Digital Youth, Libraries, and New Media Literacy

Abstract

Young people's engagement with digital media presents new opportunities, needs, and challenges for libraries and for the education of librarians. This article discusses insights from a recent study on digital youth and considers implications for libraries. Two important roles for libraries are stressed: providing young people with dynamic contexts for learning with digital media and providing young people with opportunities to learn and practice new media literacy skills. An innovative library program (YouMedia) is described as a research-informed model for what is possible. Implications for Library and Information Science education are also considered.