Coalition Fall 1995 Meeting: Project Briefings and Synergy Sessions
Cooperation Technology, Books and Community
Nancy Pearl, Washington Center for the Book
Willem Scholten, Center for Technology in the Public Library
Abstract:
We will describe a new initiative between two public library research centers,
the Seattle Public School System, the University of Washington, and the
neighborhood community. The focus of this project is to create a
community-based, exciting learning environment using technology to emphasize
the book and, in general, the creation of literature.
The Centers:
The Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the National Center for the Book
at the Library of Congress, was established to promote the joys of reading, to
emphasize the importance of books and libraries, and to nurture an environment
in which books and reading are valued and enjoyed. The Center for the Book
brings together individuals--readers, librarians, writers and
organizations--throughout the state of Washington.
The Center for Technology functions as a catalyst and linking agent, bringing
together the needs of the public, the skills of information professionals, and
the products of high technology companies. Research and development efforts
emphasize projects which are not only of special interest to Seattle, but which
can also be replicated in other libraries. All library services and modes of
service delivery are impacted by these technological advances, as are the
community institutions and groups that use library services.
Project description:
This project, although in its infancy, will initially focus its attention on
two Seattle neighborhoods, Rainier Beach (through the library branch), and West
Seattle (through the High School). In both instances, technology will be used
to support the overall team in stimulating particular children into more active
reading and writing.
We believe that a new collaborative approach between all traditional community
organizations is required to achieve our goals of increasing the interest in
reading books. However, we do not yet fully understand such a paradigm, and we
want to use these experiments to further our knowledge in this area, with the
ultimate goal of creating a new model for community learning.
In this project, we will closely cooperate with a multi-disciplinary team from
the University of Washington, consisting of partners from the School of
Education, and the Departments of Political Science, Library Science and
Computer Science. Members of the Public School administration, principals and
educators, technologists and curriculum developers will also work with us on
these issues.
This complete team will look at the issues from different perspectives, conduct
various experiments, and utilize a variety of methodologies.
We will also explore such ideas as an on-line poetry writing workshop, virtual
community learning, on-line creative writing, and on-line readings of
literature brought to you by local writers as well as real live impersonators
of famous American literary figures.
As we hurtle down the information superhighway, it is necessary to remember
that, while information access has always been an important function of the
public library, it has never been, nor will it ever be, the most important
aspect of what a library means to a community. The library is a place for a
lifetime of growth, a place to attain self-understanding, to experience beauty,
to gain wisdom, to enlarge our horizons, and, ultimately, for the pure
excitement of learning.
Contact Information:
Nancy Pearl Willem Scholten
Washington Center for the Book Center for Technology in
1000 Fourth Ave the Public Library
Seattle, WA 98104 1000 Fourth Ave
(206) 386-4180 Seattle, WA 98104
npearl@spl.lib.wa.us (206) 386-4180
willem@spl.org
Web site: http://www.spl.org
FTP site: ftp.spl.org
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