Libraries and Literacy in the 21 st Century

Institute of Museum and Library Services Nation of Leaders Demonstration Grant November 2008 – June 2010 NLG

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Alvin Toffler

What does it take for a public library to offer technology-based programs for youth?

Rethinking Libraries Do our programs respond to emerging needs of youth in 21 st Century society? How do we support staff in developing new skills? Do our administrative policies and practices support new programs, especially those that involve technology?

21 st Century Literacy Recognizes – that we live in a global world Includes – but moves beyond, reading and writing, math and science Acknowledges – that communication and production tools have changed Moves beyond reading & writing, math & science

Infrastructure Hardware: –How do we balance demand for public access computing with technology based programming? –What is the right hardware? Software: –How do we distribute and manage access? –What can we afford to purchase? To update? Space: –What kind of space and room set up creates the best learning environment?

21 st Century Themes Global Awareness – enhanced with 21 st century tools & collaborative learning Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy – making responsible choices Civic literacy – decision making and knowledge Health literacy – understand and monitor Environmental literacy – awareness

Whats new in the 21 st Century? Learning and Innovation Information, Media, Technology Life and Careers Skills From the Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsPartnership for 21 st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation Critical thinking and Problem Solving Creativity and Innovation Communication and Collaboration From the Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsPartnership for 21 st Century Skills

Information Media and Technology Information Literacy Media Literacy Information and Communication Technology Literacy (ICT) From the Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsPartnership for 21 st Century Skills

Life and Career Skills Flexibility and adaptability Initiative and self-direction Social and cross cultural skills Productivity and accountability Leadership and responsibility From the Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsPartnership for 21 st Century Skills

Another Approach Digital Age Literacy –Technology, multi-cultural, Visual Inventive Thinking Effective Communication High Productivity From enGauge 21st Century SkillsenGauge 21st Century Skills

Digital Age Reading and Writing Math and Science Technology Visual and information Global Awareness/Multi-cultural From enGauge 21st Century SkillsenGauge 21st Century Skills

Inventive Thinking Adaptability Self Direction Manage Complexity Curiousity, risk taking, creativity Higher order thinking/sound reasoning From enGauge 21st Century SkillsenGauge 21st Century Skills

Effective Communication Teams & collaboration Interpersonal skills Personal, social and civic responsibility Interactive Communication From enGauge 21st Century SkillsenGauge 21st Century Skills

High Productivity Prioritize, plan and manage for results Effective use of real world tools Relevant and High Quality Products From enGauge 21st Century SkillsenGauge 21st Century Skills

21 st Century Learners Global Awareness Expectation of participation Collaborative learning/discovery Higher order thinking Varied learning styles From the Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsPartnership for 21 st Century Skills

Where do libraries belong?

21 st Century Public Library Space, staff, resources all devoted to learners and literacy Primary agency for informal learning in any community Traditional role in providing Out of School Time activities

Out of School Time = Informal Learning Time Challenging environment - drop in nature of programming No guarantee of what learners bring in to the activity No mandates for performance, no sanctions for failure

Building 21 st Century Skills Many activities can contribute toward building 21 st century skills in youth Technology Classes Homework Tutoring Gaming Clubs Youth Advisory Groups

Staff Skills: Are all staff required to offer programs? Do we rely on new staff? Does it have to be librarians? Training: How do we provide training for staff? What can we support? Time: How do we balance priorities and desk time with programming time?

Our work-in-progress solution

Innovation Managers support staff in taking risks Staff involved in professional organizations Technology skills/interests of staff Innovations dont require extra funding Culture of creativity Managers accept that innovation is a process and can be messy

Space and Tools Laptops Flexible space Selected gadgets

Quality Learning Environments Caring and nurturing relationships Engaging activities High expectations Continuity over time Opportunities for contributions Intentionality about learning

Software Developed by LifeLong Kindergarten Lab at MIT Constructionist learning philosophy Awareness of developmental needs of kids Free

Staff

Passionate Risk Takers Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. Author Unknown

Staff who demonstrate the 21 st century literacy attributes we hope to instill in youth Flexibility Adaptability Higher order thinking Complex problem solving

Kids with Ideas

Resources 21 st Century Skills The Partnership for 21 st Century SkillsThe Partnership for 21 st Century Skills Project Kaleidoscope Literacy for the 21 st Century - Center for Media LiteracyLiteracy for the 21 st Century - Center for Media Literacy SLJ Summit - Librarians as Leaders of 21st Century LearningSLJ Summit - Librarians as Leaders of 21st Century Learning IMLS 21st Century Museums and Libraries 21 st Century Skills – Metri Group21 st Century Skills – Metri Group

Resources Learning Styles Whats your learning style? Brief guide to learning stylesWhats your learning style? Whats YOUR learning style? Short online quiz to help you determine your primary styleWhats YOUR learning style? Index of learning styles: Comprehensive guide to information including an online questionnaire and peer reviewed literature.Index of learning styles: VARK A guide to learning styles: Includes questionnaire for self-assessment.VARK A guide to learning styles:

Project Documentation Scratch Check out projects and download software ScratchEd Collaborative guide for educators using Scratch

Media MashUp Project newsletters, presentations and reports

Jennifer Nelson Project Manager