The internet has given students an incredibly vast world of up-to-the-minute resources, including nearly limitless outlets for research and investigation. But many students turn immediately to the untamed internet when faced with a research assignment, often overlooking the value in a virtual library solution.
Virtual library collections, or databases, give students access to trusted content and research tools with links to authoritative information that has been vetted by subject-matter experts. Today’s 21st-century school libraries make use of virtual collections while also giving students ample opportunities for enhancing their digital literacy, research, and collaboration skills which are essential in a globally connected world.
With the generous support of Questia School, the editors of eSchool News have compiled this collection of stories from our archives, along with other relevant information from around the web, to help you transform your school libraries for the 21st century.
–The Editors
eSchool News Articles
Questia School Debuts with 27,000+ Full-Text, Standards-Aligned Books Available Online for Students and Faculty »
Questia Media, Inc. announces the launch of Questia School, a dynamic online collection of 27,000+ books, assembled to support English/Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum, advanced studies, and professional development. ...Read More »
Crestron Opens Design and Technology Experience Center »
Grand Opening Celebration Draws Hundreds of Eager Attendees...Read More »
Feds want Google to rewrite book deal »
The U.S. Justice Department advised a federal judge on Sept. 18 that a proposed legal settlement giving Google Inc. the digital rights to millions of out-of-print books threatens to thwart competition and drive up prices unless it's revised. Key words: google settlement, google book, digital rights, antitrust law, education technology...Read More »
Digital book search isn’t limited to Google »
Though Google Book Search has the largest collection of digitally scanned books of its kind, and the initiative has captured a great deal of attention, researchers should keep in mind there are other book-search sites that can help them find rare works as well, a university librarian says. Key words: Google Book Search, optical character recognition, WorldCat, education technology...Read More »
Experts debate relevance of ’social search’ »
Researchers attending a conference on internet searching were divided on the use of social networking for serious research, with some saying traditional search engines are the more practical choice. Others, however, said social media can be effective tools for specific research tasks, such as conducting a survey or taking a snapshot of people’s interests. Key words: web research, social networking website, Twitter, Facebook, research analysis, education technology ...Read More »
Experts debate relevance of ’social search’ »
Researchers attending a conference on internet searching were divided on the use of social networking for serious research, with some saying traditional search engines are the more practical choice. Others, however, said social media can be effective tools for specific research tasks, such as conducting a survey or taking a snapshot of people's interests. Key words: web research, social networking website, Twitter, Facebook, research analysis, education technology ...Read More »
Digital library saves vital web documents »
Web pages have an average lifespan of 77 days, meaning documentation of historical events can vanish with a single click. Critically important documents are moving exclusively to the internet, and the California Digital Library is working closely with academics to preserve web-based information before updates erase current events. Key words: University of California, California Digital Library, Library of Congress, New York University, web archiving, education, technology ...Read More »
Why open-source library software is a trend »
At a time when the nation's economic future seems shaky, many school and public libraries are moving to open-source library management systems, which tend to be cheaper, more flexible, and fulfill the same mission a library serves: making a valuable contribution to the greater good. Key words: open-source library management systems, integrated library management systems, Koha, Evergreen, OPALS, school library technology...Read More »
ALA: Spend stimulus funds on school libraries »
As school leaders prepare to spend billions of dollars in federal stimulus money, the American Library Association (ALA) is lobbying to have some of those dollars used to keep school libraries up to date during hard economic times. Key words: American Library Association, school libraries, library media specialist...Read More »
Rethinking research in the Google era »
As the internet replaces library databases as students' primary research option, a new discussion is emerging in academic circles: Is the vast amount of information at students' fingertips changing the way they gather and process information for the better--or for worse?...Read More »
Around the Web
Teachers using cell phones for class lessons »
Ariana Leonard's Spanish class at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, Fla., is one of a growing number around the country that are abandoning traditional policies of cell-phone prohibition and incorporating the devices into class lessons, reports the Associated Press. ...Read More »
Are eBooks encouraging people to read more? »
Book sellers are making the case that people are reading more because of eBooks, reports the New York Times. ...Read More »
Libraries and readers wade into digital lending »
Kate Lambert recalls using her library card just once or twice throughout her childhood. Now, she uses it several times a month. The lure? Electronic books she can download to her laptop. Beginning earlier this year, Ms. Lambert, a 19-year-old community college student in New Port Richey, Fla., borrowed volumes in the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series, "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold and a vampire novel by Laurell K. Hamilton, without ever visiting an actual branch, according to a New York Times report....Read More »
Wyoming PBS launches digital library »
This fall, teachers and students in Wyoming will be able to use a newly launched PBS Digital Learning Library to supplement their instruction, reports the Billings Gazette. ...Read More »
New technology a big draw for school’s library »
An injection of $30,000 worth of new computer technology into the Mifflinburg Area High School library has resulted in more student visits and nearly triple the amount of subject research, reports the Daily Item of Sunbury, Pa. ...Read More »
Reading students use iPod technology at the library »
An idea that was originally hatched last year has become a success in student learning among Intensive Reading students at North Port High School, reports the Sun Newspapers of Florida: The use of iPod Shuffles has become a way for students not just to jam to the latest hits outside of school, but also to improve their reading skills while in school. ...Read More »
Universities back up Google’s library »
On Oct. 13, a group of major libraries that are participating in Google's Library Project said they are working together to create what amounts to a publicly accessible backup of the digital library that Google is creating, reports the New York Times. ...Read More »
Additional Resources
American Association of School Librarians
http://www.aasl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/index.cfm
AASL's "Standards for the 21st Century Learner"
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm
S.O.S. for Information Literacy
http://www.informationliteracy.org
