What are the implications for addressing the needs of Tweens in our library?
What surprises you about this research?
In the Keiser Family Foundation Study (p.4) I thought it was amazing that almost half (47 percent) of heavy media users considered themselves as troublemakers and sad. It didn’t surprise me that they were bored. Is it possible that being bored means that these tween/teens have no direction or guidance in their lives? Or is it that these selected groups in the study are from the relevant facts the study presents?
I was also surprised in the results of the race and ethnicity usage.
2. What beliefs, attitudes or opinions does this research appear to confirm or contradict?
This week’s readings /studies confirms my understanding that the tween years are the heaviest users if media use; then teens being the second highest users. In today’s tween world and the amount of personal use devices available they have found alternative forms for communicating. I don’t think that Tweens communicating with their friends and/or writing a diary/journal has changed from my days as a tween, only the form has changed. Of course Tweens personal journals, where ever-they decide to use them virtually can and has had further reach and the ability for quicker response from their peers/friends. While there are those risks involved with virtual messages and use, the good far outweighs the bad usage.
The Generation m2 study, the Social Media & Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults study, and. the Trend in Teens Communication and Social Media Use all seem to confirm that Tweens and teens are the number one consumers of media usage. The contributing attributes to the Girl Scouts study on digital divide point out that being white, having higher educated parents and higher household income provide better teen internet access; creating a digital divide. This report also shows that as Tweens get older the higher the chances are that they own a cell phone. This probably provide a reason for less social media site usage; because they can text message their friends on their phones and not have to depend on internet access. I can see texting to be a wonderful way to be a more personal communication and private.
3. Although Meyer’s research focuses on the everyday information behavior, what issues does this research raise that may be important for school and public libraries to consider?
This study pointed out that the study group didn’t like being referred to as being a tween. Also, the target group mentioned that they didn’t like being told information that wasn’t asked for and that they felt as though adults acted superior towards them. Tweens also needed time before they warmed up to new adults; this is a trust issue. We also learn that Tweens prefer actual encyclopedias to be available. This is a preferred method if they know how to use the reference item? Though it was also compared to other convinces that a virtual reference tool can be used for;easier to copy and paste the information to a document so they can take the information with them for later use.
Another item mentioned is that some can’t always find what they are looking for online. This is an area that would be an area to focus on for further guidance in conducting research. Though these items talked about depend on those who have been or not been successful with. Another thing pointed out that we can learn from is that Tweens like working in pairs or groups, the collaborative effort. This is important as it is a skill that will help them in their adult lives. It was also pointed out that no one looks up information unless they find a need to. This reminds me of a point my sons made to me … how is this going to help me out? By being able to apply needs that associate them to a real world situation. Take for instance the tsunami after affects from a major earthquake that is the current topic of events in the real world today. The issues surrounding this news would be something that Tweens can understand and want to have their opinions expressed.
What are the implications for addressing the needs of Tweens in our library?
I think that a library would need to continue to provide both virtual and physical access to reference materials. Make our libraries more inviting for Tweens. … let them help make decisions /suggestions for materials that interest them. Continue to provide access to reading material for pleasure reading. I like the idea of letting Tweens crate their own website for tween input about and for the library and for their creative expression; video projects, tween photos of them in the library, and of course book reviews. Help answer question they ask for and not let them feel like your superior to them. The last thing to remember is that, Tweens take a big of time before they begin to trust an outsider.
Recent Studies about Teens, tweens & technology:
Rideout, V.M., Foehr, U.G., & Roberts, D.F.(2010). Generation M2: Media in the lives of 8- to 18-year-olds. Menlo Park, CA: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. http://www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/8010.pdf
Lenhart, A.; Purcell, K.; Smith, A.; Zickuhr, K. (2010). Social media & mobile internet use among teens and young adults. Pew Internet and American Life Project. http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2010/PIP_Social_Media_and_Young_Adults_Report_Final_with_toplines.pdf
Meyers, E.M., Fisher, K.E., & Marcoux, E. (2009). Making sense of an information world: The everyday-life information behavior of preteens. Library Quarterly 79(3),301-341. Available through SJSU databases (use Citation Linker).
Goodstein, A. (2007). Totally wired: what teens and tweens are really doing online. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.
Other Recommended Reading and Viewing:
Meeting of the Minds: Youth, Social Media and Education. This is a video of a panel discussion sponsored by New York Public Libraries. Their summary: “What is really going on with youth and social media? Are there benefits—educational and life-long—to young people’s use of social media? Find out in this discussion featuring Danah Boyd, social media researcher and guru, and a panel of experts, as they discuss how social media, technology, and education interact and enhance learning both in and out of the classroom.” http://www.nypl.org/audiovideo/meeting-minds-youth-social-media-and-education
Trends in Teen Communication and Social Media Use. “Kristen Purcell presents Pew Internet findings on teen communication trends and social network site use as part of a joint webinar with the Girl Scout Research Institute. The webinar also features findings from the Girl Scout Research Institute’s latest study of social network site use among teen girls.” February 9, 2011 presentation. View slideshow here:http://www.pewinternet.org/Presentations/2011/Feb/PIP-Girl-Scout-Webinar.aspx
Karrie's Corner 