Digital Inclusion, Teens, and Your Library: Exploring the Issues and Acting on Them

by Lesley S. J. Farmer

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591581284
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/30/2005
Series:	Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	11 - 17 Years

About the Author

Lesley S. J. Farmer is Professor of Library Media Technology at California State University, Long Beach. She is the author of more than a dozen professional books for librarians. She has worked in all types of libraries particularly school settings, and also trains educators in educational technology.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Laying the Groundwork
Chapter 2: Teens in Need of Technology
Chapter 3: Technology and Life after High School: College, Work, Citizenship
Chapter 4: Perceptions of Technology
Chapter 5: Physical Access to Technology
Chapter 6: Technical Access to Technology
Chapter 7: Intellectual Access to Technology
Chapter 8: Digital Content for Teens
Chapter 9: Use of Technology by Teens
Chapter 10: A Call to Action
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Farmer discusses the problems that libraries must resolve to serve all teens, considers teens' technological needs as well as their perceptions of technology, and describes ways to help them become computer literate. She also shares inspiring examples of successful library programs and services.” —American Libraries

“This book helps identify at-risk youth in need of technology access and education. Farmer provides an action plan for libraries to help connect teens that are under-served. She suggests libraries be a connection to resolve the gap between teens with access to technology and those that do not have access or training. This is a good reference book for librarians that need more information identifying teens and evolving them in the digital age. Novice librarians or those that want continued professional development to better serve their communities and schools may find this book an intersting read. . . . Recommended.” —Library Media Connection

“The digital divide is a disturbing reality, and teens increasingly fall into distinct categories of technology haves and have-nots, whether or not computers are available to them in the schools. 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 reach out and build information literacy in underserved teen 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.” —Adolescence

“For today's teens, information literacy skills are critical. In this book, Farmer adresses the inequality of access to technology among young adults and how libraries can provide a bridge across the digital divide. . . . A useful resource for public or school librarians serving at-risk teens.” —Booklist/Professional Reading

From the Publisher