This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

For Parkland's Librarians, A Name Change is in Store

The role of the Parkland School District's librarians is evolving with Kindles and keyboarding, and their job title will soon reflect that.

What's in a name?

Plenty, if you're a librarian who has seen a growth in the use of technology in the job.

In recognition of that growth, the school librarians are getting a name change. As of the 2012-2013 school year, they will no longer be called librarians but “media specialists.”

Find out what's happening in South Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Tuesday, Tracy Smith, assistant to the superintendent for operations, informed the school board’s Education and Athletics Committee of the pending change. 

“The library will be more of a media center,” Smith said, adding that the librarians are pleased. “They seem to welcome it.” 

Find out what's happening in South Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Following the meeting, Smith said Kindles are in use at the high school and middle school libraries. has 10 Kindles available to students, while and each have five Kindles available.

A pilot program this school year permits students to check out the Kindles to be used at home.

Also, Smith said, during the 2012-2013 school year, the media specialists will be teaching keyboarding skills to either second or third graders. Details are still being discussed.

“We’re marrying technology with the library curriculum,” Smith said. “This is a natural progression. It didn’t just happen overnight. The role of the librarian is changing to include other media besides books.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South Whitehall