Andrew Weiss

For the past decade, it has become more and more apparent that the collection of a library is not necessarily “owned” but access is paramount. Already, most digital parts of the school library are much larger than the physical print collection. Websites, databases, audio books, ebooks, and network sharing with other types of libraries are now so commonplace that the OPAC is only one place for children and teens to search. Weiss is a fun read for us to think over in the school learning commons because it begins a major forecast into the collections future of all types of libraries. We learn what he means by a massive digital library that rivals the size of any of the largest print libraries we know including national libraries from a number of nations. We learn about efforts to digitize everything by Google and other large digitization efforts. And, it signals the need for a major collection development connection project aimed at children and young people. Utilizing the idea of the Virtual Learning Commons put forward by this reviewer, what is happening is the transfer of physical access to a collection to the access to huge data sources via a young person’s choice of a device in the hand. And, it not only indicates the need for access to the world of published information but also the collection and dissemination of the products that our students create. Perhaps it is time to assemble a brain trust to examine the possibilities of information access, equitable access, and the means to create a new world of information targeted specifically for young people. Reading Weiss just gives us a brief hint into the possibilities. It is a provocative read. Recommended for thinkers and futurists in our midst.… (meer)