Challenges: School Libraries
There are many challenges facing today's school libraries. Each school has different challenges based on their school district, size, and funding, but there are still challenges that can affect any size or type of school library. Two of these are outlined below.
Funding
Many school libraries are facing budget cuts in their school or district and therefore are not receiving enough, or any, funding. This is causing schools to get rid of aspects of the school that they think are not necessary. Unfortunately, one of these aspects is the library or the librarian. Despite what much research says about the value of school libraries
Internet/Book Filtering
With the growth of the Internet comes the growth of sites not acceptable for children. This brings up a big question for schools and their libraries. Librarians need to decide what is acceptable for students to view on the Internet and if they have the right to limit what students can view. Many states have laws in place for this already
Discussion Questions
1. What can librarians do to encourage the funding of school libraries? Is it necessary for the head of the school library to be a certified school library media specialist or can schools get away with a teacher as their librarian to save money?
2. What should the students be allowed to view on school computers? Should we limit our students on what they can view on the Internet? In the same respect, what about books? Should students be allowed to read any book they want regardless of the content? Should schools be able to decide what is and is not acceptable for students to read? Should parents be making these decisions?
Works Cited
Gazella, K. (2000, January 28). Hilsborough: School shelves orders for new Harry Potter books. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from St. Petersburg Times Online Tampa Bay: http://www.sptimes.com/News/012800/Hillsborough/School_shelves_orders.shtml
Greenberg, P. (2007, December 17). Children and the Internet: Laws Relating to Filtering, Blocking and Usage Policies in Schools and Libraries. Retrieved January 23, 2007, from National Conference of State Legislatures: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm
Merola, M. (2008, January 7). Parents, librarians mobilize to save school library media programs. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from ALA American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/ssl08.htm
Seiss, J., & Lorig, J. (2007). Out Front With Stephen Abram: A Guide for Information Leaders. American Library Association.
28 comments:
I think that "no Child Left Behind" Act should provide resources to school libraries. I am not sure that they do. It would be most beneficial to the students to have adequate resources to information available right at their school.
Here is a link to guidelines that the NCLB indicates for teachers and school library media programs.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aaslbucket/AASLNCLBbrochureweb.pdf
And here is info from the ALA website on NCLB and why it matters to librarians.
http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/woissues/schoollibraries/nochildleftbehind/nochildleftbehind.cfm
The rights of schools to control internet access is a touchy point in that some internet sites such as wikipedia has both useful but graphic content. The CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act)is supposed to provide guidelines in this area - pictures that contain obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors must be blocked or filtered.If safety measures are not provided in the schools then certain federal funding can be cut off. A school librarian carries great responsibilities not only of monitoring internet and reference access, but also staying one step ahead of computer savvy students,keeping the school and community informed, when to do that in an unbiased manner, and perhaps educating the community as to why the school libraries make the decisions they do. I am perplexed as to the fight that libraries and librarians foresee in future funding and value to the community - as information becomes more and more in demand, libraries should be considered as information hubs on all levels. In the end, will communities really turn over their education systems to the likes of Wikipedia and other unsubstantiated sources?
I agree that internet use in school libraries is perplexing, Anne. As a parent I want to limit and monitor what my child interacts with so I can be sure the content is age appropriate. As a librarian in a school system, however, my job would be many layered and that could not and would not be the only thing driving my actions. Trying to keep ahead of the game as a school librarian, as well as making parents, students and teachers all feel like their needs are being met is a daunting task!
What we may see happening is for school librarians to become sort of like the elementary art or music teacher. In my elementary school (granted, this was 20 years ago) the art and music teachers were for the entire school district. They travelled to each school a different day of the week, and that was the one day that students learned art or music. With many of the more priveleged schools having computers in the classroom, I can unfortunately see the librarian hopping from school to school to help each one with information issues one day a week. This is sad. As we keep seeing, the need and desire for information is growing rapidly. Why then does the need for information professionals seem to be declining?
As for the monitoring of some websites and some literature, I feel that that should be based on the parent. My own mother says now that when I was a child she was just so excited by the fact that I was reading that she didn't censor any content at all. Yes, I went through a witches and vampire stage, but I feel that I turned out ok :). Really, I think that kids reading anything fantasy related simply allow their imaginations to grow and expand.
I feel the parents should have input into what their child should read. Unfortunately these days it seems that more and more parents are in the dark as to what their child is doing.
In a school setting, there should be age appropriate books that school-age children have access to. In reference to Harry Potter, the school should offer it, but whether or not the child should read it would be a decision between that child and their parents. My parents never censored what I read, because I think they were just excited that I was reading also!
It doesn't matter what books or resources a library offers, because there will always be someone who doesn't think it should be in the library. If that were the case, libraries would only be filled with back issues of Highlights Magazine! Blocking certain books based on content may be blocking the "access to all expressions of ideas" that we should have the freedom to (American Library Association).
American Library Association, Intellectual Freedom http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/intellectual.htm
Accessed January 28, 2008
schools can simultaneously have open access and monitor where children go by having computers face open areas within a library/media center or classroom. With all of the resources on the internet, we should encourage childen to use both technology as well as traditional forms of learning. Schools must make the decision to teach what they can't guarantee parents will do. parents and schools both need to act in the interest of the children
I think that it’s sad that some schools would want to keep the Harry Potter series off the shelf. Though it may have themes that some parents find offensive, it has many redeeming qualities. The series is undeniably popular. Even kids who dislike reading will pick up these books and develop a love of books. In addition to this, I believe that the Harry Potter series can (potentially) foster learning. Students who are interested in the series could use the internet to search various themes, topics, and characters. This could help them discover other epic and fantasy books, like Lord of the Rings or Beowulf. Or if they were to search character names, like Sirius or Severus, they might learn a little about astronomy or history, respectively.
Even though internet restriction can be touchy, I sm sll for it. I think more protection is better. It is better to be safe than sorry. Everytime I watch "To Catch A Predator" and see that the primary way these horrible people are reaching our youth is via the internet, it makes me sick. It is enlightening a proves a point that such a service is needed.
I think that filtering is necessary for school computers to a point. The middle school I work in does block certain sites- most of which are not age appropriate. However, some block sites that would be useful for research such as information on the Holocaust or Martin Luther King Jr. if it's too graphic. This get frustrating for the students when they just want to do their work and the computer is not letting them. At the high school, there is one computer that is not hooked up to the network so there is no filter. This is used by mainly teachers to get resources for lessons along with a couple of the students that are 18. It is strategically placed in the open and they have not had any problems with it to date.
Along with filters, come those students that will make it their mission in life to get past the firewall. While in high school, my husband and his friends "hacked in" and were able to play some video game that was supposed to be blocked. (I know, they were rebels!) They graduated in 2000 and they recently discovered that their game site is still "hidden" on those school computers after all these years. It's is very difficult and near impossible to stay one step ahead of the kids and their computer knowledge. Putting filters on school computers will prevent access to several sites, but those that really want to get in will find a way.
A great explanation of the state internet filtering laws can be found at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/filterlaws.htm. This also includes an individual breakdown of each state's current laws for school computers.
In order to encourage the funding of school libraries, the librarian needs to assert himself/herself as an important figure in the school system with teachers, parents and administration. When funding is too low, the librarian needs to justify the library's cost. If they go to the school board to request more funding, it would be helpful to be a familiar face at the meetings. A well crafted presentation table at parent-teacher night would help build relations with the parents. Handouts that are sent home keep the library at the forefront. If the school has a monthly newsletter, perhaps a column written by the librarian with a list of new books would be good. There's always alumni from a high school or richer parents in a district that may want to donate.
If networking and contact with parents is unsuccessful, perhaps there are grants for school libraries.
I've never worked in a school library, but I would try aggressive P.R. if you really need funding.
Here's another question to think about. How would you deal with parents who want certain things blocked in the school library? What if your job were on the line because of some powerful parents? What can we do to make parents understand why we want students to have access to all types of information?
Schools should be able to decide what is acceptable for students to read. However this can be a touchy subject because everybody's perception of whats appropriate or inappropriate is different. Some principals may not want students reading about homosexuality, where as some parents may not mind it.
I think that some books should be voted on by the school board so that the decision is not left up to the principal, who's beliefs may be different then everybody else's. If a book is available to the student, the parent should be the one to make the final decision about whether their child can read it or not.
I’d like to respond to Beth’s questions: “How would you deal with parents who want certain things blocked in the school library? What if your job were on the line because of some powerful parents? What can we do to make parents understand why we want students to have access to all types of information?”
To begin with, I’d evaluate how objectionable the content to be blocked is. If it might be educational, useful, or necessary for any academic work a student has to do I would do what I could to keep it available. I’d try to explain to the parents that although they might find it disagreeable for their student to view the content, that doesn’t mean ALL students should be unable to look at it. Perhaps a system could be worked out where I could monitor their child’s computer access. I don’t know how expensive a username/ password system is, but ideally I’d be able to block the content for that specific child’s use. I do have issues with restricting access to this information, but I feel that this subject is in many ways similar to a parent’s decision to keep their child out of sexual education classes. If they persisted in their protest I would suggest that perhaps their student should attend a different school in the district. I’d like to say I would rather lose my job than participate in unnecessary censorship, but it’s difficult to say exactly what I would do in that situation without actually being there.
Schools should be able to decide what is acceptable for students to read. However this can be a touchy subject because everybody's perception of whats appropriate or inappropriate is different. Some principals may not want students reading about homosexuality, where as some parents may not mind it.
I think that some books should be voted on by the school board so that the decision is not left up to the principal, who's beliefs may be different then everybody else's. If a book is available to the student, the parent should be the one to make the final decision about whether their child can read it or not.
I use to be a teacher in a private school at the Middle East, and I would say that most people have this misconception about school libraries that this place is just for books, and even the teachers and the school librarians are underestimated.
School libraries are more than just books. They are learning environments offering quality collections of print and electronic resources to support the school curriculum and the students’ needs. However this place will become a place just for books if it wasn’t run by a professional librarian. A school teacher can’t take the role of the librarian; both collaborate to engage students in meaningful learning.
The censorship over the internet use is a critical issue. I think that children could be taught the good from the bad and they could be trained to apply this knowledge. Children are clever human beings, if they want something they will get it, and keeping the dangerous things away from them will make these dangers more appeal and attractive to them. So, just educate them about things and let them explore this world!
The question was asked whether the school librarian needs to a certified school library media specialist or can he/she just be a teacher. I wonder why a school media specialist needs to be a teacher in the first place. Wouldn't it be more important for the head of the library to be a certified school library media specialist?
The second question is a tough one because it points towards the ideas of censorship and intellectual freedom. Do children have the right to choose what they read? and if not, what is the age of consent for reading material and internet use.
It makes sense that we must protect our children from certain images and ideas because they are not intellectually or emotional mature enough to decide for themselves what is appropriate. I believe that in a court of law a child cannot even be prosecuted for a crime under the age of 7 because it can not be proven that they know the difference between right and wrong.
There are some interesting sites in regards to children and intellectual freedom.
This link: http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kvander/censorship.html
It is a good site and it also provides many other informational links. She dicusses that our attempts to protect our children results in censorship resulting from a value system that does not alway represent everyone's values. What might be offensive to one person may be interesting and valuable to another.The author believes that by censoring some of these materials we are robbing children of educational opportunities that allow them to think critically about a matter. Check out this site..it is very interesting.
As a parent I am entrusting my child to the school to filter out any unsafe site whether it be graphic or a chat room that would get them in harms way.
In my area elementary Librians travel to different schools and a secretary fills in the library position when she is not there. In the high school there is a full time librarian with a secretary. Which they feel is more important to have a full time at the high school than at the elementary level. This is one way they have saved money.
School library media centers are very important for students to be a part of. It is the place in the school where all subjects can come together, and for students to come to learn. I read an article called, "The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement" by Keith Curry Lance. In this article it talks about studies that have been done to look at the impacts that school libraries have had on student learning and test scores. In media centers where they had many resources for students and trained people working in the center, the student's test averages showed a difference. I think school libraries are essential to helping students get the most out of experience and learn tools that will help in the future.
Lance, Keith Curry. "The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement." SLMQ Volume 22 no. 3, Spring 1994.
Another problem that school librarians face is making sure that the school administrators see that a library media specialist is a valuable asset to the school. I am currently taking LIS 7310 and we talked about this topic last week in class. A school librarian needs to keep records and have materials to show the school administrators that they are valuable to the school community, which includes teachers, students and even parents. They need to see that we are great to have around and that student learning is affected by the school library media center. Showing the value of a school librarian is another challenge that faces school libraries.
I have seen how cuts to a school library has affected the students in a school first hand. The school system I student taught at had recently cut staff and therefore forced the High School Librarian to cover hours at the middle school and the elementary school. During those times the High School Library had to be closed becasue there was no staff to run it. The students could not go in before school on those days to work on assignments, they could not check out books. Teachers had to plan trips to the library around the its open hours.
The librarian tried to work extra hours to make up for the time and staff that she had lost because she just could not get everything done and the union head told her that she could not do that - she has to show them that those staff hours were necessary. If she works herself to death trying to keep everything up to the same standard as before the cuts nothing will change, because the board will feel like they really didn't need that "extra" staff or those "extra" open hours.
It is a fine line that she has to walk - she wants to show her value by creating a good service but does not have the time or staff to help her do that. But she cannot work extra hours because then she will show that there is not a problem in cutting the funding. How can you show your value when you have less time to focus on the students, less time to meet with them and work with them?
Funding is a huge battle in school libraries today. I believe there are a couple of things the media specialist can do. First, we need to move away from the "book checker" ideology. Knowing the curriculum and collaborating with teachers is one way to move away from that stereotype. If a teacher has trouble teaching certain things without the help of the media specialist and the media center, then it makes it harder to cut your program.
I also think that we need to promote ourselves by making special presentations to the school board, parents, and administrators. Let them know what you are actually doing in your library. They do not know unless you tell them. Sylvia had some great ideas to promote your library. It is important to keep your principal informed of what you do.
Bottom line... make yourself indispensable to your school and your odds of staying open increase.
It must be cautioned against removing or banning books. One problem with censoring books in a school library is, who decides what is to be banned. A vicious circle of banning and allowing the books can occur. The school library is a place that stores knowledge; it is up the student, with guidance, to decide what books are right for them. A ruling in the case Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District (Foerstel, 1994, p. 76) makes this point;
“A library is a storehouse of knowledge. When created for a public school it is an important privilege created by the state for the benefit of students in the schools. That privilege is not subject to being withdrawn by succeeding school boards whose members might desire to ‘winnow’ the library for books the contents of which occasioned their displeasure or disapproval.”
A book may also be important to older students while possibly being inappropriate for younger children. Limiting access to books to all children deprives the older students of information that may be important.
Foerstel, H. N. (1994). Banned in the U.S.A. a reference guide to book censorship in schools and public libraries. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.
As a teacher, I know firsthand the perils of open internet access in school libraries. I am coming up on a research unit where I will spend a week or two with students in the library, teaching them how to use resources. YouTube was banned at our school in early spring of last year. This was a two-edged sword because it happened during my research project unit. Some of my students were using YouTube to view documentaries on their topics, while most were watching music videos, etc. In general, I think banning YouTube was a good decision because it is almost impossible for a teacher to police everything students are looking at -- it is far too easy to hide something in a minimized window, etc. The purpose of Internet in school libraries is to teach students how to do research, which doesn't require that they be able to access inappropriate or questionable materials, so there has to be a line somewhere.
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