Giving Compass' Take:

• Education Dive explains that school libraries are being transformed into innovative spaces for students filled with digital resources, which in turn can have benefits for workforce preparation.  

• Why is it important for schools to provide a location for students to create and explore STEM concepts? How can we support local libraries through more robust funding?

• Here's more on how school libraries are being used as makerspaces for education. 

While school libraries are sometimes threatened by cuts because of budgetary pressures, they are essential elements within schools to prepare students academically and for new technologies. School libraries have always been a place where students can access information. However, as the ways of accessing information change, school libraries have changed as well. While books are still important in school libraries, technology dominates the modern library landscape.

School libraries are also becoming more collaborative spaces. Rather than being places for silence, these new libraries hum with activity, especially as many are becoming learning hubs or learning commons that encourage collaboration. Many also include makerspaces to encourage creativity. Though some school budgets do not allow for 3D printers and other cool tech “toys” that encourage STEM learning, schools can provide for these through fundraising efforts. These are also be type of projects local business can get behind because they help students prepare for the future workforce.

Read the full article about digital learning in school libraries by Amelia Harper at Education Dive.