The ALA believes that all students in the 21st Century should be not only literate with print information but with all types of technology which enhance the way we "... discover, analyze, evaluate, interpret and communicate ideas, information and knowledge..." Because there is such a wide variety of formats in which students can read, librarians are charged with knowing how to help students get material on any device. According to the ALA in 2013 there is no single format on which all digital material is stored. Many E-books are and have been included in electronic databases for many years in school and public libraries. ALA's position is that, "...schools should begin to provide anytime/anywhere access to reliable digital content." To accomplish this, the ALA suggests that libraries set the following as goals:
Moving forward with digital content is an exciting time for all libraries. Along with the excitement of new ways to access information, there are also many challenges that have to be addressed. These challenges are not static and librarians will have to continue to be leaders in the dissemination of information in whatever forms the future brings.
- update or implement digital purchasing policies
- be aware of the community served and allocate funding to balance the collection between print and digital formats
- consider providing electronic devices for patrons so all patrons regardless of financial situations or ability have equal access
- give attention to the age and ability of your patrons when selecting the most appropriate devices to purchase
- pay careful attention to the selection of bundles offered by vendors to ensure that overlapping materials are not purchased and develop a network for sharing purchases
- develop creative ways to market digital books to make patrons aware of the titles available
- ensure the right to privacy of patrons by vendors who may collect data on titles borrowed
- develop a comprehensive policy for weeding digital titles to ensure patrons have up to date and current information
Moving forward with digital content is an exciting time for all libraries. Along with the excitement of new ways to access information, there are also many challenges that have to be addressed. These challenges are not static and librarians will have to continue to be leaders in the dissemination of information in whatever forms the future brings.
American Library Association Website: http://www.ala.org