Technology in the
Library Appropriate use of technology is a major component of our Library program. Major technology changes have occurred in just the last few years. Some of our technological changes include:
The old card catalog for finding books in the library is now history.
Our students currently access the collection via half a dozen networked computer
terminals using Catalogue Plus, the Follett Book Company computerized Card
Catalogue. This change, however, does not relieve the students of the
responsibility of learning the Dewey Decimal system and other key library
skills. If anything, it makes knowledge of the library skills more critical if
students are to get the most out of our Library resource.
All book Circulation and Inventory is now automated
using the Follett system. This greatly facilitates handling the ever growing
volume of student, teacher and patron demands for more book circulation.
The Encarta CD-ROM encyclopedia is now available for
information searching with graphics and sound capability.
A dedicated workstation is available with a high speed link to
the Internet. This gives patrons the opportunity to search the Internet
for information as well as using sources physically located in the Library.
Additional expansion of access to information through CD-ROM
programs, a magazine index, link-up with the Computer Lab, class rooms, and
other libraries are all being discussed.
One has to consider, however, that information is becoming available in so vast
a quantity as to be overwhelming even to the most sophisticated user, and this
"information" will have social consequences. Michael Heim in his book The
Metaphysics of Virtual Reality (Oxford Press, 1993), contends that "people
tend to mistake data for truth, knowledge for wisdom."
Our library staff will
continually endeavor to guide students from this "informania" to some semblance
of wisdom and intelligence in the way accessed information is selected and used.
Some schools have already begun a process of helping students understand their responsibilities in the are of computer technology use and the access of information and interaction with others on the Internet. An example is the Technology Code of Conduct at Model School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. We help our students develop mature usage skills on the Internet by encouraging them to read sources such as Netiquette to learn appropriate behavior when using on-line resources.
We hope that by working closely with teachers, students and parents,
the library can bring the benefits of new technology to the school environment
along with insight into its appropriate use. But it seems clear that the basic
Catholic, Christian fundamentals of ethics, morality and behavior which are
deeply rooted in the value structure of our school are the ultimate tools which
will guide our students in the use of these new resources.
If you have comments or suggestions about the use of new technology in the library please send them to Barb Cutler, Library Director:
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© 2000
St. Joseph School in Seattle, WA
www.stjosephsea.org