So much information is out THERE, on dem internets!! It’s a WORLD of LIBRARIES… from wikis, to online books to blogs to encyclopaedias to the catalogues, data bases and actual content of libraries being available to anyone, anywhere.

At this very moment I am here in Vancouver using my Toronto Public Library membership to read the magazine Rolling Stone online via Zinio, while another tab is open to my school library catalogue and yet another to the UBC one.

Before today, I had not thought of this plethora of information in terms of a “world library” or as “world libraries”. It is an interesting way to think about it. ICT makes it possible to access so many resources previously unavailable unless physically in the place holding the resource (or unless using a reliable mail service).

  VERSUS

• World libraries are living, breathing, growing entities (amoebas?) as opposed to static, dusty, book filled structures. Julie, my partner in inquiry, and I discussed how we could use iPads to contribute to world libraries. Some ideas included:

• Having students create content such as personal narrative videos,
• Students could be asked to access world library resources to connect with novels or could use the iPads to create and publish digital media to share with others around the world.
• Using the iPads to access primary sources (world libraries) that connect to what we’re studying in novels. e.g. if reading The Breadwinner, access information from Afghanistan. Or reading Holocaust-related stories, access Steven Spielberg’s database.
• Students could contribute to a global library by videotaping their stories, ideas.
• Using iPads to create first-hand stories of students’ immigration experiences, thereby contributing to the world library.
• Use Brushes app to take the fear out of drawing – easily create portraits of others. Exchange pictures with a pen-pal class and draw your pal’s portrait.

How does your school setting relate with developing world libraries?

I realize in my class we have been accessing world libraries… but my students aren’t contributing to them. I think it’s important going forward that students are given the opportunity (and encouraged to) to share their learning and ideas by contributing to sites, rather than just taking from them.

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