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Study carrels have been replaced with computer stations and multimedia design areas, replete with digital cameras, digital camcorders, for checkout or school use, as well as scanners, and computer software applications for working with graphic material as well as video and audio material.
A separate room is devoted to video production. Cameras, computers, mixers, editors, and computers are spaciously arranged in a work area for staff and students.
The Reference area, covers a much smaller space, now that so much current information is provided online and through Online subscription services, databases, directories and indexes. No more need to file and store all the musty periodicals, and indexes. As a matter of fact, every teen's nemesis, "The The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature" was no where to be found!
I realize during my survey of the premises, that I have not seen "Marian the Librarian", waiting, with stamp in hand, ready to brand the date due slip!
Where could she be? Come to think of it … I haven't seen anyone sitting behind "circulation desk" set up at all.. Just then I spot "Carlos the Cybrian"… he is roving from place to place offering technical assistance to students and teachers, guiding and teaching others efficient online search methods, and offering checklists for students to use in evaluation the content of the web site they are using. Quite a different picture of a librarian emerges … not a guardian of books, but a guide to lifelong learning.
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