The library world has changed a great deal since I took SLM 505 - Information Resources. One of our assignments was to develop an Information Sources Bibliography filled with materials that we could use to order for our libraries. Much of the material I cited in this document is outdated. Surprisingly, however, there are still some sources that are relevant today, such as the free website BookHive or The National Audubon Society Field Guides.
When I started collecting material for this assignment, I decided that it did not make sense to use or repeat anything that was already in my library; I could use this opportunity to enhance my current collection with new or updated material. This made the work a bit more challenging since my library already owned many of the major resources that were mentioned in the course. I had to dig deeply to find worthwhile items to fill my list.
Turning my attention specifically to research resources, I knew that my print collection was weak and hopelessly outdated. For example, I had several big, beautiful atlases that were old and did not reflect the many changes that have happened in the world since that time. I decided that I would buy several different types of atlases appropriate for various grade levels I selected several specialty items that closely related to our curriculum and school community. For instance, we have a great bird sanctuary in an area of backwoods behind our school and an active bird-watching club, so I chose two bird field guides to supplement what we already have. I actually ordered these items for my library, and they were well-received. I have used the atlases for lessons and activities in grades three through five.
With regard to online sources, I had trouble finding databases to purchase because Roland Park Country School subscribes to so many that are outstanding. I ended up finding nine possibilities for fee-based databases, and I found some other useful free resources as well.
Since the time that the assignment was completed, I have significantly weeded and updated my print reference section in the library. I now have only one set of World Book Encyclopedias (updated in 2011) whereas I used to have four different encyclopedia sets. We have also significantly expanded our non-print resources by adding new databases such as PebbleGo and NoodleTools. Our computer instructor teaches students how to use various search engines and discern whether websites are reliable or not. It is important that we all work together to facilitate access to information across the board. As librarians in the 21st century, it is our duty and responsibility to allow faculty, staff and students to have access to the current and finest resource materials in a variety of different formats.
When I started collecting material for this assignment, I decided that it did not make sense to use or repeat anything that was already in my library; I could use this opportunity to enhance my current collection with new or updated material. This made the work a bit more challenging since my library already owned many of the major resources that were mentioned in the course. I had to dig deeply to find worthwhile items to fill my list.
Turning my attention specifically to research resources, I knew that my print collection was weak and hopelessly outdated. For example, I had several big, beautiful atlases that were old and did not reflect the many changes that have happened in the world since that time. I decided that I would buy several different types of atlases appropriate for various grade levels I selected several specialty items that closely related to our curriculum and school community. For instance, we have a great bird sanctuary in an area of backwoods behind our school and an active bird-watching club, so I chose two bird field guides to supplement what we already have. I actually ordered these items for my library, and they were well-received. I have used the atlases for lessons and activities in grades three through five.
With regard to online sources, I had trouble finding databases to purchase because Roland Park Country School subscribes to so many that are outstanding. I ended up finding nine possibilities for fee-based databases, and I found some other useful free resources as well.
Since the time that the assignment was completed, I have significantly weeded and updated my print reference section in the library. I now have only one set of World Book Encyclopedias (updated in 2011) whereas I used to have four different encyclopedia sets. We have also significantly expanded our non-print resources by adding new databases such as PebbleGo and NoodleTools. Our computer instructor teaches students how to use various search engines and discern whether websites are reliable or not. It is important that we all work together to facilitate access to information across the board. As librarians in the 21st century, it is our duty and responsibility to allow faculty, staff and students to have access to the current and finest resource materials in a variety of different formats.