The Demise of School Libraries by Susan Hahm

"In the past, libraries were considered a space for reading and academic work. Today, we find ourselves amidst a  transformative educational landscape, shaped in part by the pandemic and rapidly advancing technology." (Burke 2024)

In the book, The Googlization of Everything (and Why We Should Worry), author, Siva Vaidhyanathan, "clearly demonstrates just how much power Google has over the world’s information and the world’s knowledge." (Sarin 2011)

Should we be worried about the demise of school libraries, or can we adapt quickly to the changing realities of educational goals and tools like AI?

A good place to start is the May/June 2024 issue of the AASL's Knowledge Quest Journal, which explores the concept that "as technology continues to revolutionize how information is accessed and consumed, librarians are emerging as pioneers of innovation in education." (Burke 2024)

References

Vaidhyanathan, S. (2011). The Googlization of Everything (and Why We Should Worry) (Updated edition). University of California Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10537975

Sarin, L. C. (2012). [Review of The Googlization of Everything (and Why We Should Worry), by S. Vaidhyanathan]. The Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, 82(4), 525–527. https://doi.org/10.1086/667446

Burke, K. (2024). Navigating the Future of School. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 6–7. 

Hensley, D. (2024). The Future of Learning is Human-Centered. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 22–25. 

Sarles, P., & Ellner Krim, G. (2024). Library Advisory Committees Are Vital. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 58–64.

Robertson-Griffin, N. (2024). How School Librarians Use Social Media to Stay On Top of Issues and Trends As Digital Leaders. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 52–574. 

Valenza, J. (2024). Partnering for Human-Centered Innovation & Change. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 42–51. 

Cornejo, A. (2024). Navigating the Future: Integration of AI in School Libraries. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 26–30. 

Bongiorno, M. (2024). Beyond the Books. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 32–41. 

Ellis, L. (2024). Reading Reimagined the Digital Future Unfolds. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 16–21. 

Stripling, B. K., & Veal, B. (2024). A School Librarian’s Responsibility: Creating Engaged and Empowered Learners. Knowledge Quest, 52(5), 8–15.