Blog Reflection # 4

If I was managing a Library with $ 20,000.00 budget, I would spend 65% on electronic references and 35% on print references.  I feel that print resources have become obsolete due to electronic resource.  In my opinion 5 years from now, I don’t see a lot of print resource will be use by patrons. I personally rather use electronic resource because it is quick. Traditionally reference materials have been print dominated.  However, since the introduction of computer technologies and the internet, there has been a growing shift towards electronic based reference materials. I have noticed the change in types of reference materials from my high school education up to this point. I was introduced to electronic reference materials such as Encarta (the computer disk encyclopedia).  Only a few years later and I had access to the internet and could find a wealth of reference materials online.  Now I predominantly use electronic references materials.  For university courses and lesson planning I rely primarily on electronic sources.  However, I still use print based resources on occasion and ensure that I maintain the ability recognize when to use the different types of reference materials.

We must work with students to ensure that they get the most out of the web and electronic references.  I do not believe that supporting print references is a losing battle.  While electronic reference materials do offer advantages with regards to accessibility, speed and currency, they are not the be all and end all of references. Furthermore, the amount of content can be overwhelming.  So overwhelming in fact, those students may not have the skills to pick out the information which is relevant to them.  Due to their problems and shortcomings, it is important to promote print based references.  Students will always need to know how to read and print based materials will ensure that reading happens.  Also, print based materials provide a better focus as well as ensuring authenticity.  While print references need to be supported and promoted, our library needs to balance instruction with both print and electronic references.  As students become more technologically savvy and dependent they will want to rely more on electronic references. We must also teach them the skills patrons need to use both electronic and print resources effectively and efficiently. If the necessary information skills (referencing) are taught, students will be able to find information in reference materials regardless of content.