Everyday technologies are often integrated quickly in library and educational systems. Youth know that sometimes tech tools packaged as shortcuts actually waste time because of mistakes that have to be identified, researched, and corrected. From environmental concerns to a yearning for creativity, privacy, and more meaningful social engagement to name only a few, there are plenty of reasons youth and others are cautiously setting aside and resisting technologies in search of other experiences and ways of learning. When it comes to technology instruction, how can youth library workers be sure we’re offering intelligent assistance, not just platform promotion?
For library workers who are often tasked with introducing new tech platforms to youth and the general public, that may feel, well, weird. We may worry about seeming out of touch or out of date if we’re resistant, even as popularity wanes among educators, policy makers, and youth. Intelligent assistance asks library folks to pay attention to changing priorities, interests, and needs. Then pivot to respond. Critical thinking about when, how, if, and what new tech is used is a critical step toward better awareness and understanding.
Ready to offer intelligent assistance and tech guidance?
Here are some great places to begin that journey!
-Check out Libraries Teach Privacy for educator resources and a Self-Study Guidebook from Libraries Stand for Privacy: National Forum on Privacy Literacy Standards and Competencies (a project made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services).
-Strengthen critical perspectives on tech addiction, privacy, and related topics, with Library Freedom Project resources for everything from introductory information to bookmarks, posters, back to school tips, and more.
-Explore the Data Detox youth activity guide.
Of course book discussions and reading groups also provide intelligent assistance! Following up on tech titles for picture book and middle grade readers, here are some teen tech reads beyond Huxley’s Brave New World.
The multiple award winning Feed by M.T. Anderson delivers a brilliantly immersive journey to a dystopian future that readers may find more relatable than we wish.
Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother (series) offers another lens for teens who are questioning the intersection of high tech surveillance and citizenship.
Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed themes of media literacy anchor this compelling dual POV novel.
True Life in Uncanny Valley by Deb Caletti delivers a close up on AI ethics in a hopeful book about chosen family.
Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith centers a gamer struggles to balance the needs and demands of virtual and real life.
This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies I. Commitment to Client Group, II Reference and User Services, III. Programming Skills
Cover art courtesy of Candlewick Press; Little, Brown & Company; Tor Teen
The post Intelligent Assistance appeared first on ALSC Blog.
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