Week 5

I got to spend some time this morning looking at the submissions for the 21st Century library awards, I have been asked to serve on the selection committee. I really enjoyed the opportunity to look at these submissions and see some of the things that others are doing in their libraries. One thing that really stands out is that most libraries are finding some great ways to work with current technology. It is obvious that tablets and smart phones are going to play a big role in many different types of activities in the library. They are currently being used as e-readers, catalog and internet search tools, devices to share and communicate with in many different ways and they are also being used for many, many different specific uses through various apps. It is interesting to see what a large role technology plays for some of these smaller school districts. Many of them have a one-to-one program that insures that all older students are given access to some type of device. In one district I really liked that students were being allowed to select and bring their own devices to school and that students who were in a situation where they could not afford a device were being provided one. This type of policy show an understanding of real world technology use where not everyone is working on the same device or platform. I would bet that it is tricky though when it comes time to select programs and applications that work across all of these different platforms. I thought that some of these libraries were very creative in how they were using their iPads and laptops and I am glad that I had the opportunity to see what they have been doing.