Media Mentors in the Library

            In the above video Lisa Guernsey discusses how new technology like iPads and other media affect the learning of young children. Guernsey speaks on the fact that children do not understand what they watch on screens in the same manner as adults (TEDx Talks, 2014). She notes that young children can effectively learn from screen media if there is quality content with interactive actions and caregiver / child connection (TEDx Talks, 2014). Parents who wish to connect with their children may find themselves unable to decide what media type is considered quality content or how to interact with their child and the media. Guernsey notes that parents can succeed if they have access to a media mentor, such as a children’s librarian, who can give advice and model behavior (TEDx Talks, 2014). The library then can be an excellent place for families to learn how to connect with their children via media and learn what content will help them to best learn.

            But how can librarians become media mentors and ensure that families are utilizing their media effectively at home? Rachel Keeler (2016) a children’s librarian in Boston speaks on her wish to improve her services with parents to encourage proper media use. Keeler (2016) speaks on encouraging caregivers to let children use AWE Early Literacy Stations and discuss how they may be better suited then the public computers for learning. She further intends to create a library program that teaches parents how use their phones with young children and preparing handouts with digital media tips (Keeler, 2016). Ultimately, Keeler’s idea come to down to connecting with her patron base and finding ways to educate parents on interacting with their children through media.

            Librarians who wish to ensure they can be effective media mentors to their patron base can listen to advice from Claudia Haines and Cen Campbell. They note “media mentorship is not about having the latest and greatest technology. It is about library staff helping families find the best tool and creating the most positive experience possible,” (Haines & Campbell, 2016, p.51). Media mentors need to connect with the caregivers in their library in order to match them with media that will most help their family succeed. Librarians should educate themselves on media mentorship through school, training and professional development opportunities, resource sharing with other libraries, and attendance at conferences (Haines & Campbell, 2016). In addition to this, new technology should play a role in the library itself. This means budget considerations for new media, hiring staff that are passionate about being media mentors, and allocating library space for technology (Haines & Campbell, 2016). Libraries that do so illustrate to patrons that they do not fear technology and can be seen as a welcome resource for their media questions.

            As technology advances so must librarians. Caregivers have questions about which media is appropriate for their child and how to use it. We, as children’s librarians, must place ourselves as mentors to these caregivers and help them to use technology in an engaging and educational manner.

           

References

Grandma’s preschool [Online image]. (2015). Retrieved December 6, 2016 from http://topbestappsforkids.com/bestappsforkids/Grandmas-Preschool-Games-App-for-Kids-13_thumb.jpg

Haines, C., & Campbell, C. (2016). Becoming a media mentor. American Libraries, 47(11/12), 48-51. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=1e87471d-5706-4a06-a647-3f6cd1d4082b%40sessionmgr4007&vid=1&hid=4104

Image of a family looking a tablet [Online image]. Retrieved December 6, 2016 from http://www.health.mil/~/media/MHS/Photos/New%20Parent%20Program%20Supports%20Child%20Development%20Needs.ashx

Keeler, R. (2016). What exactly is a media mentor?. Children and Libraries: The Journal of the Association of Library Services to Children, 14(1), 28. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=085c1682-bb96-4bd7-9f71-01735f75e20a%40sessionmgr4008&vid=0&hid=4104

TEDx Talks. (2014, April 27). How to iPad affects young children, and what we can do about it: Lisa Guernsey at TEDxMidAtlantic [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41_nyYY3Zg&t=637s