Representation: Transforming My Library

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Image: Wilson, T. (2005) via Flickr

Throughout the study of the unit ‘Youth, Popular Culture and Texts’ I have constantly found myself nodding along to the lectures and audibly exclaiming ‘yes’ or ‘that’s right’ when completing the readings (much to the confusion of my husband!).  I have found that the opinions of experts, as well as core materials from the unit, have reinforced the picture of young people’s learning and online interaction, as well as the challenges faced by educators, that I see on a daily basis in my library.

In the business world, the Internet has created a unique opportunity for marketing digital products.  In 2004, Chris Anderson of ‘Wired’ magazine coined the term ‘the long tail’ to describe the way the Internet was able to allow companies to market a very large number of products, that were not on any ‘top ten’ lists, in a very profitable way (Anderson, 2006 ).  In other words, web stores such as iTunes and the Book Depository offer people the opportunity to not only purchase the most popular or promoted music or books, but a vast range of products that cover every possible representation of the world imaginable (Dezuanni, 2010).  For young people, this wealth of choice allows them to truly explore their interests and the way they see the world.
 
In the same way, the Internet allows our students to access a large amount of information that can’t be monetised but may only be valued by a small proportion of the population (Dezuanni, 2010).  In this way, students who are interested in Japanese anime may access the online fan community as a method of self-expression or alternatively, students who desire to know the specifics of python ownership can also find instructions and support via the Internet.  This ‘long tail’ of knowledge can be immensely powerful in education, however is also be feared by some teacher librarians who worry that physical library collections may become obsolete due to their inability to house such timely variety of informative material.

In our library, we have just introduced ‘OverDrive’, an online collection of eBooks and audiobooks which can be accessed by students via the Internet and downloaded to any personal digital device they choose (OverDrive Inc, 2011).

The theory of the long tail is a good reference point as we choose our collection.  Via OverDrive, we will be able to choose a variety of materials that may only be valued by smaller proportions of the school community.  Whereas these students may not currently access the library’s collection regularly, by providing material that appeals to their world view we are hoping to promote reading and engage them more with the services offered by the library.  OverDrive also allows the cross-promotion of material, something that libraries traditionally are only able to achieve when students ask staff for recommendations.  In Chris Anderson’s research he discovered the power of the long tail in the way that Amazon, an online bookstore, created a best selling product from a book that was nearly out of print, simply by offering it to patrons as they purchased a similar title (Andersen, 2004).  Via OverDrive, I hope to expand the literature experience of students by promoting new or similar titles as well as encouraging students to diversify their reading (or listening) into unfamiliar genres.

Another feature of OverDrive is the ability for the school to upload local content for access by students and parents.  This has allowed us to upload content such as our College Annual (magazine), as well as videos of school events and student work (with permission) such as outstanding artworks or short stories.  This process allows students to create representations of themselves and life as they know it to publish in a safe place that is accessible by their peers.  In this way, students gain recognition for their accomplishments and are able to access information that is localised

Through this unit, I have realised that young people do care about the way they, and the world around them, are represented.  Many wish to access information, entertainment or learning resources that reflect the way they make meaning of the world.  The Internet allows young people to do just this.  In my practise, I will continue to promote digital literacy so that young people may safely and responsibly navigate and contribute to the wealth of resources that is the World Wide Web.  In the same way, I will continue to enhance the school’s digital library using OverDrive to provide young people with a variety of resources from external sources, as well as ensuring that student work is valued and made accessible to their searching peers.

References:

Anderson, C. (2004) The Long Tail. Wired, 12(10).  Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/tail.html

Anderson, C. (2006). The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. New York: Hyperion.

Dezuanni, M. (2010) CLN647 Youth, Popular Culture, and Texts: Lecture 9 [Slides & Audio].  Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_75617_1%26url%3D

OverDrive. (2011). About. Retrieved October 11, 2011 from http://www.overdrive.com/About/

Wilson, T. (2005). The Long Tail [Image].  Retrieved October 11, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/timwilson/38467067/

Labels: Representation - Carmel