Theme 1: Online Reference Bias and Research Models
While engaged in the learning materials from the first theme of LIBE 467, my two biggest take-aways were addressing my bias toward digital reference sources, expanding my thinking on research/inquiry models. Digital Reference Sources Bias Riedling (2019) provides guidelines on when some print reference materials become outdated, suggesting that “books dealing with technology should be replaced every two years” as well as “encyclopedias should be replaced every five years” (p. 18). While reading this, my thought process was that this was not sustainable or feasible within the scope of most library’s budgets. In my discussion post, I suggested that these funds would be better spent on digital references instead. I realized after writing my post that this was a bias I had toward digital references. Digital references are my preferred approach to research. Additionally, I was able to have this opinion from a position of privilege as my school is fortune to have access to func...
Hey Tara,
ReplyDeleteWorld Book Online Kids is such a fantastic resource for elementary students. My favorite feature is the text to talk option. There is such a wide range of reading abilities in elementary and this feature makes it so much for accessible for students. Often research is so challenging with primary grades because the students can't read the information, so the option of having it read to them is invaluable. I agree with you that this is a great replacement resource!
The World Book encyclopedia seems more equitable to all learners. It has a read aloud option and videos. I agree with you that paying for the World Book digital resources is better than buying a whole volume of encyclopedia to sit on the shelf when it might not be utilized as much as the digital version.
ReplyDeleteThe ability for online encyclopedias to update as frequently as needed at no cost to the user makes them so much better than print resources. However, it does require the use of a device which may or may not be present in the library. Personally, I have a serious lack of tech in my buildings and for this reason I have a hard time comparing digital and print resources. They feel like different categories to me.
ReplyDeleteEven though I prefer digital resources, I know that primary students struggle with the technology part of navigating the online catalogue.
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