This week I came across some interesting information about the changing nature of libraries in India. Some articles I read describe Indian libraries as “undergoing metamorphosis and are reengineering their services” (Malhan 5) and are “in a hybrid state” (Zaveri 3) as they try to keep up with the needs of the 21rst century. Despite the obvious differences between Canada and India, I couldn’t help but think that some of the challenges libraries in India are facing are similar to ones here in Canada. We are united through our challenges it seems.
Malhan's article is an interesting read and a detailed example of library programming in India. Indeed, it seems the recommendation is that
“Indian libraries and
information centers in fact require transforming themselves from information
processing and administrative units to more effective service providers and
institutions that provide outreach service to meet vital information needs of
the society and groom the hidden potentialities of people through information literacy
programs” (Malhan 7).
Learning commons anyone? This sounds quite similar to a lot of the buzz words and professional discussion that is happening in our school libraries. Likewise, Malhan’s article discusses how librarians and library professional’s role is changing stating that
"Library
and information professionals are increasingly working in a networked
environment, dealing with library automation packages and web based information
resources and services. Every LIS professional irrespective of his future place
of work must have knowledge and skills for handling information technology and
has the competency for creation and collection of information using the
Internet (Malhan 10)".
Clearly digital technologies are important in India as they are in Canada. It would only make sense then that mobile devices play an important role in libraries in India despite the fact that they don’t seem to be as accessible in India as they are in Canada with only “one in four people owning a mobile device by 2020 (Malhan). I really got the feeling that libraries in India vary significantly and are caught in a transition between the old fashion library and a new learning commons model. Zaveri’s article claims that “paper based resources still form the major part of the collection in most….libraries” (7) yet I found some examples of Indian libraries taking steps into the digital world. A clash of the old and new it would seem, again this sounds familiar to challenges here at home.
This video shows an digital automation system in India.
The history of mankind has already witnessed three revolutions and emergence of internet is fourth revolution.
1. Language emerged
2. Advent of writing
3. Printing press: printed media of scholarly communication
4. Internet and its application: Worldwide web and electronic publications. (Mundhe)
Quite the claim!!! I think with this in mind, it fair to say that no, libraries don't need just books - digitization is here to stay. My guess regarding donatated books in India, for example, public libraries such as these
might rely on donations but that privately funded or university libraries do not. My personal belief regarding donating weeded books is fairly strong. Although there are certainly exceptions, I tend to believe that if weeded books aren't good enough for my library (out of date, poor condition, etc) they aren't good enough for anybody. Given that India is known to have an unprecedented population living in poverty, donated books may be all some people have access to - never mind technology or mobile devices.
I'm glad we are considering mobile devices in schools. Our school has a strict no cell phones policy and my library is a Wi-Fi dead zone. In other parts of the school however, the Wi-Fi and a BYOD network is alive and well, albeit for staff only. When I worked at a secondary school five years ago, I didn't really feel there was a solid school policy on cell phones - it was left up to the teacher's discretion. I never saw it, but apparently one of the teachers on staff was famous for having a full aquarium in his classroom with a few cell phones in the bottom of it- needless to say mobile technology was not encouraged in his classroom. At the time I took a different approach - I let students have their phones out (I had no interest/energy in policing something so widespread) but I told them they were not to let texting, etc. distract them from their work. This was somewhat successful - some students could handle the distraction, some could not. So I accepted their presence in the classroom but I didn't harness the potential power of these devices either. My personal opinion is that they should be allowed in schools but that there needs to be education (internet safety, think before you post, etc.) and regulations surrounding their use. Here is a small debate on the issue from two students perspectives:
I wonder how much has changed since I was last in a secondary school five years ago? I think mobile devices, particularly for secondary and post secondary students, have the ability to improve access to libraries. I would think that students would be much more likely to access the library from their phones they then would on a family or school computer. In the article Use of Mobile and Wireless Technology in Indian Libraries, students are described as thinking "of their mobile devices as more than efficient or convenient pieces of hardware; they view the devices as integral to their daily lives" (Grovil, et al 2). This article is good overview of mobile device in libraries in general. One of the rules I've often heard about being a good writer is that good writers "write about what they know" - I absolutely think this rule applies to this issue. Why reinvent the wheel when students already have a device they know how to use and is immediately accessible?
From a library/librarian point of view ,it makes a lot of sense for me to use mobile devices even if it's something as simple as using the Destiny app on my phone to check out a book (if I'm out and about in the school) or check the status of a resource from home. But I know that this is just the beginning, really only the surface level of mobile technology use. I was lucky enough to stumble across the International Literacy Association post while surfing Twitter. Here are some great ideas how this organization has used mobile devices and apps help build classroom libraries for international children in need. Similar to the apps they have described I have used "Level it" and "Fantasic Library" to scan books and find out information on books with which I may not be familiar.
This is really just a taste of what is out there to with libraries and mobile devices. I did a simple search on Twittter, "mobile devices in libraries" and came up with a ton of interesting posts - I recommend checking this out if you haven't already. At the end of the day, love them or hate them, mobile devices are definitely here to stay. I wish it was Canadian content but I thought I'd finish with this interesting info graphic.
Works
cited
Grovil, et al. USE
OF MOBILE AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IN INDIAN
LIBRARIES.
International Journal Of
Engineering
And Computer Science. Volume 2 Issue 6 June, 2013 Page No. 1799-1805. Web 28 Oct 2015.
Malhan, I., and I V Malhan. Library Philosophy and Practice:
Challenges and Problems
of Library and Information Education in India: An Emerging Knowledge
Society and the Developing Nations of Asia. University of
Idaho Library, 12/01/2011. Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
Mundhe,
B. T.1, maulib_2007@rediffmail.com, and D. K.2 Veer. "E-Resource
Services
In Indian University Libraries." Indian Journal Of Library &
Information Science 7.3 Supp (2013): 305-311. Library & Information
Science Source. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
Zaveri, Parul. Library Hi Tech: Digital Disaster Management in
Libraries in India. 33 Vol. Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 06/15/2015.
Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
Well done post! I really appreciated how you kept on bringing the discussion and analysis back into our world and how the learning we can do about developing world libraries can still address and assist some of our thinking and services we provide here in Canada. You've collected a bunch of useful videos, links, infographics and resources for anyone to learn more about this complex issue and I am so glad you also discussed the ethical issue of sending old cast-offs to developing world libraries as a poor strategy. Good linking, embedding and tagging!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Tamara! I don't think cell phone use in our district has changed much overall. I think we should have a real conversation about it and not leave it up to teacher discretion - it's a missed opportunity. BUT, I do share concerns and empathize with the feelings of mistrust. My hubby was extensively photographed by a student during class and needless to say this was uncomfortable. HOWEVER, we can work on strategies to make it meaningful and establish respectful use. Could simply adding a storage area for cell phones at the beginning of class and get to them when needed? I know that in our area access is a major concern as a larger population of students don't have their own devices.
ReplyDeleteI love that infographic you shared. A great statement on the importance of allowing cell phone use in the classroom. I'm guessing that you're in an elementary school? Our school does not allow cell phones to be used unless the teacher has a BYOD policy in place in their classroom. Neither of our Grade 5/6 or 6/7 teachers do, but students use the school laptop carts (when available) as none of these classrooms have iPads. One of the teachers now has 15 Chromebooks to use (a program she applied for), so she is embracing technology. I am fortunate to have 10 iPads and 15 Chromebooks in my classroom, but then I teach a Grade 3/4 class so my students do not all have devices. I know that some have iPads and tablets, but as I have technology, I do not need to use BYOD. I did pilot it 4 years ago when I taught Grade 6/7 and it was very successful. Students without devices used the school laptops or the computers (2 at the time) in the classroom. The principal and district fully supported it and I would most definitely embrace it in a library setting. The important thing is to have a set policy and guidelines (which I created with my students) for everyone to follow. Teaching digital citizenship is an important part of a BYOD policy and that is where you need to start. As I seem to keep repeating in my posts this week - the pedagogy must come before the technology.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and maybe your enthusiasm will encourage others and improve WIFI access in your library.