The Sunday News
Jobert Ngwenya
IN today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the crucial role of school librarians is seemingly facing an alarming decline as they are the main targets for budget cuts not only in Zimbabwe but the world over.
As technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the traditional image of librarians as custodians of knowledge is being viewed by the ignoramus as dying away.
However, this erosion of the librarian’s role is occurring at a time when their expertise is needed more than ever. With the proliferation of online non-curated sources, misinformation and disinformation, generative artificial intelligence, and a dwindling culture of reading, it is imperative to uplift the role of school librarians to the position they belong.
The need for well-trained librarians has become even more pronounced now than ever before. These guardians of knowledge are not just custodians of books but play a pivotal role in cultivating critical thinking, information and media literacy, nurturing a culture of reading among learners and are the key cogs of the teaching and learning process.
The advent of the internet has undoubtedly revolutionised access to information, but it has also brought forth a myriad of challenges.
The abundance of online sources makes it challenging to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information. This is where librarians become invaluable guides, teaching learners how to evaluate sources, verify information, and think critically.
Equipping learners with these essential skills, librarians empower them to navigate the vast digital landscape with discernment, ensuring they are not misled by misinformation or fall prey to the pitfalls of fake news.
While generative artificial intelligence tools have the potential to enhance information retrieval and analysis, they also present significant challenges. Generative AI algorithms can create highly convincing, yet entirely fabricated, content, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
In this era of misinformation and deep fakes, school librarians with their expertise in media and information literacy become indispensable.
School librarians can educate students about the ethical implications of AI-generated content, teach them to discern between authentic and manipulated information, and guide them in developing a healthy skepticism towards the content they encounter online.
Librarians serve as invaluable guides in helping learners become discerning consumers and creators of information in the age of generative AI.
However, amidst the digital revolution and more open access to information, there is a growing concern about the declining culture of reading. The allure of screens, social media, and instant gratification has led to a decreased interest in books and the written word. This is where librarians step in as champions of reading and literacy.
Librarians serve as catalysts, igniting a love for reading among learners by introducing them to captivating books, organising reading clubs, and creating a vibrant reading culture within schools.
Librarians are more in touch with the publishing industry and are better placed to assist schools and learners in growing the reading culture as they follow writing trends.
They understand the transformative power of literature in nurturing imagination, empathy, and critical thinking skills, all of which are essential for personal growth and academic success.
Librarians play a crucial role in meeting the changing forms of education by providing essential support and resources that cater to the diverse needs of learners. As facilitators of creativity, school librarians can guide learners in exploring their interests, accessing relevant materials, and exploiting creative spaces within the library to engage in innovative projects and activities.
University Students
Librarians also serve as valuable career counsellors, assisting learners in navigating resources related to career exploration, college and university admissions, and general skills development.
Moreover, librarians contribute to learners’ psycho-social well-being by offering a welcoming and relaxing space within the library.
They create an environment where learners feel comfortable seeking assistance, discussing concerns, and finding solace amidst their academic journey. By embracing their role as versatile professionals, librarians become invaluable resources in supporting learners’ holistic development and ensuring their educational experience goes beyond the classroom.
To harness the full potential of librarians in our schools, it is important to invest in their professional development and on-going learning. Continuous training programs can equip librarians with the skills to adapt to the digital landscape, navigate online databases, and teach information literacy effectively.
The rapidly evolving landscape of information and technology necessitates ongoing learning for librarians. As new digital tools, resources, and platforms emerge, librarians must continually update their knowledge and skills to effectively support learners and educators. Ongoing learning enables librarians to stay abreast with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in information literacy, research methodologies, and data management.
With necessary continuous learning, librarians will ensure that they remain at the forefront of their profession, ready to adapt and provide valuable guidance to their school communities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Full article on www.sundaynews.co.zw
