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The Value of Academic Libraries

Libraries originally served as a key place for finding information. With the rise of the internet, the value of a library in serving that purpose has declined. However, in the past decades, libraries have increasingly taken an active role in their patron’s journey of learn; hence, the shift from bibliographic instruction (BL) to information literacy (IL). “Instead, the emphasis moves to offering quality teaching, providing user-centered environments, and reframing the role of libraries as central to the teaching and learning process” (Ariew 214).

I was surprised to read that current discussion about libraries does not include “the priority of service to the surrounding community, the library as cultural center” ... I think it is pretty clear that Cook Library, despite its many great resources, is ‘most’ valued as a quiet place to study. Therefore, I was NOT surprised to read in the Menchaca article that students flock to libraries in search of focus; the library is a “space to think” rather than the main “source for materials (Menchaca 357).

I think it is especially important to note that students feels confused and overwhelmed with all the information available to them; they may not use library information resources because they don’t know how to dissect what is available and determine what to do.

I am surprised that test results show that many students are not showing improvement in critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing (361). I think libraries do have an opportunity to encourage the development of these skills, though I am not sure how to do so. Engaging students who are not actively seeking that engagement is difficult. If Cook Library could strive to develop programming with this in mind, I think that would be fantastic; the problem is figuring out what will actually work for students.

#value of libraries #library background #how we got here #start a new fire