Reflections on 1/27/12 class

In my haze I seem to recall that I signed some sort of national petition either to recall the python ban or to insure that every child in America has access to an effective school library program. The second petition rings more true to my heart- so I'm guessing that's the one. I see that it garnered enough signatures to be delivered to President Obama's desk, but will it accomplish anything. The wording of the petition is pretty vague as a result of a previous petition that asked for the school media specialists to be required in every building in the reauthorization of ESEA. So, this petition focuses more on kids, eh?

"Every child in America deserves access to an effective school library program. We ask that the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provide dedicated funding to help support effective school library programs. Such action will ensure more students have access to the resources and tools that constitute a 21st century learning environment. Reductions in school library programs are creating an ‘access gap’ between schools in wealthier communities versus those where there are high levels of poverty. All students should have an equal opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to learn, to participate, and to compete in today’s world."

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/ensure-every-child-america-has-access-effective-school-library-program/tmlbRqfF

I find it interesting that the word "programs" is consistently used. It is true that the library needs to be more than a "space", but I wonder if the word "programs" encompasses the the media center as a necessary resource in the school. For that matter, will it be for much longer? With the trend toward towards ebooks and online learning and resources, will there be a need for a room called the "Media Center" in the school? With the idea of the Media Specialist as collaborator maybe the job will only require a laptop computer cart. I'm not sure if a physical space will be needed for media centers of the future. I'm all for the Media Center being the heart of the building, but in the future, if "programs" means having a media center space in the school or having a media specialist in the school- I'll take the media specialist. Kristin's example of the media specialist who used her book buying budget to have duplicate sets of books in each classroom, versus more titles in the media center rang true to me. Our goal should be to provide easy, effective, and consistent access to learning; not to develop a collection full of depth and insight in a room that children only spend an hour a week in. So much to think about, but I think I will take a nap right now. Looking forward to being back to normal- SOON.