Recently, I have found myself scrolling through endless amounts of TikTok videos when I need to be catching up on my own personal summer reading list. This could be due to the rising heat or the bustle of summer reading, but I can’t manage to relax with a good book. Thankfully, it’s utterly enjoyable to consume all things book with increasing #BookToks – which seem to be driving up book sales for the publishing industry, and holds lists in libraries. Can anyone else not keep Colleen Hoover books on the shelf now? It’s also been a thrill to see more library accounts popping up recently. Libraries are using the short form videos on social media and joining other institutions like museums, while getting more widespread recognition for their efforts. There was even a session during ALA, which was shared on the ALSC blog. While most of the content on TikTok…
Author: ALSC Children and Technology committee
Hybrid Programming: Evaluating Takeaways from the Pandemic and Moving Library Services Into the Future
In May, the Children & Technology committee presented a We Are ALSC Chat (WAAC) on the topic of hybrid programming in libraries. Our committee was inspired to host this conversation because the evolving nature of library programming (primarily in public libraries) has been a recurring theme in our own committee meetings throughout this term. We were also excited to bring in other library professionals as guests who have expertise, and a variety of experiences on the subject. The conversation was robust, and just what we were hoping for! Below are a few takeaways. Defining “Hybrid Programming” To start this conversation, we wanted to name that the term “hybrid programming” itself does not have one definition. It might mean live streaming, providing at-home kits, offering post-attendance incentives, brainstorming activities that have both virtual and in-person opportunities, and more. The underlying key to success being hands-on engagement and interactivity regardless of the…
Encouraging Guilt-Free Screen Time
I’ve heard plenty of parents express guilt over letting their children watch videos or play games on their phones – “I know I shouldn’t, but it’s just so I can get the dishes done.” It doesn’t help that it seems like recommendations are changing constantly and parents don’t always know where to look for the most up-to-date information. The last two years have been even harder – video chats and schooling have moved online and our children are getting more screen time than ever.
Digital Media Resources updated for 2022
Hello Friends! We have some exciting news to share. The ALSC Digital Media Resources page has been updated. This list, created and updated annually by the ALSC Children and Technology Committee, curates current digital and tech articles, blog posts, and websites impacting the youth services field. This year we’ve added some new categories–media mentorship and podcast advisory–and updated recommendations on the familiar topics of children’s eBooks and apps, early learning, and research. Each section’s resources are selected with focused attention on the interactions of children and technology.
Serving Students and Families: A Collaborative Literacy Model in Support of Student Achievement
Much of my work as a public librarian centered on collaborating with school districts in an effort to connect with literacy and technology initiatives. This work was rewarding when we were able to center the needs of students and families, but building capacity to improve student success could also prove elusive. When I joined ALSC’s Children and Technology Committee one of my aims was to lift up stories of collaboration and achievement, so when I had the privilege of hearing about the efforts of the library and technology services staff at Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and how they utilized their infrastructure support systems with the Nashville Public Library (NPL) during the pandemic, I knew it was a story worth sharing.
Virtual Field Trips for School-Age Children
As the pandemic continues and children are increasingly required to stay home for a week or more, many school and public libraries are sharing a fresh round of digital learning resources with their communities. If you are looking for new recommendations to send families and caregivers during this time, virtual field trips can be a particularly good fit for children to enjoy while they are stuck indoors.
Digital Literacy and Lending
“Fifth-grade girl at computer behind protection shield” by All4Ed is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 Digital Literacy Libraries are continually finding ways to bridge the digital divide and decrease digital inequity in the communities they serve. With the addition of Northstar Digital Literacy Platform to our library system, we will be able to aid both staff and patrons in bridging the gap by providing our community access to learn the needed skills to excel in today’s digital world. Northstar provides digital literacy assessments as well as a curriculum to aid in improving digital proficiencies. The assessments cover essential computer skills for software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and using other technologies like social media and email. Even though this may be geared towards ALSC’s upper age range, these can be taught in a classroom setting either in person or remotely for students 13 and up. At this time,…
Connect & Amplify: Podcast Engagement from 2021
As the pandemic progresses, librarians and librarian-podcasters have turned to digital solutions to engage kids and families in podcasting whether it is through creation, discovery, or facilitating podcast learning. These inspiring initiatives have created many new podcast makers and they have worked to amplify the stories in their communities and beyond.