books vs. technology

Here's the question: What should libraries focus on?

When I first started back to school to be a media specialist, I did so with my love of books held staunchly in my arms. I just knew that I would be able to share that love with students and help teachers pass it into their classrooms.

Boy, oh, boy was I WRONG! Yes, books are still important, but they aren't really what the library is all about now. It's not technically called a library anymore, but a media center! I generally log out of my classes feeling completely overwhelmed and wondering if I just wasted a ton of money to get a degree that isn't what I thought it would be.

I can't wrap my head around the idea that a kindle can be cuddled up with like a good book. OR that the internet pretty much wipes out the need for encyclopedias.

I love technology, and there is so much that can be done with it to enhance learning. There's so many new toys to put in our classrooms that can enhance learning, BUT what about the costs? First of all, can we truly afford these new toys when we are furloughing teachers? I mean, Georgia teachers have been furloughed for three days this year, and South Carolina teachers for five days. How can we justify spending for smartboards and accessories when the basic need (teachers) is being eliminated from the classroom?

Aside from the money issues, what about the costs to our students if we, in fact, remove books from their world? Can we really afford to have the stories of our past be taken out of our children's world?

What do you think?