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Learning Resource System - Print v. Online. How do you balance it?

We have found that the best way to keep the Learning Resource System up-to-date and current is to subscribe to the industry newsletters. The higher frequency and prevalence of industry periodicals accounts for the high percentage of periodicals found in our Learning Resource System. Today, everything being available online at a lesser cost, how do you balance the Learning Resource System?

Alan, Really good question. We feel if you want some good feedback perhaps you could make your questions more specific. There are many creative ways to make a learning resource center current and valuable to all users - students, teachers, etc. One is certainly periodicals. Another includes all online resources. Then many regulatory bodies have their own "formulas" for an ideal learning center. So there is a lot to balance. We find that getting feedback as to value and relevancy is a way to create guidelines re periodicals, online materials, etc. Thanks, Susan

Another good way to keep the library system up date, is by asking the students, the instructors and staff for their suggestion about new book resources. It is also a good idea to include into the school daily lesson plan researches related to the school programs to make students visit and do their respective lab in the library.

Great ideas Gustavo. In the same line of thinking, an assignment can be - bring in 5 library or internet resources to develop employment and job search skills and tell the class why you think they are of value. This gives you resources and gets the students to look for materials that will be of help to them and their classmates. Thanks, Susan

Another resource emails and internet newsletters, you received those kind of new daily, just make sure is coming from a real source.

Yes Miguel. If emails and newsletters are sent to students and prospects it is important that the school clearly identify itself. It's also important that the content is interesting, valuable, and newsworthy. And you are right - timing is important. Everyday is probably too often to send newsletters. Sometimes once a week or once a month is better. Thanks, Susan

I hope that this helps. In the massage industry, you can sign up with different groups. Upon registration/renewal, you are automatically subscribed to an industry newsletter which goes out quarterly (some even monthly). It's included in a basic cost that we need to pay anyway, so its like a bonus.

Im not certain what industry you're involved in, but maybe checking 'enhancers' to your accreditation will yield a helpful result in terms of free newsletters or updates in your field.

If all else fails, the internet is vast and you can find many articles and scientific studies for free. What we try to have is a student computer where any student can look up a relevant topic discussed/learned in class. To monitor the computer's use, we always have the screen facing the instructor, to ensure proper use.

I hope that this can help!

Kristen,

All great advice. Thanks to the internet we can get overwhelmed with updates, newsletters, blogs, and much more on most any topic. We suggest that every school library have internet accessible computers so that students can check out information and get details re their studies and job opportunities. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

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