Final Reflection

EDLI 277 Information Technology for School Media Centers

Final Reflection

3. How will you be sure that your library resources are available to all students -- think accessibility here in both access in school and out of school situations.  

Access to resources for our students is at the heart of who we are as a library and my role as the librarian.  I am entrusted with ensuring that my students not only can access resources IN school, but also OUT of school as well.  This course has reinforced this belief by illustrating the  importance of technology in this access.  An examination of the physical layout of the library, a variety of assistive technology, as well as a well organized website can all make a difference in providing access to the library and the sources located within. I am currently in the process of creating a 3-5 year plan for the library and this reflection will enable me to evaluate the technology needs of my students.  

One of the biggest surprises for me was the idea that my library may not be physically appropriate for students with special needs such as a wheelchair.  Book stacks, table organization, aisle location, as well as computer setup may all inhibit certain students from obtaining services in the library.  As I begin to create a new floor plan and purchase new furniture and book stacks, I need to keep in mind, can someone with special needs reach the books?  Can they move around the library freely?  If a student is in a wheelchair, will their chair fit under the desk?  This was an eyeopener for me and gave me a new perspective on the importance of a physical layout that is inviting and accomidating.

Another aspect of the course taught us about assistive technology and the importance of providing the tech tools for access to those students who struggle to read.  I was happy to learn that I had some of the tools such as Kindles and an Audible membership for audio and text enhancement.  I had already planned on purchasing Whispernet to provide simultaneous  reading and listening capabilities.  I also plan on ensuring my new Listening Center incorporates this technology seamlessly and easily.  One aspect that I want to pursue is a more proactive collaboration with the Special Ed department.  I really liked the idea of identifying students who need accommodations and working to ensure their needs are met on my end.   Working with the English Department was also an avenue that I started to pursue last year such as purchasing required reading books on Audible or CDs for students.  Expanding on both of these fronts will reach more students and provide that access that is necessary for their success. Having the Kindles and CDs are portable and will enable students to have this technology at home or in the classroom.  

I feel that our library provides plenty of computing devices to give students access to tools for success in school, but what about out of school?  I know I can’t provide computers to every student, but what I can do is give them a portal to educational resources 24/7.  This can come in the form of a well organized website that is easy to navigate and access from any/all devices.   This is an area in which I have struggled all year as a new librarian.  Being responsible for a website is a daunting task; especially when it is a representative of your library.  I have tried to move things around, enhance the home page as well as reorganize the databases to encourage access to information.  It hasn’t gone well.  I have felt overwhelmed and disorganized.   I really appreciate Dan’s suggestion of reorganizing the tabs.  My hope for the summer is to take a long hard look and think about how I can update the information on the site easily and provide navigational access that is engaging.  I plan on revisiting the various websites that we were provided with for ideas.  

These are just a few of the “take aways” I have experienced from this class.  I am excited to begin the process of rethinking my library and putting into place those tools that will enable all my students to have access to the resources in and out of the library.