University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Building a Strong Web: Connecting Information Spaces Across Communities

Ritzo, Christopher J.; Nam, Chaebong; Bruce, Bertram C.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/13456

Description

Title
Building a Strong Web: Connecting Information Spaces Across Communities
Author(s)
  • Ritzo, Christopher J.
  • Nam, Chaebong
  • Bruce, Bertram C.
Issue Date
2009
Keyword(s)
  • Youth Community Informatics
  • Progressive Education
  • Community Schools
  • Service learning
  • Librarianship
  • Teaching
Abstract
Informed by Progressive education reforms of the 19th and 20th century, progressive movements in librarianship, the social responsibility movement within ALA, and recent collaborations of ALA’s youth-focused divisions, the authors link historical precedents with current examples, ideas and practices to inform initiatives in education and literacy programming. Progressive librarians and educators share a history of common goals; the article explores how these histories connect with current examples of inter-institutional collaborations among educators, school libraries, public libraries, universities and community organizations. A featured example is Youth Community Informatics (YCI), a program that promotes collaboration and sustainability among existing youth focused programs in schools, libraries and 4H clubs. YCI bridges the gap between simple access to technologies and using them for community action. Collaborative programs in which public libraries, school libraries, teachers, community organizations, and universities connect to form new services or teaching models connect learning to life in an integrated way. These programs are developing innovative approaches to teaching students, promoting literacy, encouraging critical thinking and community connectedness. This work encourages further development of innovative, inquiry-based approaches to information and media literacy curriculum within schools, libraries, and community contexts.
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/13456

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