It's not surprising that IT used to be about technology. In the
early days of educational IT computers were so puny in terms of processing power and
memory that handling information in any real sense was virtually impossible. The emphasis
in the late 90s, however, is clearly on the information component of IT, so much so that
having information to communicate has changed the acronym to ICT. This change of focus has
significant implications for traditional information brokers such as librarians. Libraries
of the Future, which was a joint NCET, British Library, Department of Education Northern
Ireland project, provides some insight into the changing role of School and College
libraries and librarians. One outcome of the project is the 'Libraries of the Future' pack
which consists of the project report, a staff development pack, and a supporting video.
The main aim of the project was to develop a realistic vision of 'libraries' of the
future. The project was divided into two phases. Phase one provided a multimedia computer,
collection of CD ROMs, and an Internet connection to the participating schools, and phase
two collected materials which focused on the management of resources and development of
learner skills. Whilst the project report makes interesting reading, and has
recommendations for a range of individuals and agencies I suspect that it will be the
staff development pack and video that most schools find useful. These materials focus on
three areas :
- developing learners' skills
- managing resources
- staffing issues
The pack provides a range of questions for discussion and illustrates some approaches
to answering these through the printed materials and the video. What the materials make
clear is that the school library has a key role to play, not just as provider of
information, but as an active participant in developing the school's approach to learning.
A vision of the library of the future is given at the start of the pack which looks
forward to a time when electronic communications are ubiquitous and cheap enabling a
connected community involving school and home in information provision and use. Any School
or College reviewing its provision and use of the library will find the whole Libraries of
the Future pack to be a useful source of information and activities.
Libraries of the future is available from
BECTa,
Milburn Hill Road,
Science Park,
Coventry, CV4 7JJ
Tel 01203 416669.
The whole pack (report, staff development materials, and video) costs £25.45. Items
can be purchased separately as follows: Libraries of the Future final report £10, Staff
development pack £12.50, and video £9.95.
