The upcoming ALSC Institute in Oakland, CA, on September 18-20, 2014, provides an abundance of outstanding programs to attend, from exploring innovative ways for youth services librarians to engage with community to the latest in early literacy research and best practices.
Among the many programs offered will be Advocating for Appropriate Technology in the Children’s Spaces, which will explore how to advocate for appropriate technology for children with our patrons, community and organizations. Presenter Elizabeth Gray gave us a few minutes of her time to talk about what Institute attendees can look forward to.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I wish I knew then what I know now! At my first job as a children’s librarian back in 2004, I tried to advocate for children’s computers but was new and my supervisor and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye. Instead of effectively advocating, I got labeled as a trouble maker and ended up making my life more difficult. Now I am a library manager and I still advocate for children’s materials, technology and spaces (and staff!).
Tell us about your program in just 6 words.
Getting your patrons the best technology.
What’s one thing you feel people should know about your program?
I’ll give children’s services staff ideas and practical tools for maximizing those important resources that can sometimes be controversial or minimized: kids’ computers, games, and downloadable media.
What’s one thing someone who attends your program will be able to take back to their libraries and use right away?
Practical tips such as how to look at technology-related statistics and trends and how to “talk budget” in a helpful way. I’ll also provide examples of data and charts that you can use at your library.
Looking at the list of other programs on the lineup, which one are you most looking forward to attending?
It is hard to pick a favorite, but I think I’m most looking forward to Thinking Outside the Storytime Box: Building your Preschool Programming Repertoire.
If you could be any kid’s lit character, who would you be and why?
I would be Lucky from The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron because I love her attitude.
Ted McCoy, ALSC Institute Task Force Member and Children’s Librarian at Springfield (MA) City Library