Teens and the Internet: Issues, Techniques, and Resources

Instructor: Francisca Goldsmith

Teens and the Internet: Issues, Techniques, and Resources

Lots of teenagers believe they're Internet-savvy, and some teenagers really are, but many know little about how to use this rich resource efficiently. Libraries serving teenagers provide young adults access to a wide range of library services and resources. Including the Internet in the library's repertoire can continue to improve services to this age group.

Workshop Description: Participants in this hands-on workshop will explore the attractions, benefits, and pitfalls of teen-enticing Internet sites, including chat and online game sites. We'll look at library sites constructed for and by teens. We'll also spend time exploring good resources to share with teen library users, tips for teaching critical thinking about resource reliability, and ideas for Internet-dependent programs that get teens into the library. The Internet is a good collection development resource, too, and we'll explore sites that can help you build your library's print and media collections to better serve teens.

Highlights: Using hands-on exercises, discussion, and a packet of handouts, this workshop will cover the following topics:

• Chat
  • Open rooms where teens wander at possible risk
  • Monitored rooms that promote their environments as safe
  • Controlled sessions with public figures
• Games
• Online resources of particular importance to teens
  • College information, including virtual campus visits
  • Scholarship information
  • Survival information for immigrant teens, gay teens, and other teens at risk
  • Homeschooling help and distance learning
  • Resources in English language learners' primary languages
  • Zines
• Collection development
  • Sampling new music
  • Teen book reviews
  • Comics and anime
  • School and public library Web sites
• By teens for teens
  • Teen-built Web pages
  • Pen pal and other library programs using the Internet

Who should attend: Anyone working in a California library where teens are among the service population.

Prerequisites:

• comfortable using a mouse
• able to navigate the Web using URLs, browsers, menus, and toolbars
• familiar with basic Web terminology and searching

Check-in: 8:30 to 9 AM Instruction: 9 AM to 4:30 PM