Virtual+Libraries

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

//This virtual learning space does not eliminate the classroom, but rather acts as a facilitator to lead students and educators to different interactions with knowledge. ...Serina Patterson //

 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:


 * A local collection of materials that meet the information needs of the library's primary clientele.
 * An OPAC which identifies the holdings in that collection
 * The means to access abstracting and indexing services in machine readable form
 * Access to other databases to which the library subscribes
 * Telecommunications links to other libraries' OPACs and related information resources
 * Telecommunications links to other information agencies and their resources and services
 *  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. Joyce Valenza's //Springfield Township High School Virtual Library// is an excellent example of a dynamic virtual library.

If “p athfinders are guides which lead students to resources” (<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 40%;">[|Herring], 2009), then they should be easily accessed through the virtual library website. Herring argues that pathfinders are beneficial because they have the potential to scaffold student learning “which will help improves students’ information literacy skills” by providing them with “relevant choices”.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Pathfinders on the Virtual School Library Site **

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 Valenza's site: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 112.2%;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 60%;">.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 180%;">**Noteworthy Virtual School Libraries**

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 144%;">**Acadia Library**: http://acadialibrary.pbworks.com/ This virtual library is created as a wiki. It features several slideshows which help to advertise the range of activity that takes place in the school library. There is a comprehensive collection of useful links on the sidebar, and a big focus on Web 2.0 tools available to students and teachers.


 * Athena Middle School Library**: http://web001.greece.k12.ny.us/webpages/athenalibrary/index.cfm - this has a straightforward, easy to navigate home page. Note the link to the public library which is a useful inclusion and a wonderful gateway to more on-line databases.


 * Chico High School Library**: [] - this site has a wide range of links on its page.


 * School Division 62 Virtual School Library (Vancouver Island):** [] - this virtual library was created to help support a research initiative between the school and University of Victoria on the use of e-Readers in the classroom.


 * Good Spirit School Division's Digital Classroom**: []. this site is not a virtual library site, but a divisional site created by the GSSD School Division is Saskatchewan. I've included it here because the layout is interesting. Along the top, are grade-level choices, and on the sidebar, subjects. The virtual space is appealing in that it is not overwhelming, and access to excellent resources are a click away.


 * Springfield Township High School Virtual Library**: []. Created by Joyce Valenza, this is the go-to virtual library to see how an attractive interface, easy navigation, and relevant information come together to create an exemplary virtual school library.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Advice for Beginning Teacher-Librarians **

Creating a Virtual School Library has the potential to be a huge task, and should be viewed as a work in progress. Do not be afraid to collaborate - this task is worth the effort! I would encourage you to select a committee of volunteers from students, staff, parents, School-Division Technicians and teachers and students at your local community College. This will ensure a broad buy-in for your project.