The Demise of School Libraries

NO MORE LIBRARIES IN SCHOOLS?

By Rosemary Rico

It’s no secret that libraries in school have been disappearing—the reasons behind this seem to be varied, but mostly notably because of decreasing budgets, changing curriculum and digital demands within schools.  This decline has been happening all over the U.S and even in Canada and the U.K.  In some places, what was once the school library is now the “computer lab” or the “digital media center” in which the emphasis is not on books and printed material, but on computer technologies, Internet access and digital materials (Bradley). One such example of this shift in focus is BiblioTech— a library located in San Antonio Texas and is the first and only public library to have an entirely digital collection (Should libraries get rid of printed books). This seems to align with current data about how students and young people are more likely to use the Internet and other computer technologies to find information.  Despite this, there is research that indicates people tend to focus and concentrate better when reading in print and actually prefer reading physical books (Should libraries get rid of printed books).

The increasing use of digital media materials is not the only reason for declines in school libraries. Other concerns are school budgets in which there has been a reduction of funding in libraries and library staff over the years. Although this is not in every case all across the board—as school libraries did see a 20 percent increase in budget in the 2015-2016 school year. Despite this unexpected bump in budget, funding levels remain low in comparison to past years (Barack).

Another contributing reason for the decline of school libraries appears to be the shift to testing focused school work in which students are not required to do as much independent research work. Taking this idea into account, school administrators don’t see the library as a vital or essential space and when there is a decision that pits the library against the gym or a science lab—it seems libraries are often left out (Morrison)

There are many still who will still say that, not only school libraries, but all libraries are becoming obsolete. This is a disturbing thought. Libraries are sometimes the only open, free and available space for surrounding communities to gather and to have access to free information, programs and creative and quiet spaces. And for some individuals libraries are the only place to go for these things. This applies to students as well—who would benefit from a place that encourages imagination, discovery and contemplation. If children are taught to value books, information and libraries then they can utilize libraries resources the most. I think school libraries will need to be  adaptable to the technologies of our current age and will need to be creative to meet the needs of students/and or the public--but there should be a balance. And I definitely think there is still room and value in the traditional printed books of the library. 

🔻WATCH THIS🔻

If you would like to watch a short video about BiblioTech, you can here at NBC Learn

You can also view "A Library Card May Get You More Than You Think" to learn about how some libraries are staying relevant by being creative and flexible. 

Works Cited:

Barack, Lauren. "School Library Budgets Rise 20%, Yet Challenges Remain | Spending Survey 2016." School Library Journal, 13 Apr. 2016, https://www.slj.com/2016/04/budgets-funding/school-library-budgets-rise-20-yet-challenges-remain-spending-survey-2016/.

Bradley, Andrew. "School libraries face a bleak future as leaders try to balance the books." The Guardian, 6 Apr. 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/apr/06/school-libraries-bleak-future-leaders-balance-books.   

Morrison, Oliver. "School Libraries in N.Y.C., Elsewhere Feeling the Squeeze." Education Week, vol. 34, no. 24, 18 Mar. 2015, p. 10. EBSCOhost, login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=101636246&site=ehost-live&scope=site.  

"Should libraries get rid of printed books?" Junior Scholastic/Current Events, 25 Apr. 2016, p. 22+. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A452051244/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=690a69fd..