We should not use our minds to collect information like computers.  The gathering of knowledge and the effort to understand it is conducted by piecing together similarities and differences of interchangeable and disparate objects.  Classic and modern tools exist to complete this activity are available from the physicality of handwritten notes and sketching to the universality of digitally typed notes and captured photographic images.  Without inclusion of the archival benefits or a cost analysis of these different methods, the physical collection of details yields increased knowledge and understanding by requiring greater use of the mind throughout the entire process.

Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014) found across three studies that those who took notes using laptops tended to transcribe verbatim the information presented in lectures.  While those who took notes on the computer collected more information than those who took handwritten (or, longhand) notes, those who took handwritten notes processed the information and reframed the information as they were listening to the lecture.  The authors concluded that the use of a laptop to record notes was “detrimental” to learning.

Our eyes are engaged throughout the activity of sketching (Wollheim, 2005), while our eyes are only used at the start of the activity of photography.  Our involvement in the capture of a photographic image ends after we press the camera shutter button.  Wollheim (2005) provides that the process of drawing requires continual focus on the movement of the drawing tool and consistent evaluation of the marks made on the paper.  We highlight this distinction in the common language of these two art forms – we take a photograph while we make a drawing.

Strategies to promote active learning include activities that involve learners in doing things and thinking about what they are doing (Bonwell & Eison, 1991).  The taking of handwritten notes involves greater cognitive processing than the recording of notes on a computer.  In contrast to the taking of an photograph, taking notes by hand involves the notetaker in the entire process of information collection in the manner that the drawing of something requires consistent evaluation.  Similar to photography, we are only recording notes when we use a computer for note taking.

Computers should be used to store, retrieve and present our thoughts and ideas,  We should use our minds to make connections between thoughts and ideas.

References:

Bonwell, C., & Eison, J. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom AEHE-ERIC higher education report No. 1.

Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological science, 25(6), 1159-1168. doi: 10.1177/0956797614524581

Wollheim, R. (2005). Why is drawing interesting?. The British Journal of Aesthetics, 45(1), 1-10. doi: 10.1093/bjaesthetics/ayi001

Stamping due dates in library books was universal in the recent past. Now it is a practice that many non-school libraries have discontinued, replacing the service with printed receipts, web-based accounts for patrons to remind themselves about due dates, and reminders. School libraries prepare students in the use of all libraries – is it time for them to discontinue stamping checked-out books with due dates?

The idea for providing patrons with stamped due dates as they check-out library items was initially published by none other than the developer of the Dewey Decimal System, Melvil Dewey. The practice at that time was for the librarian to indicate how long a book could be in the patron’s possession as a time span – for example, two weeks – with the actual due date calculated by the patron. Dewey (Dewey 216) wrote about a suggestion from Prof. H. Carrington Bolton of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut that involved providing the library patron with due date bookmarks at the time of library resource check-out. About the value of the due date bookmark Dewey wrote, “This bookmark will serve the reader as a constant reminder of his duty; will often prevent thoughtless defacement of volumes, and may even prevent misunderstandings as to amount of fine.”

Reminding the patron of their responsibility to return their library materials in a timely way remains important. Stamping the date in the back of the checked-out book works well only when the patron has the book on hand to reference that reminder. Through the use of accounts accessible through the World Wide Web and with email reminders, public libraries now provide access to due dates that do not require direct access to the checked-out book. The first requires more action by the patron than the later, with both requiring more action when the book is on hand. Utilizing electronic resources, the public libraries offer a passive source of due date reminders (World Wide Web) and an active source of due date reminders (email). They also do not cause the “thoughtless defacement of volumes” because a date stamp is not used on the library items. An added benefit for the library patron is a book that is no longer due date stamped does not need the pasted slip of paper in the back of the library book that too often covers author biographies, and, among other things, highlights of other books the author has written.

When Davis middle school students visit public libraries in the area and check-out books it is common for them to receive a paper receipt with the due date instead of having a person use a rubber stamp to record the book due date. This is largely due to the public libraries having self-check-out equipment. This move away from the use of rubber stamping due dates in checked-out books by our public libraries is being done to more efficiently (quickly) get patrons through the item check-out process, to reduce repetitive stress injuries associated with library staff stamping due dates on books, to end the unsightly marks made on books from due date stamp ink not drying fully before the newly stamped book is closed, and to reduce the “toy” aspect of the rubber stamps when young individuals get a hold of them. The ink takes some effort to clean off of walls and furniture.

The electronic library catalog used at Davis is accessible from outside of the school at http://destinyweb.ccboe.com. Students have been instructed in how to log into this web site using their library accounts and how to check the due dates of the items they have checked-out from the library media center. Practice followed this instruction, with frequent verbal and posted printed reminders. Email reminders are not currently sent until the books are overdue, but there are no charges for overdue books. If the Davis library media center were to move to a stamp-less check-out a printed receipt would not be provided to the patron.

From a student’s point of view the biggest benefit to checking-out books without them being stamped with a due date is a faster check-out. The other benefits – reduced repetitive stress, and the unsightly marks associated with stamping due dates in the books – would be realized by the library staff. All patrons would benefit from the due date sticker not covering important descriptive information in the books (not a universal issue, but it happens enough to be considered).

Please express your thoughtful views in the comments. In particular, do you believe there are merits to changing to a no due date stamp check-out process? Whether or not you believe there are merits to a no due date stamp process, what procedural details do you believe would be important (example: send email reminders before a book is overdue)?

References:

Dewey, Melvil. “Restricted Reference Books.” Library Notes 2.1887 (1887): 216. Print.