Technology program models for young audiences presented in two ProgrammingLibrarian.org webinars

CHICAGO – The American Library Association Public Programs Office and ProgrammingLibrarian.organnounced two upcoming webinars that will present innovative, effective ways to engage young audiences with technology programs. These webinars are suitable for librarians from public and school libraries interested in learning about successful strategies for connecting young library users with digital resources.

Digital Littles at the Library: Teaching Digital Literacy

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 2 p.m. CST

Registration: $25 for ALA members; $35 for nonmembers; $140 for group

Speakers from the Indianapolis Public Library will discuss their experience in developing a hands-on technology lab for early learners to develop digital literacy skills. The Digital Littles lab contains technology tools such as cameras, video cameras and laptops that assist librarians in developing storytimes and other activities.

Participants will learn to develop activities that combine storytelling and technology for early learners. The program model emphasizes promotion of the technology lab and developing collaborative relationships with schools, daycares and other organizations. Participants will also learn more about the logistics of acquiring and maintaining a digital mobile lab.

Presenters: Raylene Jordan is a librarian and lead program specialist for the Learning Curve at Central Library, a high-tech area of the Indianapolis Public Library that creates and models new ways of introducing children to technology and its uses at the library. Abby Brown has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught children in public schools, developed programs at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and worked at the Indianapolis Public Library as an early literacy specialist coordinating early childhood programming.

Using Webisodes to Take Your Teen Programming to Them, Where They Are, When They Are!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 2 p.m. CST

Registration: $25 for ALA members; $35 for nonmembers; $140 for group

Students aren’t always tuned in to library programming during school hours, so learn how to take your programming to them where they are, when they are … online! Using humor and parody, school librarians at Pike High School in Indianapolis created a webisode-style series to deliver reader’s advisory, book talks, library contests, special events and more.

Webinar participants will gain ideas for creating thematic scripts to tie the webisodes together; learn about the technology used to create the videos and to post them online; and discover the benefits beyond the students by using these videos for advocacy of your library program to the administration/stakeholders. By going to where the students live and allowing them access to programming on their schedule, we can increase our library circulation and visitations.

Presenters: The Pike High School librarian duo of Lena Darnay and Chad Heck, creators of, “DarnitalltoHeck,” a webisode series designed to deliver reader’s advisory, book talks, library contests, special events, and more. Lena Darnay is also current adjunct professor of information literacy in the College of Ed at Butler University. Chad Heck is a former technology trainer for Pike Township Schools.

The ALA Public Programs Office promotes cultural and community programming as an essential part of library service in all types and sizes of libraries. Successful library programming initiatives have included Let’s Talk About It reading and discussion series, traveling exhibitions, film discussion programs, the Great Stories CLUB, LIVE! @ your library and more. Recently, the ALA Public Programs Office developed www.ProgrammingLibrarian.org, an online resource center bringing librarians timely and valuable information to support them in the creation of high-quality cultural programs for their communities. For more information about the ALA Public Programs Office, visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.

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Online learning opportunities from ProgrammingLibrarian.org