This fall a few colleagues and I presented at the Virginia Library Association’s Conference on building technology into library services for youth. We wanted to feature some of the ways public libraries have found methods of incorporating technology into their repertoire. As the new year kicks off in a week, many librarians will be making goals for the new year and plans for the summer months and Summer Reading/Learning.
Author: Digital Content Task Force
Emoji Book Love
Sometimes laughter can be soothing to the soul, and this past week my fellow children’s librarians and I used Bitmojis to lighten up our lives.
New Screentime Guidelines from the AAP 2016
The big news that rounded out the week was the recent media guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Perhaps not so much of a surprise, the recommendation for no screentime before the age of 2 years-old was adjusted.
Nintendo for the Win
If your library circulates video games you may also have a collection that gives DVDs a run for their money. Over the past few years we have witnessed a growing increase in the circulation of kid’s, teen, and adult games. Nearing the end of the library’s fiscal year I glanced at the top circulating games in the Children’s Library and wasn’t surprised to see that Mario dominated the list.
#SnapSeptember and Snapchat in the Library
I will try to keep this post short, although it might take a little more than 10 seconds to read through!
Robot Mania in the Library
Similar to our children’s library’s 3D printing class offerings, last summer we wanted to focus on introducing the concept of robotics to a variety of different age groups. We had previously ran a LEGO® Mindstorms® program for both teens and tweens, but how could we find something a bit more economical and not have to keep on top of 1000 pieces?
How Tech Focused is Your Summer Reading Program?
The summer months are almost upon us and with graduations, orchestra concerts, and field day happenings the end of the school year is at hand. The ALSC Summer Reading Lists have also just been released and children’s librarians across the country are making final preparations before June. The start of our Summer Reading this year coincides with the launch of our library’s new website. Since so much focus is being placed on content for the website, last fall the children’s department decided to go old school and keep all the reading logs in the library. We are borrowing from Pop Sugar’s Reading Challenge and asking kids to read a total of 20 thematic books. This decision has led us to think about other ways of incorporating technology into Summer Reading, after years of having patrons log books, minutes, and reviews online. Many libraries use services like Evanced Solutions (this year…
Prince, Putumayo, and Streaming Music
News broke of Prince’s unexpected departure from this world during our monthly book order meeting last Thursday. It was impossible to avoid the flood of quotes, photos, and music performances on social media, but many fans found it challenging to listen online to “Little Red Corvette,” or “Diamonds and Pearls,” in memoriam. Prince was a huge proponent for artist’s rights and this is why listeners cannot find his work on streaming services like Pandora and YouTube. Prince did not totally abandon placing his music online, and the artist utilized Tidal, the subscription service owned by Jay Z, and SoundCloud to share new music. Lucky for me I somehow kept a copy of Purple Rain in my office – something every children’s librarian should have tucked away! The search for Prince’s music was the perfect opportunity for libraries to market their own digital services, and USA Today even gave public libraries…