Virtual Library from Group Wiki

Virtual Library, A Must!
Our world is ever evolving. Our students need to be able to work successfully in this ever changing environment. Here is a What's Hot/What's Not Poster for successful school libraries from the National Association of Independent Schools.
Technology and the Library:
What’s Hot, and What’s Not?

What's hot	What's not
Physical and virtual libraries as hubs of creating new knowledge and educational innovation.	libraries as stand-alone centers of knowledge consumption.
regular collaboration with the technology team to ensure consistency in skills, approach to technology, and technology policies.	librarians teaching technology in a vacuum, or ignoring the technology curriculum, while staying out of the conversation about technology policy or plans for the school.
Staffing that allows librarians to visit classrooms, to teach and accompany students on the research experience where it is happening, and to attend faculty meetings and department meetings across the curriculum.	Understaffing the library so the teaching librarian has to supervise the library and miss authentic research and collaboration moments.
Keeping a curated selection of books and digital resources that are used, and weeding and updating the collection on a regular basis.	Keeping an archive of books and resources that are rarely used.
encouraging the librarian to experiment and play with new digital resources and tools.	no opportunities to offer ebooks and new media to students and faculty due to budget constraints.
offering collaborative workspaces for students and noise-cancelling headphones for those who want silence.	Shushing students all day.
lending gear from laptops to iPads, from phone chargers to video cameras, from rulers to calculators.	advocating in-library use only for many materials.
librarians active in their personal learning networks in order to stay aware of the rapidly changing field and to help lead the discussions about new and meaningful avenues for technology in the curriculum.	librarians not willing (or not given the opportunity) to implement change in the library program or services offered.
collaborating with teachers to create inquiry-based projects that seamlessly integrate research and information literacy skills into the academic curriculum.	leaving the librarian out of the planning process and implementation in regard to research and technology resources.
learning how to search google effectively.	one million hits in your google results list.
a library space with powerful Wi-Fi, numerous outlets, whiteboards, moveable furniture, and easy access to the virtual library.	inflexible learning spaces.
a welcoming, student-centered library that supports learning and curiosity.	a library where students feel there are too many rules with no purpose.

Learning to utilize the current and ever changing resources available allows our students to learn how to be successful researchers. This process is ongoing and can be applied to all subject areas. The media specialists, technology integrators and teachers help our students use these resources most effectively. 


References
National Association of Independent Schools. Retrieved from 
http://www.nais.org/Magazines-Newsletters/ISMagazine/Pages/The-New-School-Library.aspx

Jenn Freeda