Techniques for Fostering Literacy Through Electronic Books and Resources
Transforming Libraries: Melissa Jacobs and the Digital Revolution in New York City's Schools
In the heart of New York City, Melissa Jacobs, the Director of Library Services for the Department of Education, is leading a transformative movement in education. Jacobs views libraries as more than just repositories of books; they are sanctuaries for ideas and thinking.
Jacobs' vision is making a significant impact, particularly during the COVID-19 shutdown. She spearheaded a programme that provided 24/7 access to digital materials, resulting in over 2 million digital books being delivered to students. This digital collection, built using OverDrive and the Sora app, serves over a million students across more than 1,600 schools.
The digital collection is not just about making books available in a digital format. It's about catering to diverse learning needs. Audiobooks and read-alongs, for instance, have a higher comprehension level than just print for many students. The collection also offers books in multiple languages and distinct cultural content, ensuring that every student can find a book that resonates with them.
School librarians play a crucial role in this transformation. They are tasked with purchasing books that students want to read and practising using digital tools embedded in the platform to help students individualise their reading experience. Engaging with books in different formats, such as ebooks, audiobooks, and other languages, can improve comprehension levels and foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.
The digital collection is not just a tool for enhancing academic performance. It also helps students develop critical thinking skills and a passion for various subjects. However, it's important to note that not every student in the U.S. has equal access to these resources. There are communities without public libraries, leaving underserved students struggling with the transition to post-secondary institutions.
Jacobs' work has been recognised with the Best Overall Implementation of Technology at the Tech & Learning Innovative Leadership Awards. She is committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the necessary skill sets for information literacy. This is crucial for students to arrive at college prepared and equipped to handle the demands of higher education.
School librarians are an integral part of this mission. They are considered teachers within the education system and are actively promoting equity by taking advantage of every grant, program, conference, and opportunity to encourage user access. The digital collection is accessible to all DOE and New York City public school students, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to benefit from this transformative resource.
In conclusion, Melissa Jacobs' work in New York City is a testament to the power of libraries in fostering a love of learning, critical thinking, and academic success. As the education system continues to evolve, the role of libraries and school librarians will undoubtedly become even more crucial in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
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