Some would argue that school libraries with shelves of books are a thing of the past.
With today's technology, school libraries need to evolve to meet the needs of their students. Laura Wernick points out that most elementary schools focus on literacy skills, collaborative learning and teaching styles (2011, p. 26). These principles are reinforced with common core curriculum. In the elementary school library where I volunteered, the library was very much utilized by teachers and students to improve reading skills. In elementary schools where children are learning to read, the library will remain an important tool for teachers, students and parents alike. However, in upper grades, such as middle school and high school, I have witnessed a decline in the use of the school library by both students and teachers. At the middle school library where I volunteer, rarely does a teacher bring their class into the library for research or to check out books. The library media technician is turning the library into a maker space so it can stay relevant and useful.
Wernick, L. (2011). The School Library Space Is Changing. American School & University, 83(9), 24-28.
I've had the privilege of working in an elementary/middle school as a sub-librarian over the past month and I was surprised and pleased that students still want to hold and read paper books. Not only did the kindergarteners enjoy perusing the buckets of books throughout the library but I had two groups of seventh graders working to choose books for their upcoming book clubs. They could get one copy of the book on Overdrive but not enough to accommodate their entire book club. In a school where so much time is spent on computers, paper books are a welcome reprieve.
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