Libraries for post-literate society- Doug Johnson

I read this fascinating article in Connections (Schools Catalogue Information Service) Issue No: 72 Term 1 2010 about POST LITERACY. (By the way I had NEVER heard about these journals before our TL popped this one in my pigeon hole at work)

Essentially, the article by Doug Johnson discusses the idea that with the overwhelming amt of technology available feeding us all manner of info at a moments notice, the art of READING a book is actually declining. People are relying on audio, video, graphics and gaming to support their information and recreational needs.

He goes on to suggest that print for post literate people is becoming ltd to text messaging, brief emails, graphics etc. I have often heard some adults (I used to be one of them but now Im addicted to txting - just ask my husband!) lamenting the age of the txt and email message. Often it takes longer for us to decode the message sent via email or txt than it would have to simply make a call. And wasn't there some discussion at some point whereby the print language used in txt messaging should be considered a new type of language?
An interesting example of post literacy and the Net Gen Johnson includes comes from a comic strip Zits (honestly, this is the first time Ive heard of it - but you can find it on www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComick.mpl?date=20080820&name=Zits) centred on character called Jeremy. He obviously has a series of books to read  for English over the holidays and his mother asks him if he has completed the list. His reply " Read' as in every page and comprehend its meaning- or 'read' as in flip through the first chapter and plan to Google a synopsis the night before school starts?"
I can already see signs of this in my 12yr old son!
How can Libraries support the post literate society? (some examples)

• ensure that the acqisition and circulation of non print media is equal to print resources.
• acquire and store age approp samples of fiction and non fiction graphic and audio novels.
• promote gaming earning experiences as part of instructional learning and recreation.
• provide access to wirless networks for students.
• allow the use of personal communication devices eg laptops. Ipods etc.
• teach students how to critically evaluate the suitability of non print resouce to meet learning needs.

"Culture determines library programs: libraries transmit culture" (Johnson 2010)