Modern
technologies help us be smart
and up-to-date. The Internet combines a global net of sites, where
you can find enormous variety of books, articles, essays, and
magazines instantaneously.
It
causes a question, “Is there a chance for local libraries to
survive?”.
What
about you? Do you often visit libraries to find a print version of a
book?
I
think, you don't.
Librarians
think the same, so they decided to create five ways to make libraries
into community spaces for young students.
A
Space for Youth
Imagine
the situation when your Internet doesn't work. It is
unusual today,
isn't it? Librarians know that it is important to provide fast
Internet
with the help of modern devices: computers, laptops, or tablets. Many
students are looking for a place
where
they can use modern technologies with all tools when
they are
not
at
home.
It can be used for both, entertaining and studying. It is up to
students to make a query they need to.
Anyway,
some libraries have their guidelines about using the Internet. For
example, you might be
interested in
reading
the
Internet
use policy in Madison public library. However, the number of
gadgets in libraries is still growing. Doubtless, it attracts
students to visit an absolutely new space, a library with less print
books and more digital sources.
Mobile
Makerspace in a Library
Sometimes
people believe that a visit to a library is a real challenge.
Firstly, it takes time to get there, especially in rural areas.
Secondly, you might spend this time in a more interesting way.
These
two reasons cause a new idea: mobile makerspace!
The
idea is to involve teens aged 12 to 18 years to visit libraries not
just to read something, but also to make experiments. There was a
case when North Central Regional
Library (NCRL), Washington State,
got
a
federal grand $40,000 to make such a mobile makerspace. It offers
young people to experiment with audio and visual engineering,
robotics, and 3-D printing.
Sounds
interesting even for adults, do
you agree?
E-Resources
Usage
It
is not a secret that young people are not eager to study
a lot.
At the same time they are interested in all up-to-date technologies
and resources.
This
idea has become a key point for providing e-resources usage for free.
I
have already mentioned that libraries have many gadgets, but you can
also download books, music, and other electronic media for free.
Furthermore, librarians are going to teach you
how to do
it. Be ready to
love reading in libraries!
Master
Your Skills
Many
students face the
problem of writing their tasks. Of course, there are some useful
sites that help with assignments, but
students want to learn how to write, read, evaluate,
proofread, and develop their citation skills too. Nowadays, many
librarians provide them with mentors who can help to make these
skills stronger.
Hint:
Working
in a team motivates
students
to
come and learn more.
Trustful
Health Resources
None
can deny that the Internet is full of fake information. It can be a
problem, when a student needs to get trustful medical information. In
this case, no mistakes
are allowed. That
is why some librarians help
students get genuine medical information about bio medicine,
nursing, and health sciences in general.
Summary
Local
libraries want to be useful even in the days of modern technologies.
There are many ways how to make students come and read, learn, and
study. One must admit that these efforts help students know more
interesting facts and improve their skills. Viva, libraries!
