Measuring Text Space

Credit goes to Doug Johnson for making me think about the thinking and planning that goes into textbook and periodicals allotment for public school libraries. I think that’s what he is writing about.
I imagine it must be frustrating for the budget planners and library resourcing people who have to choose the who, what, when and how of periodicals in libraries, given that so much open source and cheaper digital reading material is out there. I don’t get the sense that there is that much available to them, not because it’s not there, but because the system is not geared to be quick-changed enough to allow them access to it, if they want  it.
What passes for reading material for libraries these days? Who decides what is considered necessary reading material? Do teachers, librarians, and district administrators have to coordinate with each other to choose, or is it primarily a “from upon high” and downward approach, where someone makes a blanket decision, and then people are tasked with ensuring that action is completed?
I also tend to think that some districts might be just big enough that it’s hard to coordinate these decisions and make them a collaborative effort. If someone out there can help me figure this out, I’d like to listen and maybe do an interview with you to figure out how the decisions are made and how changes with digital learning and digital resources have shaped these decisions over time.

Getting Smart Staff

The Getting Smart Staff believes in learning out loud and always being an advocate for things that we are excited about. As a result, we write a lot. Do you have a story we should cover? Email [email protected]

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