Librarians as Youth Advocates Dr. Lesley S. J. Farmer California State University, Long Beach
What does a library represent? A Community of Learners!
The Library has become INFO CENTRAL!
What Do Our Youth Need to Know and Do? Be information literate: access, evaluate, use Be a lifelong learner: pursue interests, read, generate knowledge Be socially responsible: uphold democracy, be ethical, cooperate
Principles of Library Programs Teaching and Learning Information Access and Delivery Program Administration
Teaching and Learning Support curriculum Contextualize information literacy Align with literacy goals Extract and present knowledge Provide media experiences Support diverse learning Integrate technology Link with the community
Information Access and Delivery Help youth ferret out information Access the world Provide a climate for learning make sure ALL youth can learn Develop collections with others Promote intellectual freedom
Program Administration Support the institution Provide good library staffing Plan strategically Assess regularly Develop staff Communicate clearly MANAGE human, money and physical resources
Getting Youth Engaged Build on youth interests Go to where youth gather Get to know them! Earn their trust and respect Show positive, coordinated, caring service Provide authentic ways to get involved Work with local agencies Get recommendations from youth-serving adults Provide the personal approach
Working with Youth RESPECT, value, listen, and interact with them authentically Communicate high expectations in behavior, ability, attitudes Promote and reinforce positive citizenship and diversity Engage teens’ natural curiosity and creativity Build a sense of family and community Be mindful of immediate and community culture of expectations
What Can Youth Do? Help with library operations Help with children’s services Review books, media, Internet sites Create library products: photos, artwork, videos, displays, posters, newsletters, web pages Train others in technology use Translate Conduct oral and community history
Empowering Youth Let youth develop their own goals Provide training and opportunities for youth leadership Accept short-term, project-based commitments Provide timely, appropriate feedback – let teen fail Give youth opportunities to share Provide outlets for youth energy, restlessness Develop a sense of belonging but allow for independence Integrate social activity Know positive and negative aspects of peer pressure Help youth negotiate differences and solve problems Encourage benchmark celebrations and recognitions; THANK them!
Youth-Centered Services Homework centers, tutoring services Venues for sharing: “graffiti board,” reviews, IM, listserv, online chat, online publishing Venues for cultural expression Technology training, shows and fairs Career advice Book/movie/Internet clubs
Youth-Centered Programs Health information Money management Education Career exploration / volunteerism Civil rights and political activism Parenting skills Entertainment Hobbies Creative expression Technology
Youth-Centered Products Displays of youth work Anthologies of youth work Posters: by, for, and about youth Web pages: by, for, and about youth Lists/reviews of books, URLs, movies… Database of local resources Information literacy tip sheets and online tutorials
Community-Based Action Identify key stakeholders Identify target audience Identify common goal(s) Assess needs Assess resources Define roles Plan and implement collaboratively Communicate Evaluate
Because youth are our future!