Tech & Urban-legends

The HAVE-IT ALLs and the GREAT DIGITAL DIVIDE.
On the money once gain, Chapter Three of TECHNOLOGY IN ITS PLACE, tells it like it is "living in the U.S.A.!" Eileen Gallagher definitely, hits the nail on the head as she tackles the challenges of planning for technology in the Windy City. As if Arne Duncan had no idea, Ms. Gallagher depicts systematic links across the urban requirements of funding, infrastructure, professional development, teacher resistance, and community support.
Within the twenty mile holding pattern of the World Busiest International Airport, there is most definitely the "Great Digital Divide" and why is that? Could it because the people we elect to represent us locally are not doing their job in Springfield? Technology is changing the world we live and learn in and the reality of it all is and the speed of change is mind boggling. Technology and skills get out data quickly. Since the school library media center most definitely makes a measurable contribution to the academic achievements of its students, it is a well know fact that students who have well-staffed, technologically current tools and teachers do better in school. This is not rocket-science here. The costs however seem to resemble NASA budgets. The costs of training and upgrading has risen dramatically in the past several years and many libraries cannot afford to arrange for technology training and purchases within the school district's allocations. Small school libraries serving rural communities are most affected and their students often need the technology the most.
This where, I know I can get-up on my "Library Advocacy Soapbox" as a member of the North Suburban Library System's Executive Board of Directors and reply by stating, "WE NEED TO ASK LEGISTATORS TO SUPPORT SCHOOL LIBRARY FUNDING IN THE SECRETARY"S BUDGET AND WE MUST OPPOSE ANY EFFORT TO REDUCE THIS FUNDING AND ADVOCATE FOR NECESSARY INCREASED FUNDING!" We need to ensure that school libraries continue to meet informational needs of all students for today and years to come.