the evolution of an emerging librarian

Source: Thoughtful Learning What do you do if you are scrolling your Facebook newsfeed and come across a shocking image? Do you automatically believe it to be true, or are you skeptical? How do you process the information? Do you respond to the post directly? This process of using, analyzing, creating, and evaluating media is known as media literacy . Media literacy is an awareness and understanding of all media forms. While there may be a specific intention behind a piece of media, it doesn't mean the viewer of that media has that intended reaction to it. Everyone can interpret media in their own way. Users of media must use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate media messages.  Media Literacy and Students   Renee Hobbs, media literacy advocate, created  5 communication competencies   that are essential for digital and media literacy. The 5 competencies are access, analyze, create, reflect, and act. While all the competencies are important skills fo...

The Internet has become a regular aspect in young children's lives; therefore, privacy laws have become essential to protect children from dangers online. This week I explored two privacy laws, CIPA and COPPA. CIPA   CIPA , the Children's Internet Protection Act, was enacted by Congress in 2000 to protect students from online predation, inappropriate content, and cyberbullying. It mandates that schools and libraries use filters to block obscure images and create an Internet safety policy in order to receive government E-rate funds. Additionally, schools must monitor students' online activity and teach students about appropriate online behavior.  I really like how CIPA includes teaching students digital literacy and digital citizenship. Children need to learn how to use the Internet responsibly, and remember that their digital actions have consequences in the real world.  I wonder what restrictions are placed on school devices after leaving the school network? The filterin...

Do you have a tattoo?  You may be surprised to find you actually do have one. It is not one you can see on your body, but instead one that lives on the Internet. A digital tattoo is information that exists online about you and your activity. Every time you log onto a website and leave a mark, either by leaving a comment, posting a photo, or liking a friend's post, you are adding to your digital tattoo. A Plethora of Resources  Because I have previously performed a data mine on myself, this week I chose to explore The University of British Colombia's  website  called "The Digital Tattoo Project". This project aims to raise awareness about digital tattoos, provide resources to encourage discussion on digital identity, teach digital citizenship, and help readers make informed decisions online. By taking assessment quizzes, I was linked to pages that had information customized around my answers. One video that was linked to me was about AI self-portraits and how by usi...

Acceptable Use Policy at CPL Image Source: Chicago Public Library This week, I reviewed the Chicago Public Library's (CPL) acceptable use policy called " Computer and Internet Use Guidelines ". There is no date listed for when it was last updated. The policy is very general, as it applies to both adults and children. No guidelines include the use of Artificial Intelligence. The first thing I noticed was the policy fails to explain what age range can go on what computers and how children's computers defer from adult computers. Is there site restrictions on children computers? What is the parent's responsibility regarding their child's Internet usage? There should be more in the policy directed towards children, as they do need more guidance. Rules about headphone usage, limiting the number of children on one device, and how to end sessions on a computer would help them understand how to conduct themselves in computer areas. With cyberbullying occurring more fre...

Pew Research found that 74% of Americans stated that being in control of who can access their information is very important to them. But how many of us click "Accept Cookies" when we visit a webpage without a second thought? I am definitely guilty of this! To be honest, I wasn't even completely sure what cookies really did. This week I explored online privacy, how it can impact today's youth, and how librarians can empower students to make good choices online.   Online Privacy Every time you go to a website, you are basically being tracked in some form. The EAVI ( the European Association for Viewers Interests) explained that when a user searches on a website, cookies are downloaded onto their browser and data is collected. While cookies can help improve your experience on a website, they also track choices you make and data you provide. Data about you is compiled and then sold to advertisers, organizations, and/or the government. They then know how to target you wi...

PLNs Image Source: Pixabay Professional learning networks (PLNs) allow librarians to communicate and collaborate with one another, while encouraging educational growth. PLNs can take place in person at your own library as you converse with your coworkers. PLNs can also take place online via social media. Librarians can now connect with other library workers globally. Finding a community in which you feel value is so important for both career aspirations and your mental health.      Dr. Trust, an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, identified four areas were PLNs support growth in educators. The four growth areas include affective, social, cognitive, and identity. Affective growth is the area that is most relevant for me. I am someone who often gets tired from doing the same thing over and over. After I engage in PLNs, I feel more excited in facilitating new programs or making new displays. I feel more confident in trying new things.  Pint...