Link Du Jour: A Library Without Books

Similar to the Zack/Jessie vs. Slater/Kelly showdown in the “Dancing to the Max” episode of Saved by the Bell, this whole print vs. ebook debate just gets more and more intriguing doesn’t it? The New York Times recently addressed the topic, asking “Do School Libraries Need Books?”, and inviting five interested parties to state their beliefs.

Click here to read the article.

The overall opinion re: the bookless library? Not so fast.

While there is certainly support for the printed word, the most interesting (and the most pro ebook) comments may come from James Tracy, Headmaster of Cushing Academy, a 9-12th grade Massachusetts institution that recently (and famously) went the ereader route. Tracy asserts that “traditional libraries must be reimagined to remain vital.”

While they seem to be doing innovative things in the space cleared by removing all those pesky books…

I have a hard time believing that 70 Kindles are sufficiently doing the job of a full library collection.

Working in four elementary schools that serve students in grades K-6, I’m trying to sort out how this will effect children’s books.

For elementary school libraries, it seems to me that the ebook movement won’t have much of an affect (for the time being). The convenience and durability of printed books makes much more sense for young readers.

What do you think?

(Thanks to Blue Skunk Blog for the link)

Filed under: Link Du Jour