New Technology Puts a Fresh Spin on the Library’s Image
In Lumberton, Texas, the school district transformed its library program about a decade ago to focus more on technology, says Mary Johnson, director of communications and community relations. When Michelle LaRue took on the librarian role for Lumberton Intermediate School, she found old, unused equipment taking up space, along with teachers who saw little value in bringing their students to the library.
“Previously, the librarians didn’t teach lessons aligned with the classroom curriculum,” she says. “It was strictly a check-in, check-out book place.”
Perceptions started to shift when the district gave each library an interactive TV and a Chromebook cart. Students realized there was more to the library, and teachers saw how librarians used technology with students.