Virtual+Library+Website

**​Virtual Library Websites: Improving 24/7 Access for Learning **

 Virtual School Libraries may seem like a new endeavour, but they have actually been talked about for several years (years of technological progress are similar to dog years). Back in 1996, Victor Blake saw the importance of creating virtual school libraries as a method of making them relevant in the information age. His belief was that "it ma[d]e little sense to exclude students until and unless they become affiliated with a college or university and then hope they will survive in this richer environment" (10). Central to the purpose of Virtual School Libraries is the ability to provide access to information; providing a gateway to enriched learning opportunities.  Blake named the characteristics of a virtual library as including:

Blake, V. (1996) The Virtual Library Impacts the School Library Media Center: A Bibliographic EssayKuhlthau, C., Goodwin, M., McNally, M. (1996). The virtual school library: gateway to the information superhighway. accessed online [in&hl=en&ei= hzh6S6LOLZHQtAOB g4DMCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12&ved=0CDQQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=&f=false]
 * 1) A local collection of materials that meet the information needs of the library's primary clientele.
 * 2) An OPAC which identifies the holdings in that collection
 * 3) The means to access abstracting and indexing services in machine readable form
 * 4) Access to other databases to which the library subscribes
 * 5) Telecommunications links to other libraries' OPACs and related information resources
 * 6) Telecommunications links to other information agencies and their resources and services
 * 7)  The ability to send and receive information and data electronically

**Why create a Virtual School Library?** Blanche Wools claims that "The expansion of resources into technology formats available to users in libraries, schools, offices, and homes requires a new version for management of information" (125). The 24/7 notion of being able to access information off-site collections increases the library media specialists responsibility to provide access to information of outstanding quality. Virtual Libraries are a wonderful way to reach students in their homes, as well as a brilliant way to show the teacher librarian's role in the learning process. Pathfinders help to guide learners to information that has been pre-selected and specific to the students learning needs. Joyce Valenza's Springfield Township High School Virtual Library is an excellent example of a dynamic virtual library. For specific information about the creation of Pathfinders, models for pathfinders, and resources for their creation, go to: []  .

Noteworthy Virtual School Libraries **
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">School Division 62 Virtual School Library (Vancouver Island): [] Springfield Township High School Virtual Library; created by Joyce Valenza: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">[]

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