Ahh the tricks of the trade.  It was very interesting to read about the history of Publishing and how the changing information landscape influences people and people’s decision making.

Shatzkin, (2016) discusses how the distribution of books has always been through a bookstore and that the bookstore offered an avenue for discovery.  This traditional method if you like, I believe, is an important aspect of a school library.  Promoting different authors and genres, book display of themed or new titles gives students the opportunity to spread their wings, try something new and discover.  At the beginning of this school year I asked my students, What sparks your interest? I also challenged them to pass their spark on in the hope to ignite someone else interest or fire.  Peer discovery is just as powerful as teacher directed.  School libraries hosting a Book Fair is another opportunity for children to discover.  Not only is there an excitement about books but you are able to discover what books interest particular age groups in your community and build your own collection appropriately. The need for hard copy collection is still very important

As we live in an ever changing digital environment it is also very important to have students being able to access the 21st method of discovery.  Having a digital library and providing access to it is a critical.  Avenues and pathways for online resources is part of a school library collection.  This needs to be maintained, monitored and updated on a regular basis.

I believe the key is having a balance between the traditional and the 21st method of discovery.

Shatzkin, M. (2016).  Book publishing lives in an environment shaped by larger forces and always has.  The Shatzkin Files.Retrieved from http://www.idealog.com/blog/book-publishing-lives-in-an-environment-shaped-by-larger-forces-and-always-has/