Libraries and the Internet
Updated: March 6, 2007
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Teenagers are in the internet age. They're online for hours everyday.
"I post on forums regularly," says Jacob Druker, a Sophomore at University High School. "I read web comics, watch animated stuff online."
So it's no wonder that when it comes to doing research for term papers, they skip the library and head straight to the internet.
"The last time I did the dewy decimal system regularly was probably 3rd grade," recalls Druker.
That's why libraries are working hard to keep up. Frances Harris is the librarian at University High School in Urbana.
"The internet is fabulous. It's like the world's biggest library or bookstore but it's like everything's been dumped on the floor," says Harris, a librarian and author.
Harris talks about how the library and internet need to be used together, in her book, "I Found it on the Internet".
"So much groundwork has been done and so many gateways have been created that really pave the way to doing useful, effective, efficient research..and I think a lot of students just haven't figured it out yet. The first thing they do is go to Google. It kind of makes me sad," Harris says.
"Mrs. Harris might get mad at me, but I do go on Google," says Junior, Linda Song.
Educators say Google is a good start, but Harris wants students to go farther...and see more. That's why she's got an interactive library website. It has a "book chat," forums and a blog. The goal is to bring students to the site...and to the library.
***RELATED LINKS***
Click on the links below to find out more about libraries and the Internet. Many local libraries offer wonderful online resources for community members.
CHAMPAIGN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Champaign Public Library has free live homework help available to Champaign students in grades 4-12. Check it out online from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday.
URBANA FREE LIBRARY
The Urbana Free Library provides free practice tests and tutorials with immediate scoring. It includes the ACT, SAT, LSAT, GRE, TOEFL, GED, civil service, real estate, law enforcement, citizenship and other exams.
DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY
At the Decatur Public Library, you can join an online book club. There are more than ten clubs to choose from, including a Mystery Club, a Business Club and a Teen Club.
DANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Danville Public Library offers links to Catalogs, Databases and E-Collections. It also provides links to download audio book, videos and music.
LINCOLN LIBRARY
The Lincoln Library in Springfield allows you to chat online with a librarian.
Teenagers are in the internet age. They're online for hours everyday.
"I post on forums regularly," says Jacob Druker, a Sophomore at University High School. "I read web comics, watch animated stuff online."
So it's no wonder that when it comes to doing research for term papers, they skip the library and head straight to the internet.
"The last time I did the dewy decimal system regularly was probably 3rd grade," recalls Druker.
That's why libraries are working hard to keep up. Frances Harris is the librarian at University High School in Urbana.
"The internet is fabulous. It's like the world's biggest library or bookstore but it's like everything's been dumped on the floor," says Harris, a librarian and author.
Harris talks about how the library and internet need to be used together, in her book, "I Found it on the Internet".
"So much groundwork has been done and so many gateways have been created that really pave the way to doing useful, effective, efficient research..and I think a lot of students just haven't figured it out yet. The first thing they do is go to Google. It kind of makes me sad," Harris says.
"Mrs. Harris might get mad at me, but I do go on Google," says Junior, Linda Song.
Educators say Google is a good start, but Harris wants students to go farther...and see more. That's why she's got an interactive library website. It has a "book chat," forums and a blog. The goal is to bring students to the site...and to the library.
***RELATED LINKS***
Click on the links below to find out more about libraries and the Internet. Many local libraries offer wonderful online resources for community members.
CHAMPAIGN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Champaign Public Library has free live homework help available to Champaign students in grades 4-12. Check it out online from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday.
URBANA FREE LIBRARY
The Urbana Free Library provides free practice tests and tutorials with immediate scoring. It includes the ACT, SAT, LSAT, GRE, TOEFL, GED, civil service, real estate, law enforcement, citizenship and other exams.
DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY
At the Decatur Public Library, you can join an online book club. There are more than ten clubs to choose from, including a Mystery Club, a Business Club and a Teen Club.
DANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Danville Public Library offers links to Catalogs, Databases and E-Collections. It also provides links to download audio book, videos and music.
LINCOLN LIBRARY
The Lincoln Library in Springfield allows you to chat online with a librarian.
