LIBE 465 Lesson 2: Organization and the Concepts of Access

Reflection: 
I’m for digital media.  I think it’s great if used effectively.  It can enhance learning, provide greater engagement and increase information interactivity.  Since digital information can be access remotely, as long as you have the required hardware and software, it is available all the time.  There are no physical limitations to hinder access.
To provide ongoing support for digital media, the TL needs to digital presence.  The school library should have a website (hopefully linking from the school library).  It would be helpful to find the following on the library website:

·         Links to online encyclopedias and resources
·         Links to school appropriate (and age appropriate) search engines and websites
·         Instructions or tutorials on how to use the OPAC system, and online databases or indexes
·         Librarian blog with book reviews and recommendations
·         Library events and calendar
·         Email the librarian (with questions, requests for assistance, etc)
·         Suggest new book purchases

Thoughts: 
Accessibility is an important topic for libraries and TL.  We want to provide access to all our users.  But as Keith suggested I think there are instances where we limit and maximize access.  The example I gave was the use of digital resources.  Digital sources are available everyday and at all times, but we need the digital hardware and software to access them.  So how do we address this issue?  It becomes a questions of the haves and have nots.  Do we assume that the students will have the necessary equipment to access the digital resources?  Or do we provide that?  If so, aren’t we again limiting the access of the resources by the physicality of the equipment?