Digital Inclusion, Teens, and Your Library: Exploring the Issues and Acting on Them (Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians Series) - Softcover

Farmer, Lesley S. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591581281 ISBN 13: 9781591581284

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2005

Synopsis

The digital divide is a disturbing reality, and teens in our society increasingly fall into distinct categories of technology haves and have-nots, whether or not computers are available to them in the schools. This trend undermines the futures of our youth and jeopardizes the vitality of our society. Today's librarians are in a unique position to help bridge the gap. This guide helps librarians to identify tech-nots―technologically disadvantaged teens―in a community or school and to reach out and build information literacy in underserved teen populations. Farmer goes beyond recommending computers for every teen, and demonstrates how to overcome teen misperceptions and disinterest in computers. After examining the problem and the populations most affected, the author discusses how to build awareness and motivation, train staff, create space and time, build the collection, develop partnerships with other agencies and organizations, offer services, and overcome barriers with specific populations. Citing benchmark programs and services from around the country, Farmer offers a wealth of exciting new ways for libraries to connect with at-risk teens today. Grades 6-12.

About this title

About the Author

LESLEY S. J. FARMER is Coordinator of Library Media Teacher Services Credential Program and Associate Professor of Library Media Technology at California State University, Long Beach. A frequent contributor to professional journals, she was selected by CSLA as the 1997 Technology School Librarian of the Year.

Reviews

For today's teens, information literacy skills are critical. In this book, Farmer addresses the inequality of access to technology among young adults and how libraries can provide a "bridge across the digital divide." In chapter 1, issues and solutions that libraries must resolve to span the gap are provided. In the following chapter is information on how to identify the most at-risk populations. Other chapters demonstrate how to overcome teens' misperceptions about technology and their lack of physical access to computers. The rest of the book is devoted to discussing how to build awareness and motivation, educate staff, create space and time, assemble the collection and services, develop partnerships, and overcome barriers. The final chapter presents some examples of what libraries across the country are already doing to serve teens. A useful resource for public or school librarians serving at-risk teens. Maren Ostergard
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1591581281
• ISBN 13: 9781591581284
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200