Article Review #3

Aden, Abdulkadir. (2008). "Reference Library in a Changing Environment." Library Times International, January, 2008, p.27,28. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete Database.

Within the article, "Reference Library in a Changing Environment,” Abdulkadir Eden poses the question: “What will the future bring for the field of reference library?” (pg. 27) Although Aden’s focus is on the public library system his discussion also relates to teaching reference research skills to students and I found this article beneficial as a guide to how teacher-librarian roles are also changing and how we can adapt to the changes.

Aden states how the role of the librarian is changing due to the increase in technology and we are becoming technology specialist in our libraries. This fact creates many challenges to the librarian that are both “operational and financial” (pg.27) First of all the librarian is selection specialist and must organize the vast amount of information that is available to them both in print and especially with on-line reference materials. As always there is the financial aspect which deals with 'library budget cuts, under funding in professional development and under staffing.' Teacher-librarians also suffer these same obstacles and must make selection choices in their libraries that will most benefit their clientele and consider costs of both on-line research tools and expensive print reference material.

Aden acknowledges the dramatic changes in the Information System and how it is leading libraries to provide their clients with a Digital Reference Service. Should this be the same route to take within our school libraries? It is an invaluable skill for students to know how to properly access referencing sources on the internet. I believe one system cannot be created for all schools but teacher-librarians have access to a number of resources and can teach navigation skills to all their students. Aden also mentions the vast number of search engines that can be used in order to serve specific purposes. This is a great way to introduce different ways of searching for specific information for example, instead of using Google search for all you information retrieval needs students could use 'Bolify' which allows for more detailed searches and models Boolean operators.

I believe that it is essential to create digital databases within our automated library program and to create even more access to reference material for students at home. It is essential that teacher-librarians work with the staff and students to provide the best referencing resources available in order to enhance researching skills. We should not forget about our print resources as well for they will always be an excellent and reliable source of information as long as librarians have the ability to keep it current and appropriate for all student levels.