Libraries are Important in Our World

Summary

A look at the history of libraries and the difference it makes in the world.

Materials

Pictures and possibly a map of earliest libraries. You can find your own on the Internet, or refer to the ones in attachments.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will learn about the historical value of libraries and why libraries are important in the world today.

Instructional Procedures

1. Ask: What and where was the very fisrt library ever established? Have the students partner share their ideas.
2. Discuss answers and then show pictures of 3 or 4 of the earliest libraries. Discuss similarities and differences in today's libraries. Ask how they think we even know about these ancient libraries. They were taken care of and preserved by design.
3. Show other important libraries, college ones and the Library of Congress and talk about the affect that those have on the US and the world.
4. Talk about how libraries have changed over the years - from books only to inclusion of many other media, like magazines, voice and music recordings in all their forms, and now access to computers and the Internet are a very important component in libraries.
5. Ask what can we do today to preserve and maintain the library systems we have today? Use them!
6. Encourage the students to visit other local libraries and make good use of the resources they provide.

Assessment Plan

Observe how well the students use their library in the future. Encourage them in future visits to understand the information available to them in the library.

Bibliography

http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/8-impressive-ancient-libraries

http://www.collegerank.net/amazing-college-libraries/