Digital Inclusion, Teens, And Your Library

by Farmer, Lesley S. J.

• ISBN13: 9781591581284
• ISBN10: 1591581281
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-30
• Publisher: Libraries Unltd Inc

Summary

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 the "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.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword	xi
Introduction	xiii
Dimensions of Technology Equity	xiv
The Library's Role	xvi
Fostering Digital Inclusion	xvii
Laying the Groundwork	1	(20)
Qualities of Youth-Serving Librarians	2	(6)
Personal Qualities	2	(1)
Professional Qualities	3	(1)
Interactions with Teens	4	(4)
Qualities of Libraries Serving Teens	8	(3)
Libraries and Communities	11	(7)
Identifying Community Collaborators	11	(1)
Building Coalitions	12	(2)
Public Relations	14	(2)
Advocacy	16	(1)
Community Links	16	(2)
A Word of Caution	18	(3)
Teens in Need of Technology	21	(26)
Today's Adolescents	22	(2)
Adolescent Development	24	(4)
Underserved Groups	28	(14)
Poor	29	(1)
Homeless	30	(1)
Teens of Color	31	(1)
African Americans/Blacks	31	(1)
Latinos	32	(1)
Native Americans	33	(1)
Immigrants	34	(2)
English Language Learners	36	(1)
Migrant Farmworkers	37	(1)
Rural and Isolated Populations	38	(1)
Gang Members	38	(1)
Incarcerated Youth	39	(1)
School Dropouts	39	(1)
Teenage Parents	40	(1)
Girls	41	(1)
The Disabled	41	(1)
Implications for Libraries	42	(5)
Technology and Life after High School: Education, Work, Citizenship	47	(18)
Jobs/Employment	49	(5)
Information Literacy and Technology	50	(1)
Communications Technology	51	(1)
Programs for Careers and Technology	52	(2)
Further Education	54	(2)
Citizenship/Politics	56	(2)
Targeted Teens on the Fringes of the Future	58	(7)
Inner-City Youth	59	(1)
Girls	59	(2)
Teens with Disabilities	61	(4)
Perceptions of Technology	65	(12)
Common Misconceptions about Technology and Who Has Them	66	(1)
Why Should Teens Care About Technology?	67	(2)
Getting the Word Out	69	(6)
The Big Picture	75	(2)
Physical Access to Technology	77	(20)
Home Access	78	(2)
Connectivity	80	(3)
The Other Access	83	(2)
The School Picture	85	(1)
Community Access Points	86	(3)
Libraries	89	(1)
Special Access Issues for People with Disabilities	90	(4)
Supporting Web Sites	94	(3)
Technical Access to Technology	97	(12)
What Is There to Learn?	98	(1)
How Do Teens Learn to Use Technology?	99	(2)
Instructional Issues	101	(3)
Venues for Learning	104	(5)
Referral Services	105	(1)
Training at the Library	105	(1)
Partnerships	106	(1)
Online Training	106	(3)
Intellectual Access to Technology	109	(12)
The Technology World	110	(1)
Information Literacy	110	(7)
Locating Information	111	(1)
Assessment	112	(1)
Searching for Information	112	(1)
Evaluating and Selecting Information	113	(2)
Using Information	115	(1)
Sharing and Acting on Information	116	(1)
Media Literacy	117	(1)
Information Literacy Web Sites	118	(3)
Digital Content for Teens	121	(12)
Relevant Content	122	(7)
Local Information	124	(1)
Education	125	(2)
Language Issues	127	(2)
Creating Content	129	(4)
Use of Technology by Teens	133	(16)
Development of Technology Use	134	(1)
Independent Technology Use	135	(2)
Teen Technology Use in Schools	137	(3)
Service Learning	139	(1)
Best Practice	139	(1)
Teen Technology Use in Libraries	140	(3)
Teen Technology Use in Communities	143	(6)
A Call to Action	149	(10)
Procedures for Action	150	(4)
Best Practice	154	(4)
Your Turn	158	(1)
Bibliography	159	(14)
Index	173