Essential Technologies for a School Library

In order for our students to be prepared for a 21st Century world, they need the skills and tools in order to be a part of it.  While many agree our students know ABOUT technology, they don't necessarily know how to use it correctly or to critically think about what they see and read online. But what types of technologies are instrumental in supporting them?  Below are the 10 essential technologies that I think every school library should possess in order to help all our students obtain and have access to those tools. While these may be in some respects generalities, they are important in their context.  

1. BOOKS!:  Without the ability to read, interpret, and critically think, students can not become part of the 21st Century.  A library must provide its students and others in the educational community with a variety of monographs that speak on a variety of topics from a multitude of perspectives.  These materials need to be free and available.  
2. Fast, Free and accessible Internet/Wifi:   Access to the outside world is essential for the global connection that is expected of a 21st Century student.  Deprived of affordable or free internet access would limit a student's ability to become competitive and have access to information.  
3. Electronic Devices:  Students need exposure to a variety of updated and adaptable devices that allow them to connect to the internet and to information.  Not only do they need the exposure, but in some cases access to the devices themselves.  Computers, tablets, and even cell phones all allow students to access to this information even if they do not have this at home.    
4. Ebooks/Audio Books:  Books come in many different formats and are available 24/7.  As such, a well-rounded library would provide a collection that is available on the above devices for people on the go or for those who need additional academic/physical support.  
5. Assistive Technology:  Accessibility is imperative and students with physical and learning disabilities are at a disadvantage.  Their ability to access the information on a computer, listen to a lecture, or to write a paragraph will hinder their participation in many of those skills so necessary for the 21st Century.  Our mission as a library has to be to provide any type of technology that may help such as audible books for those with reading disabilities, texts from Bookshare for visual issues, and perhaps digital pens that can help transcribe notes to the computer.     
6. Applications:The quantity and variety of apps in today's world are astonishing. Students need to be able to access the types of applications that will help them organize, curate, and provide connection to resources and materials.    
7. Valid and Vetted Databases:  Students need access to information that is unbiased, reliable, and unlimited to a certain degree.  Google is great and an important tool, but it can be difficult to find information that is reliable and specific for their particular topic of study.  Solid, reliable connection to research materials and academically curated sites are essential.  
8. Integrated Library System (ILS):  All libraries need an adaptable and ever updating ILS technology that will give students the best means in which to access information.  Organizing a library’s collection will provide students with the ability to access all the materials available in the library.  
9. Digital Cameras/Audio Equipment:  Students need a diverse set of tools to allow them to not just consume media, but to create it.  Media literacy and how to produce it is essential to a 21st-century student.  Once again, our goal is to ensure all our students have access to these tools despite socio-economic status.  
10. Audio/Visual Accessories:  This is a very broad area, however, a student needs speakers, earphones, microphones, adapters, monitors, even batteries in order to access all the above devices in order to consume and produce media.   

Political Cartoon Citation:

"Technology & Education : Political Cartoon #2: Technology in the Classroom." Technology & Education : Political Cartoon #2: Technology in the Classroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2016.