Dear Mr. Harris,

Your “Open Letter to Follett Software” reminded me of the passion that librarians like you have for the profession. From the beginning, we’ve built our reputation on that passion, helping librarians play a crucial role in K-12 education.

As you said, Follett Software Company has always supported the needs of libraries. Rest assured that we’re still in your corner.

Librarians are well aware that their role is changing, and so is Follett. Our passion for libraries is what has moved us to find new ways to help you do your job. As a digital learning environment, Cognite takes the best of what you’ve worked so hard to build — a resource-rich library — and brings it into the classroom or beyond, wherever learning, sharing and collaboration takes place.

Our website, as you stated, does not mention “librarian,” but the librarian is the foundation for the Cognite product. Cognite does not replace the librarian in any way, but instead extends your influence and expertise. When you said that Follett Software needs to “showcase the librarian…as the expert who can support the spread of information and resources using powerful new tools like Cognite,” you hit the nail on the head. You—the librarian—can make the difference in helping identify the right resources. When you purchase Cognite, you use the resources in your library to “stock the shelves” in Cognite. Log onto Cognite as a library media specialist and you will be able to instantly collaborate with teachers, students and parents. Cognite leverages the materials from your library, and makes sure your teachers and students are aware of the depth of your online database subscriptions, safe WebPath Express websites or other digital resources. Your input can provide guidance to the right resources that help students succeed.

Maybe some of the best content out there is something you’ve created yourself. Let’s say you’ve penned a knock-out information literacy plan leveraging the print and online resources from your library. Now you can share it with teachers or across the district through one collaborative project workspace. There’s no limit to the educational information you can discover and share with others, including parents.

We want to help librarians like you create an educational experience where K-12 students excel. In today’s digital world, that means bringing everyone together—librarians, teachers, students and parents. It’s not an easy task, and, right now, times are challenging for everyone involved in education, no matter what role you play. Just like today’s libraries, we’re up for the challenge. Thank you for opening the dialog, and we encourage more discussion on the changing role of the library, and how we, as vendors, can help.

Sincerely,

Tom Schenck
Group President
Follett Technology, Software, and International Group