Print continues to rule for now

Earlier this year, I read The Mandibles (Lionel Shriver) which documents the family as they cope with the complete economic collapse of the United States between 2029 and 2047.

In the book, they foresee a world where there is no print. In fact everyone carries a tablet computer which is as thin as a tissue and can be folded to fit in a persons pocket. One member of the family Nollie herself is an author and works in a world where even the best authors struggle to earn a living. One member of the family has an enorumus library of books and is questioned about why they still keep printed material.

Is this where we are headed? I hope not but have encouraged by what I have read about the desire for printed material from the younger generations.

I read recently that 70 % of youngsters prefer printed material over eBooks. This is an encouraging step because it suggests that they prefer the experience of touching a book, which an eReader or tablet cannot provide.

10 % of book loans in libraries are for eBooks compared to 90 % for printed materials which further reinforces the interest in print.

What about sales of printed books? In the United States, sales of printed books increased by over 3 %, while eBook sales decreased by around 15%.

Are we looking for ways to disconnect from technology or feel threatened by it? Does a book provide the tonic for us to truely escape from technology?

Setting up Library Monitor Programs

My latest challenge has been to set up a library monitor program at a school and I have been enjoying it so far.

I have been encouraged by resources such as STAR by Barbara Braxton to form some ideas but also have applied what I know and have seen in practice over the years. I even think back to the article on Library Warriors at Evans High by Tamara Rogers.

But every school library is different with different needs and each library monitor program is unique while reflecting the needs of that school. 

One of my focuses will be on encouraging ownership of the library and actually utilizing their skills and interests. I have asked applicants to provide an overview of the skills and interests to help me to utilize them effectively. 

All of the applicants like to read, and I'll be encouraging them to provide reviews that can be published on OLIVER, School Newsletters and even on the shelves (like Dymocks do to promote books) to motivate students across the school to read. Some of them enjoy writing, and that provides them a chance to pursue their interests or build up their skills further. I know students are more keen to read if their friends are reading and sharing their interest with others.

I even set them a reading challenge of two or three books to read each term from the library collection. This will aid in providing recommendations to read. 

Believe it or not, they like the shelves to be tidy along with library spaces. Doing shelf tidy tasks or general cleanups will allow them to help develop an appreciation of the library space but also help them to own it.

And I aiming to have them actively involved in the creation of library displays based around the various collections but also improving the appeal of the space.

Happy days lie ahead!!!

Reading and Well Being

This past week, I was reading two articles that highlighted the importance of reading and how it can contribute to well being.

It affirmed what I know from my own reading experiences. It can help me settle down when I am feeling tense or stressed and it has a calming effect that medicine cannot offer.

I have noticed in my work how getting students to focus on reading an item of  their interest (not perscribed by a teacher). I have asked them if they felt more relaxed while reading and the answer has resoundingly been yes. I am even amazed at how kids that can be active or full of energy settle down. The results seem to work better in the afternoon when they feel tired and need something passive yet educational.

And notice that the time flies too because they become engaged in their text.

Reading the articles has helped me also provide an argument for application of wide reading programs at a school because of the effects it can have on well being.

My challenge is to get the welfare or pastoral care team on side.