: links for teachers, a Teacher-Librarian Wiki, and ask a librarian. The databases component includes catalogues and databases. Online tools offers new tools workshop. Other libraries were also included; please have a look at the 'Library List' as well as the 'Virtual Libraries' sidebars.

In an ideal world this would be an excellent supplement to a wonderful library. Realistically though - will it create more headaches when things go wrong for clients? Will it raise questions about asking for more tools to be available? Will people rely upon this service and therefore funding will be cut even further for our school libraries? These and many more questions are still out there. Have you had success in implementing a virtual library to your clients?

Sources

Bertland, Linda. (2009, July 15). Virtual Middle School Library. Retrieved from http://www.sldirectory.com/virtual.html

Lindsay, Karen. (n.d.) Reynolds High School Library. Retrieved from http://reynoldslibrary.weebly.com/

Penn Wood Elementary School Virtual Library. (2008, August). Retrieved from http://schools.wcasd.net/PennWood/Staff/library/index.html

Valenza, Joyce. (2007, July 11). A WebQuest About School Library Websites. Retrieved from http://schoollibrarywebsites.wikispaces.com/.

Valenza, Joyce. (2009, June 10). Springfield Township High School Virtual Library. Retrieved from http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/

If Virtual Libraries Are So Great, Why Aren't There More Of Them?

You have to agree that there is something wonderful happening out there in the virtual realm, but is there something that counters it in the real world? There always seems to be a balance. Here are some problems that I can see arise. I'm finding that through my searches for true virtual libraries, the funding is not being supplied to keep these libraries up and running. I know that my own school district has had funding cuts where our elementary librarians are employed only one day per week. At the middle school level we are up to three-quarter time, and only at the high school level are there full-time librarians. Due to this shortage in monies directed towards libraries, it does make sense to inform and educate educational personnel about virtual libraries. Why not have access to information and resources at all times? Why only when the school library is open?

This raises a concern about needing libraries at all if everything you need is available online. There is still something to be said about the handling real books - I don't think they will ever go away. I had a regular student who would come into the library to see what new books I had purchased. He would gingerly pick up the books, open the cover, and inhale deeply. He said there was nothing like the smell of a newly published book. It always put a smile on his face. You certainly can't get the senses involved in the virtual world.

That brings me to the next question - Are book publishers about to give up producing books for people to read just because e-books are available online? Why do all these questions revolve around money?

If I Don't Have the Funds to Travel the World, I'll Bring the World to Me.

To put this into perspective for use in my library, I narrowed down my focus to the usage of fiction that I'm highly sought after by my patrons. I turned to EduChoices to find online Libraries 25 Places to Read Free Books Online. Some of the favourites will be: Bibliomania (also offers student resources), Fiction.us (for novels), and Project Gutenberg (offers 125 000 titles). Although you will probably not find all the books you are looking for, there is certainly quite a selection provided covering numerous genres.

With a reference such as this attached to my library blog, I can entertain those students looking for that illustrious title. I will also suggest to students and staff, that these resources are available at all times and can be accessed from home as well to broaden the field of library use.

Source

Kahney, Melissa. (2008, August 21). EduChoices to find online Libraries - 25 Places to Read Free Books Online. Retrieved from http://educhoices.org/articles/Online_Libraries_-_25_Places_to_Read_Free_Books_Online.html