School libraries have been focusing less on tech since 2019, according to SLJ’s latest tech survey.
While school librarians are still largely considered school tech leaders, usage is down, and librarians’ priorities are shifting. Regarding the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, some respondents see possible educational uses, while others believe it will stifle creativity and encourage cheating.
According to the survey of 595 U.S. school librarians, 55 percent of school libraries offer tech-related activities, down from 79 percent in 2019. School libraries offering coding or audio/video production activities have decreased significantly; coding dropped from 60 percent in 2019 to 32 percent in 2023 and A/V from 40 percent to 20 percent.
Librarians still take on a leadership role in introducing and teaching technology, but this has also…
