US:PA-1: Assignment #1
Assignment #1
name (RXF@PSULIAS.PSU.EDU)
Thu, 18 Sep 1997 16:32:28 -0400 (EDT)
In 25 words or less:
Most pressing needs: infrastructure development, training, on-going
technical assistance, funds for initial equipment purchases and upgrades,
and a reallotment of time/responsibilities to take advantage of new
information learning strategies.
School/library difference: libraries are life-long learning centers and
information supermarkets serving the broadest of clientele; K-12 schools
are much more focused; schools directly benefit from taxing authority; few
libraries or county library systems in Pennsylvania enjoy that circumstance
, unfortunately--it takes enlightened and gutsy elected public officials to
levy taxes for libraries. And so, libraries are grossly underfunded.
Rural vs. urban: Pennsylvania is, I believe, the state with the largest per
cent of rural residents. In many areas I suspect that state-of-the-art
telecommunications systems are not available; quick and convenient access
to actual locations (buildings) is limited in rural areas; public
transportation systems do not exist in rural areas; distance learning can
be a boon to rural areas, PROVIDED the technical infrastructure to deliver
it is in place, as well as appropriate physical space.