Technology and the School Library: A Comprehensive Guide for Media Specialists and Other Educators - Softcover

Jurkowski, Odin L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 081085290X ISBN 13: 9780810852907

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2006

Synopsis

Technology has become one of the three main areas of focus for school librarians, along with collaboration and leadership. To meet the growing need in this area, Technology and the School Library provides an overview of the types of technologies used in school libraries, from traditional low-tech options to the latest developments. This book also describes how the school librarian interacts with and works with the technology. This starting point is a detailed picture of how the school librarian can build a technology-rich library.

Major topics covered in this volume include information resources in the school library, the different varieties of educational software available, resources available via the web, and the importance of creating a school library web site. This book also addresses tools that can be used in classrooms and technology administration-everything from automation and filters to security on student computers and security systems in general. Also discussed is the creation of technology plans in order to look to the future. This up-to-date overview of technology will provide soon-to-be school librarians, as well as current school librarians, the background and breadth to realize the potential they have for improving library services to children.

About this title

About the Author

Odin Jurkowski is Assistant Professor at Central Missouri State University where he coordinates the Library Science and Information Services Program. He teaches courses on Integration and Utilization, Information Technology in Library Media Centers, History of the Book and Libraries, and Creating Web Based Resources.

Reviews

Anyone still struggling, a little or a lot, with the technological expertise now required of library media specialists will find this book a comforting step up into the digital-information age. It is both a primer and an update in terms of the hardware, the software, and the networking, and how to use it effectively as a tool for management, instruction, and collaboration. Jurkowski begins by describing the basic infrastructure of technology and then discusses educational software, the Internet, and Web site construction in terms of building information literacy as well as technical competence, providing suggestions and recommendations, as well as forms to copy or adapt when using or evaluating various products and projects. One section is devoted to classroom applications and another describes how to purchase and utilize the technologies now endemic to the media centers themselves—automation and security systems, student work stations, and creation of the technology plans necessary to procure and maintain all the above. The author concludes with suggestions for instruction, handouts, and form development for teaching teachers, as well as a peek at likely future trends and developments. With specific and helpful suggestions and references for assistance, vendor information, and wise advice, this one's a keeper.—Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This practical manual is a basic primer on school-related technology. The main sections have chapters covering information tools and resources, classroom technologies, technology administration in the school library, and technology training. Each chapter provides a general overview, historical perspective, a detailed set of definitions and explanations, a brief summary of concerns and current research, and a short but carefully chosen list of pertinent Web sites. Readers can find advice on both functional concerns (how to arrange student work stations) and theoretical matters (creating long-range technology plans). This accessible guide will be of interest to practicing school librarians, educators and school administrators, and library media students. Kathleen McBroom
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 081085290X
• ISBN 13: 9780810852907
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 236