Just as the world is evolving into a digitally based society so to is the way that we access resources. A book is considered to be out of print the moment it is published. According to Doug Johnson in his article Managing Digital Resources the days of print resources are numbered. An increasing portion of the school library budget is shifting to digital resources “and we know our “net gen” students prefer their information in bytes rather than pages” (pg. 46). In his article, Johnston provides a framework for managing these intangible items.
1) Assessment: All resources must be selected to meet the needs of the school community. Johnson states that we need to ask ourselves when looking at print or online resources “how will students and staff get the biggest “bang for the buck?” (pg. 47). Librarians should also consider the technical limitations of the computers in the library. This may be the deciding factor between a print version and an online one.
2) Resource Selection: Johnson brings up the important point that “given the changeable nature of online resources, reviews may no longer reflect the actual product” (pg. 47). Given that situation Johnson suggests requesting an online subscription. Allow staff and students to try out the resource and provide feedback if it is a “keeper.”
3) Acquisition: This can be the most difficult aspect of a digital resource. It involves working with the IT department to install and manage the online resources. Since subscriptions can be in some cases automatically renewed, Johnson reminds librarians to “make sure your subscriptions begin and end when your school fiscal year begins and ends” (pg. 48).
4) Promotion and Display: Just because you buy it does not necessarily mean users will use resources, “they need to be promoted and displayed” (pg. 48). This may require what Johnson refers to as library orientation programs or the careful development of resource links from the library homepage (pg. 48). Another way to promote online resources is at the school monthly meetings or in the school newsletter.
5) Cataloging, circulation and control: Johnson brings up the important point that just as the print predecessors of resources were catalogued so do digital resources. Since they are accessed online “multiple users can access them all at one time” (pg. 48) giving online resources a major advantage over print resources. One exception to this rule is E-Books that may only offer single user access at a time. Johnson suggests that teacher librarians limit the access time to these resources. This will ensure maximum access for all.
6) Inventory: Unlike print resources online resources never disappear or get lost. Where it does tend to get tricky is tracking software licenses and ensuring that the “school is not running more copies of an application” (pg. 48). By limiting the right for installing software and creating a policy regarding the issue you can insure you have shown good faith in controlling this issue.
7) Evaluation: The final issue Johnson address is the evaluation on online resources. Johnson suggests sticking with an online resource for a few years before deciding to “turf it.” He makes the point that “it often takes several years before teacher and students discover a resource” (pg. 49). Prematurely canceling a subscription can cause teachers grief if they have planned lessons or units around a particular resource.
As we dive head first into the digital age, it is important to keep up with the latest in how to manage these resources. In the not to near future print resource may be a thing of the past. If teacher librarians want to keep on the cutting edge of technology we need to embrace and understand how resources can be used and managed in the digital format.
Reference
Johnson, Doug. (2007, September). Managing Digital Resources. Library Media Connection 25(6), 46-49. Retrieved September 12, 2007, from Academic Search Complete database
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