Just in case you're not keeping up with me on Twitter, I'd like to share a couple of recent library-related tweets. I may be posting less frequently to this blog, but I will continue to share many relevant article links (literacy, education, environment, parenting issues, etc...) on Twitter.
The Case for Libraries:
While it's great to be able to find the answer to any question with the click of a mouse, do students understand that not every resource is a reliable one? A public middle and high school librarian addresses this important question in her LA Times opinion piece, Saving the Google Students.In a world where the quantity of information can become overwhelming, students need to be able to go beyond just a simple online search. They can't accept the first answer they find as truth. They need to take research to the next level by asking more questions and connecting the dots.
That's why Sara Scribner is warning us that "closing school libraries could be disastrous."
The same question is raised by CEO Mark Moran in Forbes.com's Young Learners Need Librarians, Not Just Google. He comes to the disturbing conclusion that "students do not know how to find or evaluate the information they need on the Internet."
If you're a regular reader of Moms Inspire Learning, you know that I've written several save-the-library related posts within the past few weeks. You already know that I refer to literacy as the mother of all causes, because other causes simply could not exist without it.
You probably have another cause you're fighting for, and I understand that. But what happens when your own school or public library closes? The time to prevent that from happening is now.
Please take a moment to contact a local librarian or legislator to see what the situation is in your neighborhood. Someone else probably won't - until it's too late.
You can take action online as well. I found out that Jennifer R. Hubbard is donating to libraries in Pennsylvania with every comment made on her blog by this Saturday, March 27th. Not only that, but she's inspired other bloggers to do so! You can read all about it at writerjenn.
Please note that I found out about this wonderful act of advocacy through @iambrimful on Twitter. You may also know this particular mom via her blog, Brimful Curiosities. I want to thank her for spreading the word.
Oh, and please don't forget to turn off your lights this Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 pm (your local time) for Earth Hour 2010! It's happening all across the world, and I made this lantern in honor of the event. You can too, if you like.
For me, the causes of literacy and the environment go hand-in-hand. If one's the air, the other's the water. We can't live without either of them.
So, advocates unite! You can make a difference with every word, every action, and every dollar spent.
Here are some related posts:
Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to read my blog!
