The end of teaching libraries

Catty said :

The view that the internet has it all is just a crock. As a practising teacher-librarian, I am aware of the wide range of resources that are needed, and am well aware of the fact that much quality information is not on the internet. In any case students need guidance in HOW to use the resources when they find them.

What is a crock is the role of “teacher-librarians”. No point trying to deny it. The internet does have it all and “teaching librarians” who have long found it difficult to inform students of how to find things across a broad range of disciplines will only find it more difficult in the future.

You can see it even at specialist University libraries where they struggle through “Research Skills Tutorials” because of their own outmoded skills and a lack of breadth of knowledge across disciplines.

And if you truly believe that “much quality information is not on the internet”, then you’re confirming what I have said. That fact that you believe these things aren’t out there means you don’t know how to find them.

The view that the internet has it all is just a crock. As a practising teacher-librarian, I am aware of the wide range of resources that are needed, and am well aware of the fact that much quality information is not on the internet. In any case students need guidance in HOW to use the resources when they find them. Studies have consistently shown that students who have access to a well-stocked library (with a wirde range of resources, electronic as well as print) and a teacher librarian, consistently achieve more than those who do not. How very short-sighted to close the resources that support teachers. Minister Barr has already stated on more than one occasion that students do not need textbooks because “everything is on the internet”. He has been listening too closely to Dr Jim Watterston, who decimated the teaching resource libraries in Victoria before he moved here.

The TEC has been an absolute life saver over the last few years. I’m 2nd year at UC and I have no idea what I’ll do if it closes down! Like jamesleaw said, there’s just not enough room in the Library for all the resources the TEC holds. It’s fantastic knowing there’s a place you can easily go to ask anything about teaching and resources without having to go into a school, which is not always available.

The TEC is one of the most useful resources we have at uni. The staff are always helpful, and the resources are great. They say they will move the resources to the library, but we have been told that the library does not have enough space for all the items. I would really like to know where I am supposed to get practical resources when these centres close down, because I won’t have the access to a school.

I gave a talk this afternoon at the CTL, and it had people all over th place, in meetings and professional learning. The library itself I’m not sure of, but they’re getting rid of a heap of old video cassettes if anyone’s into old educational vi deos. Tehy’re just on trolleys outside the library doors. (inside the building itself though)

My wife who is a teacher, uses CTL at least once a week. Its a joke they are closing it down, as the place has alot of resources for teachers. This plan will hurt children, as they will miss out. Step up ACT Government and stop this stupid idea.

As a 4th year Education Student at UC, the only time I used the education centre there was to get reports bound, and hire cameras. For everything else I used the internet. Same nearly goes with the library at UC.

I have heard teachers mention the Sterling centre, but no one I know of has regarded it as a vital resource. Of course, those are only my experiences, but if they are closing them both then I imagine my experiences are likely representative of a larger view.

Yes we do need this. There’s some resources you just can’t download – such as arts posters or maths resources.

DET clearly has no idea of how to run an education system, let alone use such a system to actually teach. Bring back the old Schools Authority!

Yes.