US/ND-2: RE: Welcome to Week Two of the US/ND seminar
RE: Welcome to Week Two of the US/ND seminar
LANA (jackman@UMBSKY.cc.umb.edu)
Tue, 03 Sep 1996 19:04:18 EST
Hello,
I have been catching up on my messages and I am somewhat overwhelmed
by the technicality of the discussion. My main purpose for joining
the seminar was to discuss Universal Service as it relates to schools
and libraries. I am particularly concerned about the "use" of the new
technologies and how that "use" will contribute to the economic and
social welfare of American society. Most of the discussion focuses
on the mechanics of the infrastructure and very little on the outcomes
of such an investment. Clearly, it is the brain that conjures up the
ideas and it is usually the brain that has been exposed to information
resources that often triggers the creativity. And if that brain does not
have "access" to the tremendous variety of information resources available
today because of the new technologies, then, in the end, this country will
suffer because it has failed to nurture its brain potential. You can have
all the wonderful gadgets and wizbangs in the world, but if they are not
used then they become the Edsels of our future.
Schools and libraries need to establish an interactive, collaborative
relationship in designing new technologies and educational curriculums.
The library is often heralded as the "heart" of the academic institution.
In reality, librarians, gatekeepers of our information society, are rarely
included directly into the decision making process. It is a commom
misconception that school libraries and K-12 classrooms have integrated working
relationships. In fact, they are the exception and not the rule. The same
scenario exists within higher education; academic librarians, for the most
part, are ancillary to the instructional process and are not considered equal
partners with the faculty. We have technicians,librarians, who are experts
in information resources, yet the educational establishments fail often to use
these experts to the benefits of our society vis-a-vis training and education.
Given the dynamics of Universal Service, it is clear to me that in the final
design of this bill, that the library community must be intimately involved
in the ultimate design of Universal Service. If the Federal Government's goal
is for available "access" for every American citizen, then active participation
by our Nation's librarians must be included in any collaborative initiatives
between schools and libraries, both K-12 and post-secondary education.
Clearly, this seminar discussion will have to take place in parallel streams;
those focusing on the infrastructure and those focusing on the use. Remember
how the design of the Edsel came about and let us make an effort not to repeat
history - a great car, according to the engineers, but nobody bought it. I
believe the key is to remember that an untapped reservoir of human intellect
stands on threshold of empowering the social, economic, and political fabric
of our country, if we plan the perfect marriage between technology and use. The
contribution from the library community can be outstanding. They have been
trained and have become professional managers of information resources. Their
systems of organization are international in scope. We need to remember that
during the next weeks and months ahead.
Just for the record, I am not a librarian, but I am an educator in higher
education and am constantly reminded every year how little our students know
about the library and its infinite stores of information resources that could
help them in the process of lifelong learning, professional development, and
educational enrichment.