COMPETENCY C

“GIVE INSTRUCTION UNTO THOSE WHO CANNOT PROCURE IT FOR THEMSELVES.” -Confucius
 
C.
Recognize the social, cultural and economic dimensions of information use:

      As much as we would like to believe differently, access to information comes with a price. Although schools and public libraries give patrons access to the Internet and books, keeping these items up to date can be very expensive. Many schools do not have the funding to provide enough computers or new releases to their students. Public libraries are only open for a limited amount of time; some libraries in less affluent cities are only open a few days a week. For patrons with access outside of these ventures, the effect may not be noticed, but the patrons who struggle financially are hurt the most when they cannot access the information they need.
       In Library 200, Information and Society, I wrote a paper about the rise of information and how it is affecting society (Library 200 Rise of Information). If you walk into a high school today you are bound to see the majority of students on cell phones, ipads and computers. Facebook has become a staple for the younger generation. Teachers use Facebook to let students know what is going on in class, libraries are turning to Facebook to advertise upcoming events and patrons use Facebook to stay in touch with their acquaintances. Instead of using school computers and public computers for researching on the Internet, computers are being used to chat with friends to create a new social world. The library has become a social hangout for people of all ages. Teen spaces are becoming more popular at public libraries. Sitting areas allow groups of patrons to sit and socialize while discussing homework or current events and play games. Economic times are affecting everyone, including the younger generation. Libraries provide a free and safe place to spend time.
      In Library 261a, Programming and Services for Young Adults, I took a closer look at a high school library for an assignment on advocacy in libraries (Library 261a Implementing Advocacy). Ukiah High School library is located in the small town of Ukiah, CA. The town of Ukiah is mostly lower class and the school district has little funding. The high school library is very popular with the students. The computers always have a waitlist and books are read and re-read because there is little chance of funding providing current books. After observing the teen area of the public library in Ukiah, it was obvious why so many teens chose to access the school library. The public library had just one bookshelf dedicated to teen books. There was no sitting area or games available and the teens were lacking the access they truly needed. Teens use the high school library space because the city has little money to create and update the teen area at the public library. Students who have no access at home use the library computers and printers for assignments and fun. Not having access to new technologies is putting a disadvantage on the lower social classes. The middle and upper class do have access and those people are at an advantage, while those who do not can fall further behind.
       The cultural aspects of information access were apparent to me in my visits to the public libraries is Ukiah, Ca and Dublin, Ca. The town of Ukiah, Ca has a large population of Spanish speaking people. However, because of funding and the town’s lack of support, most of the patrons do not access the library. The Spanish collection at the library is very small compared to the population. In Dublin, Ca the Spanish speaking population is fairly low, yet there is an extensive collection of Spanish books in the library. This observation reinforced my belief that areas with money provide information access and information sources to the community it serves.

References

Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/

Evidence:
Libr 200: Rise of Information 
Libr 261a: Implementing Advocacy